What is a Location Manager, and What Are Their Job Duties on Set? 

The Location manager is responsible for finding the locations that are ideal for the film production. These individuals work closely with the Producer, director and production designer to ensure that the chosen locations meet the criteria for the creative vision to come alive. Location managers negotiate with the owner’s of various locations to ensure that cost, terms to hire, crew and vehicle access, and other details are in place.

Location managers oversee contractual details for the location making sure to note any concerns regarding noise reduction, official rules and regulations, and general codes are followed.

They also ensure that every location is properly handed back to the owner following production in the way that it was originally found.

On major productions, the location manager may also act as a supervisor to the assistant location manager and the location scouts. These individuals work closely with the location manager to find ideal set locations and secure them for the production.

Location Manager Job Requirements 

The job requirements of the location manager can vary slightly with each production but generally regard working closely with the Director to understand the creative vision so as to seek the best locations to make that vision come to life.

They will make decisions that identify locations that may be ideal for the project and then take steps to visit and secure potential locations for the shoot.

Location managers work on issues of accessibility or flexibility of scheduling to ensure that securing the location and using it for production remains within the budget of the film. They generally put together a storyboard that is then used to report their findings back to the production office.

The primary role of the location manager is to identify locations that will be ideal for the film shoot and report those to the producer, director and production designer.

This task includes negotiating with location owners to ensure cost, terms of the hire, crew and vehicle access, parking, noise reduction, and other official permissions are handled.

Location Manager Responsibilities

Responsibilities for the location manager vary during pre-production and production. Before the production begins, location managers work closely with the director to determine potential locations for the film to be shot.

They also ensure that the chosen locations are flexible enough to work for the production without going over budgeted costs. 

Location Arrangements

Once the location is agreed upon, the location manager will report the details to the production crew and negotiate contracts and fees for the location making any necessary arrangements for filming to take place.

This includes coordinating parking, power, catering and other permissions that can vary with each location.

Location managers ensure that the cast and crew know how to get to the location and what is expected of them when they arrive. They display signs along the route to the location to help the rest of the crew stay on the right path. 

During the film shoot

Location managers are responsible for overseeing the health and safety of crew on the location. Then, when filming is complete, they will securely lock the location and make sure it is adequately cleaned before returning it to the owners in like condition.

If damages occurred to the location, it is the responsibility of the location manager to report such to the production office and enact any necessary insurance proceedings if required.

Location Manager Skills 

Location managers have several strong skills including communication and negotiation skills. They must be able to visualize the location in a way that connects with the director’s creative vision and they must be organized and ready to tackle negotiations with land and property owners. 

Location managers are reliable, flexible, and hard working. They must have administrative skills required to draw up contracts and agreements related to permitting locations.

They are responsible for understanding local permitting rules and working with authorities to ensure all steps are taken to properly permit a film location.

Location managers must arrive on set before the rest of the crew and are usually the last to leave. Therefore, this is a highly demanding role that has very long work hours and little socialization. Those with strong motivation and enthusiasm are most likely to succeed in this type of position.