Location Manager Job Description
Location Managers need to research, identify and organize appropriate sites for scenes which may take place in various locations.
Location managers are charged with the responsibility of making all of the practical arrangements necessary when filming or photographic shoots take place outside of a studio.
Typical Job Duties
• Ensuring that sites are restored to proper condition upon completion of filming
• Must deal with members of general public who may intrude on the location of the shoot
• Supervision of local support staff
• Resolving practical issues or people related problems as they arise on location
• Arranging daily schedules with the Assistant Director to ensure cohesion
• Arranging permissions for access, such as with local authorities, municipal administration and police
• Negotiating access and usage contract with location owner or manager
• Assessing scripts or storyboards and scheduling locations according to filming sequence
• Liaising with Director and Designers to discuss creative vision
• Visiting and photographing potential locations in order to assess suitability
• Make preliminary enquiries regarding access, parking and time restrictions related to the location
• Liaising with key members of the production team to assess visual and technical specifications
• May be involved in booking travel accommodations and preparing travel arrangements
How to Become a Location Manager
A common way to begin a career as a location manager is to first gain experience in the film industry as a production assistant or a location scout. This allows aspiring location managers to gain a complete understanding of certain elements of production, such as spatial requirements for a filming location.
A great way to get a job as a production assistant or as a location scout is to call production companies and inquire about any open positions. This is a great way to tap into the hidden job market, as you may find a job that isn’t advertised.
Searching student and graduate job postings, whether online or offline may be a great compliment to your efforts of contacting companies directly.
Once you have gained a job as a production assistant or a location scout, you may spend a few years developing the necessary industry skills, contacts and knowledge it takes to become a location manager, and when an open opportunity for a location manager job becomes available, you can take it.
