Who Negotiates the Location Agreement for a Film Shoot?

The location agreement is an important contract that is a requirement for just about any private property film shoot. It represents a formal, written agreement made between the location owner or manager. As well as those who seek to utilize the location or lease it for the purpose of a film shoot or some other use. Generally, the location agreement is made between the film crew or production company. As well as the property owner or manager. But who negotiates the location agreement for a film shoot?

Negotiating the agreement to film on location is a process that will generally take place between the location manager or the location owner, and the designated member of the production crew.

Depending on the size of the production crew, and the investment, the location agreements are negotiated by the location manager. 

What is a Location Manager?

A location manager represents the individual responsible for the research and securing of the filming locations for a movie or commercial film project.

The location manager will handle all of the important negotiations and logistics involved in making sure that a location will work for the film.

Location managers report to the production designer. They collaborate together with the director as well as various other members of the film crew.

Prior to negotiating the location agreement for a film shoot…

The location manager will address the following important questions:

• Is there adequate power for the shoot?
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• Is there water and restroom access or will portable restrooms be required?
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• Where is the closest hospital?
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• Is there adequate parking for the shoot?
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• Is there a lot of noise that would potentially be disruptive to the shoot?

Securing the Next Steps

Once this information has been determined, a decision is made by the location manager. The film director then secures a particular location for a shoot. And the location manager will get to work in the next steps of the process of negotiating a location agreement.

Location Agreement Negotiations

So, who negotiates the location agreement for a film shoot? It’s generally the location manager that is responsible for negotiating contracts and rates with the location owners.

This individual will work hard to ensure not only the best rates for the rental or leasing of the location. But also to ensure that all proper permitting and other requirements are complete.

So that the location can be used for filming without any potential legal repercussions. Negotiating the location agreement involves a lot of back and forth with the location owner or the property manager.

Lease Clauses

Keep in mind that you cannot negotiate location agreements between the lease holder of a property. As most leases have a clause that prevents properties from being subleased.

Therefore, if you’re looking to secure a location agreement, it’s important that you or your location manager work directly with the property owner or property manager to ensure proper legal permissions.