The locations assistant is first in and last out.

The job

You're the location manager's hands on the ground. You set up unit base, put out signs, protect floors and walls, place toilets and bins, and manage parking with the marshals.

On the shoot you look after the owner and neighbours, answer the public and fix what breaks. After wrap you clear up, check for damage and help hand back. In prep you may help with scout photos and letter drops.

A typical day

• Arrive before the trucks, often in the dark. Cones out, signs up, unit base marked.
• Guide vehicles in and point crew to set.
• Through the day, check facilities, keep the public informed, protect the location, handle the unexpected: a blocked drive, a noisy neighbour.
• After wrap, stay until the last vehicle leaves and the location is clean.

Skills

• A full, clean UK driving licence.
• Calm, polite dealings with residents, owners and the public.
• Practical problem-solving with very little help.
• Safety awareness around vehicles, cables and public spaces.
• Stamina for early starts and late finishes, outdoors.

Who you report to

You report to the location manager or assistant location manager, often through the unit manager on the day. Location marshals may take direction from you.

How people get in

Many start as location marshals and step up after a few productions. Events, security, hospitality and site-management experience all help. ScreenSkills publishes a location assistant skills checklist and a locations trainee profile.

Next step up

Assistant unit manager or unit manager, then location coordinator or assistant location manager, then location manager.

Find out more

• ScreenSkills: location assistant skills checklist
• ScreenSkills: locations trainee
• Pay: Bectu Locations Branch film and scripted TV rates, 2026