Location manager

The job

You find and secure the places the script needs. You break down the script, scout options and present them to the director and designer.

Once a location's chosen, you negotiate the fee and contract, apply to the film office, write to residents, and plan unit base and parking. On the shoot you answer for the unit's conduct and safety on location. Afterwards you make good and settle with the owner. Bigger shows have a supervising location manager.

A typical day

In prep: on the road scouting, photographing, meeting owners and film offices, leading recces. Price each location with the production manager.
On the shoot: on location before the unit, with your team setting up.
Look after the owner, deal with complaints, plan the next location's access.
In the evening, check tomorrow's permits and movement order.

Skills

An eye for what the director and designer need, and what the camera will see.
Negotiating fees and terms fairly.
Working knowledge of permits, parking, highways and filming codes.
Risk assessment and health and safety on public and private property.
Diplomacy with owners, residents, councils and police.

Who you report to

You report to the production manager. Assistant location managers, location coordinators, unit managers, location assistants and marshals report to you.

How people get in

Location managers come up through the department: marshal, assistant, unit manager, coordinator, then assistant location manager. Some start as location scouts. ScreenSkills publishes a location manager profile and skills checklist.

Next step up

Location manager on larger productions, then supervising location manager. Some move into production management.

The location manager finds the places and keeps the peace.