Film scout services

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) Film Commission Division is soliciting film scout services through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for location scouting across various media production types, including feature films, television projects, commercials, catalogues, and print campaigns. Qualified location scouts will be selected to provide professional site identification and documentation services on an as-needed basis, with expectations to begin work immediately upon request and deliver digital photographs and/or video by afternoon or evening. Bidders must possess either a media or film-related degree with a minimum of one year of professional industry experience or demonstrate equivalent expertise. The solicitation requires submission of a cover letter detailing relevant experience, location scouting credits, and a portfolio showcasing technical and artistic ability. Key procurement dates include a non-mandatory pre-bid conference on March 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM via virtual meeting, with questions due by 5:00 PM EST that same day, and offers due by April 3, 2024, at 3:30 PM EST. Award notification is scheduled for April 10, 2024, with the resulting contract having a one-year initial term and four potential one-year renewal options, creating a maximum contract period of five years from April 11, 2024, to April 10, 2028.

Location scouts will be classified into two categories with corresponding daily rates: Class I Location Scouts will be compensated up to $250 for library scouting and $300 for production scouting, while Class II Location Scouts can receive up to $250 for library scouting and $500 for production scouting. Additional reimbursable expenses of up to $600 per assigned day may be covered, including equipment, travel, and miscellaneous costs with valid receipts. The procurement will result in a Qualified Provider List (QPL), though placement does not guarantee specific work hours or funding levels. All submissions must be completed online through the South Carolina procurement website, with Procurement Officer Ashley Bishop (abishop@scprt.com, 803-734-1302) administering the solicitation. While no specific disadvantaged enterprise requirements are mentioned, bidders should be prepared to demonstrate professional capabilities through their submitted materials. The contract appears to have a flexible budget structure, with compensation based on daily rates and project-specific requirements, allowing for adaptable engagement of film scout services across various production needs in Richland County and potentially statewide.