The Location Scout

The Location Scout by Michael Jarvis presents a witty and engaging exploration of the behind-the-scenes chaos of location scouting for film and advertising projects. The story is set against the backdrop of the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Lucas Sloan is a seasoned but cynical location scout who, after experiencing setbacks in his previous mission, accepts a new project to scout for the perfect movie location in the sugar industry in the Dominican Republic. This one doesn’t come easy, and he must navigate a strange terrain, meeting with a web of bureaucratic hurdles, eccentric locals, and facing off corporate machinations to find the perfect spots for shoots. His adventures include tense negotiations, humorous encounters with suspicious locals, and the constant juggling of logistical nightmares, while maintaining his professional composure. What will it take to get his ideal location finally? Despite setbacks such as weather, bureaucratic red tape, and corporate greed, Sloan’s journey is an eye-opener to the absurdity of the film industry’s location scouting process.

Michael Jarvis is a gifted entertainer and storyteller, writing in prose that seems to come off effortlessly and sprinkling the story with dazzling dialogue. You’ll enjoy the beauty of the short sentences, the persistent drama driven by the dialogues —often brisk and sharp — and the relentless humor that takes you from one page to the next. Sloan’s interactions with the local Bahamian realtor Clinton Pinder, the savvy film commission officials, and the eccentric hotel staff are laced with witty banter that captures the cultural nuances and industry jargon with unique beauty. I enjoyed how the dialogues reveal Sloan’s wit, frustration, and grit. The setting—lush beaches, tropical jungles, and remote islands—is described with cinematic flair, immersing the reader in the exotic locations that are more than mere backdrops. The Location Scout is a compelling read that both entertains and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unpredictable world of location scouting, rendered in gorgeous prose, memorable characters, and a setting that stays with you.