Croydon Location Recce

 Location Recce Part 1 – Croydon

For the main dialogue scene of my short film, I wanted to find a location that creates a feeling of seedy dread and discomfort, something synonymous with illegal activity. What better location than a quiet car park? Luckily for me, my local area is the worst and we have quite a few such locations. I first investigated a car park attached to the Sainsbury’s in Crystal Palace (another location I aim to shoot at), but unfortunately it was too well kept and too well-lit to create a menacing atmosphere. I then turned my attention to Croydon because, well, it’s Croydon. That place is the geographical equivalent of purgatory. Knowing the area quite well, I knew that the Whitgift shopping centre had an attached car park, and luckily for me, it is one of the worst places that I have ever been to. As such I arrived there, ascended the stairwell that reeks of urine and snapped some pictures of a couple floors in the car park. The top 2-3 floors are almost entirely empty at all hours, so I’ll shoot up there so as to not be disturbed by manic drivers with their stupid cars. The main issue, which cannot really be circumvented, is audio quality. Unless I cover the entire floor in carpet, I’ll have to ADR the footage (which, honestly, isn’t too difficult, I’ve done it before). I’d say this’ll work out just fine.







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