Roles · role
Location Manager
Also known as Locations Manager, Location Department Head.
A Location Manager finds, secures, prepares, runs, and restores the real-world places where production films. They translate creative needs into viable options, negotiate with owners, coordinate permits and community impact, plan access and services, manage the location crew, and protect both the production and property through wrap.
A successful location must work for story, camera, sound, lighting, art, safety, schedule, parking, base camp, neighbors, permits, cost, and restoration—not only look right in a photograph.
Location professionals act as production ambassadors to owners, businesses, agencies, residents, and communities whose cooperation makes filming possible.
Pre-production responsibilities
- Search, scout, negotiate, permit, photograph condition, and prepare detailed site plans.
Production responsibilities
- Run location access, owner and neighborhood communication, services, boundaries, and problem solving.
Post-production responsibilities
- Restore property, close permits and vendors, resolve damage, and obtain final sign-off.
Common questions
Does the Location Manager own the filming location?
Usually no. They negotiate and manage production access on behalf of the production company and property owner.
What does a Location Manager do day to day?
Day to day, Location Manager work commonly includes Break down scripts and identify creative and logistical location requirements., Scout, photograph, evaluate, present, negotiate, and secure locations., and Coordinate agreements, permits, insurance, notifications, access, parking, and community relations.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.
What skills matter most for a Location Manager?
The most useful skills are Creative scouting, Negotiation, Logistics, Community relations, and Permit literacy. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.
Which tools and documents does a Location Manager use?
Common tools include Location databases, maps, cameras, sun and weather tools, Permit, contract, insurance, and notification systems, Site-plan, parking, traffic, and communication tools, and Condition photography, signage, protection, and restoration resources. The role also relies on Location agreement, Permit, Certificate of insurance, and Site plan so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.
How does someone build experience for a Location Manager?
Location Managers usually progress through Location PA, assistant, scout, coordinator, or Key Assistant Location Manager work.
How does a Location Manager vary by production?
The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. The role is highly mobile and combines scouting, negotiation, paperwork, public interaction, exterior conditions, and long active-location days.
Union and local practice notes
- Representation and jurisdiction vary by city, country, production, and agreement.
Sources
- Location professional membership and craft overview
- IATSE Local 871 crafts
- Motion picture industry craft groups
Educational reference only. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, employer, venue, and production context.