Film Locations Glossary
Condition report
What is a condition report?
Also called pre-condition report, or condition survey.
A condition report is the documented state of a location before the production touches it, made up of photographs, video, and written notes covering surfaces, fixtures, landscaping, and existing damage.
It is the single document that decides a damage dispute at wrap. Taken thoroughly it protects both sides; skipped or done in a hurry, every pre-existing scuff becomes the production's bill.
Example
Before prep, locations photographs every room, the hardwood, the garden beds, and two existing scratches on a door frame, with video walk-through and timestamps. At wrap the owner claims the scratches; the report settles it in a minute.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Made at the first walkthrough, before the production takes possession of the location.
Common mistake
Photographing the rooms and skipping the driveway, the landscaping, and the existing damage. Whatever is not documented becomes the production's bill at wrap.
Related questions
- What should a location condition report cover?
- Every surface, fixture, and finish the unit will be near, plus landscaping, access routes, and close-ups of any pre-existing damage, all timestamped.
- Who should be present when it is made?
- The locations team and the property owner together, so the record is agreed rather than asserted, and ideally the same people do the wrap walkthrough.