Planning: Location Scouting & Risk Analysis

Recently, we planned to check out locations in E-11, including Anabia's Garden, Dera Daari and E11 Markaz Rooftop. I couldn't make it due to a last minute emergency, but Muhjah and Raaniya went for location scouting.

 Location 1: E11 Markaz Rooftop

Our first location was in E-11, and upon visiting, we were immediately captivated by its unique charm. The aesthetic was precisely what we had envisioned, offering a visually compelling backdrop that seemed perfect for our music video.

However, as we delved deeper into the practicalities, we encountered some significant challenges. The rooftop area, while visually appealing, proved to be much smaller and tighter than we had anticipated. This limited our movement and shot options, potentially hindering our ability to capture the dynamic visuals we had planned. More concerningly, the area felt somewhat shady and unsafe. Given the risks involved, particularly for our cast members, we ultimately made the difficult decision to abandon this location. The safety and well-being of our team were paramount, and we couldn't justify proceeding with a location that posed potential risks.

Location 2: Dera Daari E11

Undeterred by our initial setback, we pressed on with our location scouting. Our second prospect led us to Dera Daari, another location in E-11. This restaurant offered a spacious and visually appealing setting, ticking almost all the boxes on our checklist. We were impressed by the atmosphere and the potential it held for our music video. In fact, we were close to finalizing Dera Daari as our primary location.

However, a significant hurdle arose: the venue rental fee. The restaurant's starting price was a hefty 70,000 PKR, a substantial amount for our budget. We realized that allocating such a large portion of our funds to the venue would severely limit our resources for other crucial aspects of the production.

Faced with this financial constraint, we had to explore alternative options. Fortunately, Muhjah, one of our group members, suggested her best friend's farmhouse located in Chak Shehzad. While we hadn't formally visited the farmhouse beforehand, Muhjah was familiar with the property and assured us that it offered suitable areas for filming. 

Choosing the farmhouse was a practical and budget-friendly solution. It allowed us to maintain creative control over the setting while staying within our financial means.