How Do I Hire a Location Manager?

Location managers key players in the early planning of the film production and play a significant role in the determination of how and where a film is produced. The location manager communicates key details to various departments regarding the shoot and works closely with location owners to define appropriate dates and times for the film shoot coordinating with those involved to define proper permitting and licenses to ensure the production occurs. A great location manager can help you find and approve the best location for your film production, but first you need to hire a location manager for the job.

Before you hire a location manager you should consider the various qualifications, key qualities, and questions that you should ask pertaining to the project. This helps you to ensure you hire a location manager that’s right for the project.

Location Manager Qualities

Several qualities are important to consider before hiring a location manager. For example, you want to make sure you hire someone that’s reliable, flexible, and knowledgeable about the position and the needs of the role. Additional qualities that apply to this particular role include:

• Negotiation Skills. A great location manager can negotiate his or her ability to get into and use properties for production.
• Flexible Schedule. Location managers must be present during the shoot as well as before and after, which makes it important for them to be flexible with their scheduling.
• Understanding of Health & Safety. Location managers must respect the health and safety of others. This way they can ensure the safety of the team.
• Ability to work on a fixed budget. Location managers are supplied very fixed budgets to perform appropriate tasks with and must remain within budget.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Location Manager

Hiring a location manager involves various steps but generally, the process begins with your reviewing their history and skills or qualifications followed by asking appropriate questions about the production and the individual skillsets. You should prepare to ask the following questions of any location manager that you consider hiring:

• What made you decide to be a location manager?
• What past productions have you been involved in and how did your behavior as a location manager impact the film?
• What are some common challenges you have faced as a location manager?
• Do you have budget management skills?
• What would you do if you went over budget on a project?
• Are you flexible with your working schedule?

Additionally, you should ask about payments and the expectations of the location manager. You naturally want to hire a location manager that has the experience, expertise, and flexibility to work on your project.  Need more information about hiring a location manager? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call!