In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Alex Kolodkin, Founder of Set Scouter and Safe Sets International, shares how simplifying location scouting and centering trust helped thousands of productions—from indie shoots to campaigns for brands like Google, Disney, and Amazon—find film-friendly spaces across North America. Drawing on lessons from building a two-sided marketplace, supporting on‑set COVID safety, and partnering with global clients, he offers practical advice for Canadian media entrepreneurs on listening to customers, iterating quickly, and bringing operational excellence to even the leanest creative teams.
Alex Kolodkin is the founder of Set Scouter, a marketplace that simplifies film location scouting by connecting producers with film-friendly spaces across North America. The platform has supported thousands of brands and agencies, including Google, Amazon, Walmart, Samsung, WW, Disney, McDonald’s, and Universal Music. During the pandemic, Alex founded Safe Sets International, which became the world’s largest film-focused COVID-19 advocacy group. He holds a BA and MA from Toronto Metropolitan University and a certificate from UCLA. Alex serves on the board of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, invests in early-stage founders, and races in triathlons.
Set Scouter was founded to make location scouting easier and more affordable for producers. What inspired you to tackle this pain point in the production industry, and what challenges did you face getting the marketplace off the ground?
Set Scouter was built to solve one of the most frustrating bottlenecks in production: finding great locations quickly and affordably. Early in my career, I saw how much time producers lost searching beyond government databases or relying on costly, insider-led scouting. Amazing spaces existed, but there was no simple, accessible way for everyday homeowners and businesses to showcase them. That gap inspired us to build a platform that democratizes location discovery and makes production smoother for everyone involved.
Our biggest challenge in the early days was the dual nature of building a marketplace. We had to earn the trust of two different audiences at the same time. For homeowners, it meant educating them on how film rentals work and reassuring them that the process is safe and well-managed. For producers, it meant proving that nontraditional spaces could deliver both value and reliability. Balancing these needs required thoughtful messaging, hands-on customer support, and patience while both sides grew together.
Today, thousands of productions across Canada rely on Set Scouter because of that early commitment to simplifying the scouting process and opening the doors to more creative, film-friendly spaces.
The media industry changes rapidly, and production needs are always evolving. How does Set Scouter stay ahead, continuously innovating its platform and services to meet the demands of both producers and property owners?
The production industry evolves quickly, and our focus at Set Scouter has always been to stay close to the people who rely on us. Our community is incredibly engaged, and their real-time feedback shapes the way we improve the platform. Producers tell us what they need to move faster on set, while homeowners and businesses share what would make hosting easier and more seamless. This constant dialogue lets us iterate quickly and build tools that solve real problems.
Innovation for us is always tied to simplifying production. As new challenges emerged in the industry, we focused on building practical solutions. We launched Simple Call Sheet to give producers a clean, intuitive, one-page tool they can copy, paste, and customize instantly. During the pandemic, we became a lead partner on Safe Sets International, helping educate productions across Canada on essential COVID-19 safety practices so the industry could keep operating.
By listening closely, responding quickly, and focusing on tools that remove friction, Set Scouter continues to support both producers and property owners as their needs evolve.
Trust is crucial when connecting property owners with film crews. What strategies or features has Set Scouter implemented to ensure a safe and positive experience for both sides of the marketplace?
Trust is the foundation of Set Scouter. Locations are opening their homes and businesses to professional production teams. We’ve built our platform and processes around creating a safe, transparent, and supported experience for both sides.
We start by working with reputable productions across North America and gathering detailed information about every project before a booking is approved. This includes reviewing production details, past booking history, and enabling the sharing of insurance documentation. Our team guides both parties through clear expectations, responsibilities, and best practices, which helps remove uncertainty from the rental experience.
On the homeowner side, we offer hands-on support throughout the entire process. From answering questions to mediating concerns, our team is available to help make the experience positive from start to finish. For producers, we ensure communication stays organized and that properties are accurately represented so there are no surprises on arrival.
By combining transparency, verified information, and strong customer support, Set Scouter creates a safe environment where property owners feel confident hosting and producers can focus on delivering great work.
Set Scouter’s clients include global giants like Google, Amazon, and Disney. What have you learned from working with such high-profile partners that could benefit Canada’s small and medium-sized media businesses?
Regardless of size or budget, productions thrive when the process is clear, communication is strong, and logistics are handled with care. What surprised many people is that the fundamentals of production do not change. Whether it’s a major streaming campaign or an indie short film, teams need fast access to the right locations, transparent expectations, and reliable support.
These partnerships have taught us the value of operational excellence. Large clients expect seamless coordination, detailed information, and proactive troubleshooting. We apply those same standards to every production on Set Scouter, which directly benefits small and medium-sized media businesses across Canada. When indie teams get the same level of clarity and efficiency that global brands rely on, they can focus more of their energy on creativity.
We’ve also learned the value of championing spaces that feel lived in rather than over-produced. Even our largest clients often choose residential or commercial locations because they feel more natural on screen. The variety of available spaces on Set Scouter allows productions to get more access than they would with traditional film offices, allowing them to book unique spaces within their budgets.
Ultimately, serving high-profile partners has strengthened our ability to support the entire Canadian production community with the same tools, quality, and care.
What final thoughts or advice would you share with Canadian small business leaders who are looking to innovate, grow, and adapt in today’s competitive media production landscape?
Honestly, the best ideas usually come from paying attention to your customers. Talk to them, ask real questions, and notice the small details. Those details often point to bigger opportunities. Guessing rarely works.
You don’t need to get everything perfect right away. Try something simple, see how it goes, and adjust as you learn. Momentum matters more than perfection, especially in a fast-moving industry.
Curiosity goes a long way. Media production changes constantly, and the people who adapt are the ones open to new tools, trends, and ways of working. I like to experiment with workflows or platforms and see what sticks. Stay on top of how next generation media is shaping the future of production.
Canadian small businesses have incredible creative energy. Combine curiosity, iteration, and attention to your customers, and you’ve got a solid foundation to grow in any market.
Disclaimer: CanadianSME Small Business Magazine publishes this interview. The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of CanadianSME. This interview is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or business advice.
