How to Be Film Location Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 25, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The role of a film location manager is critical to the success of a film or television project. Their job is to find, secure, manage and oversee all the filming locations for a production. They are responsible for researching and selecting sites, negotiating contracts with landowners and securing permits.

This requires a great deal of coordination, communication and negotiation skills. As such, they play an important role in the overall success of a production by ensuring that the right locations are chosen and that filming can take place in a timely manner. Without their efforts, the production may experience delays or even be cancelled, resulting in costly financial losses.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a college degree in film and television production, business management, or a related field. This will give you the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful film location manager.
Complete an internship in the film industry. Most internships are unpaid, but they provide invaluable experience and connections in the industry.
Network with other professionals in the film industry to gain more experience and contacts.
Look for job listings on websites such as Production Hub or Craigslist.
Consider taking a job as an assistant location manager to gain experience and learn the ropes.
Create an impressive portfolio of your work, including photos of past locations you have scouted and managed.
Submit your resume and portfolio to potential employers and attend interviews when offered.
Once hired, maintain good relationships with local authorities and business owners to ensure future projects go smoothly.

The success of a film location manager depends on many factors, including their reliability and competence. In order to be reliable, they must be able to be trusted to keep their word and consistently complete tasks on time. Competence requires a deep understanding of the production process, the ability to problem solve and work efficiently, as well as excellent communication skills.

Having a good network of colleagues, the right resources and knowledge of applicable laws is also essential. All of these factors are necessary for a successful location manager, as they are responsible for ensuring that the filming locations meet all of the requirements and expectations of the production. If these elements are not met, it can lead to delays, increased costs and poor quality footage.

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Job Description

Research potential filming locations, identify and secure the necessary permits, and coordinate with local communities.
Work with production staff to develop a budget and timeline for location scouting and management.
Negotiate contracts and fees with private property owners and government agencies.
Oversee the transport and setup of production equipment to ensure safety and accuracy.
Plan for safety protocols, such as first aid personnel and emergency evacuation routes.
Manage and coordinate crew members and local vendors on the filming location.
Liaise with local law enforcement in order to ensure production is compliant with local regulations and laws.
Monitor the progress of filming and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Ensure all filming locations are returned to their original condition after production has wrapped.
Maintain records of all agreements and transactions related to filming locations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read, interpret and evaluate shooting scripts
Knowledge of local film regulations and laws
Ability to negotiate contracts with landlords, property owners and other parties
Experience in budgeting for location fees, permits and other fees
Knowledge of production insurance policies
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to collaborate with a variety of people including directors, producers and contractors
Ability to problem solve quickly and efficiently
Ability to work well under pressure
Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of industry safety standards
Excellent research skills
Knowledge of camera and lighting equipment
Knowledge of scouting software programs

Organizational skills are one of the most important skills for a Location Manager to possess. Without the ability to properly organize and plan their tasks, location managers can quickly become overwhelmed and unable to effectively manage the shooting locations for a film. Being organized allows location managers to ensure that all of the necessary permits are obtained, that all of the necessary equipment is in place, that any necessary contracts are signed, and that any needed transportation is arranged.

having organizational skills helps to ensure that deadlines are met and that all of the necessary preparation is done in advance of any filming. this skill helps to ensure that the production runs smoothly and on time, and that the end result is a quality product.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How have you managed complex film location projects in the past?
What challenges have you faced when working with multiple stakeholders on a film location project?
How do you ensure the safety of all personnel while on a film location?
What strategies have you used to stay within budget on film location projects?
How do you go about scouting and selecting the right locations for a project?
How do you negotiate with local authorities and private owners to secure the right film locations?
Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision about a film location and how did it work out?
What methods do you use to stay updated on the latest filming regulations and legislation?
How do you handle any adverse effects from filming on a location, such as disruption to local businesses?
How do you ensure that all necessary permits and licenses are in place before shooting at a location?

Common Tools in Industry

Location Scout Software. A software program used to search for and organize potential filming locations. (e. g. Location Scout Pro)
Camera Equipment. A variety of equipment used to capture visuals on camera, such as tripods, cameras, lenses, and lighting. (e. g. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera)
Permit Management Software. A software program used to manage and track filming permits, such as applications, expirations and renewals. (e. g. Permit Cloud)
Location Database. An online database of potential shooting locations, often including contact information for the owners. (e. g. LocationsHub)
Budgeting Software. A software program used to create and manage budgets for filming locations. (e. g. Movie Magic Budgeting)
Communication Tools. Various tools used to communicate with location owners and other crew members, such as emails, text messages, and phone calls. (e. g. Slack)
Site Survey Tools. Tools used to survey potential filming sites, such as measuring tape, cameras, and pencils. (e. g. Bosch GLL2-80 Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser)
Risk Management Software. Software used to assess and manage risks associated with filming locations, such as safety hazards and weather conditions. (e. g. Riskonnect)

Professional Organizations to Know

Location Managers Guild International (LMGI)
Location Managers Association of Canada (LMAC)
International Association of Location Scouts and Managers (IALSCM)
Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI)
Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
International Cinematographers Guild (ICG)
Directors Guild of America (DGA)
Production Managers Guild (PMG)
Motion Picture Association (MPA)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

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Common Important Terms

Location Scouting. The process of searching for potential filming locations and researching the suitability of each one for production.
Location Agreement. A contract between a production company and a property owner that outlines the terms and conditions of using the property as a filming location.
Location Release Form. A document signed by a property owner that allows the production company to use the property as a filming location and grants them the rights to photograph, film, and record audio on the property.
Filming Permit. A permit issued by a local government or other agency that gives permission to film in a certain area, often with restrictions and conditions.
Risk Assessment. An evaluation of the potential risks associated with filming at a particular location, taking into account safety, legal, environmental, and other factors.
Location Manager. A person responsible for finding and managing filming locations, including scouting for new locations, negotiating agreements, and managing permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Film Location Manager? A1: A Film Location Manager is responsible for finding, securing and managing filming locations for movie and TV productions. Q2: How many locations are typically secured by a Film Location Manager? A2: The number of locations secured by a Film Location Manager depends on the size and scope of the production, but usually range from a handful to several dozen. Q3: What are some of the duties of a Film Location Manager? A3: Duties of a Film Location Manager include researching potential locations, negotiating agreements with owners and stakeholders, obtaining necessary permits and permissions, and overseeing the logistics of filming at each location. Q4: What skills are required to be a successful Film Location Manager? A4: A successful Film Location Manager needs strong organizational, communication and negotiation skills, as well as knowledge of local regulations and laws related to filming. Q5: How much do Film Location Managers typically earn? A5: Film Location Managers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on experience and the size of the production.