Location Manager Job Description

Location Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Location Manager job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

• Supervising location support staff throughout the process;
• Dealing with members of the public who may intrude upon a shooting location;
• Ensuring the final clearing up (‘the wrap’) runs smoothly and thanking site owners.
• Scheduling crew arrival dates and times and keeping all parties informed on site;
• Researching locations thoroughly to ensure no disruptive noises or events are likely to occur during the shoot;
• Negotiating access and drawing up a contract with location owners;
• Organising permissions for access, for example, with local authorities and the police;
• Ensuring the technical specifications for equipment, power sources and crew accommodation on site are met;
• Assessing and interpreting scripts or story boards to get an understanding of the location required;
• Meeting with the director and designer to discuss projects and working to their creative vision;
• Collating ideas and undertaking research using resources such as the internet, specialist location libraries, local and regional film commissions and agencies;
• Liaising with key members of the production team to assess visual and technical specifications;
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety and security requirements and undertaking risk assessments;
• Distributing maps and directions to locations, often known as movement orders, to ensure all services and crews reach the locations as directly, safely and quickly as possible;
• Providing all relevant support information to all services and crew;
• Visiting and photographing locations appropriate to budget in order to assess suitability;
• Making preliminary enquiries regarding access, parking and location use;
• Liaising with the director to discuss and show ideas and photographs;
• Collating practical information on potential locations, such as hotels for accommodating the crew and cast, and in the case of photography shoots, often booking the hotel and making travel arrangements;
• Arranging schedules for the day with the assistant director to ensure continuity;
• Managing the location on the day and resolving practical or people-related problems as they arise;

Location Manager Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Location Manager job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

• A degree in any subject, but in particular those related to media or production will be most relevant and helpful
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to work with a diverse range of people
• Adaptability, to deal with external factors when organising the environment required for the shoot
• Stamina and flexibility in order to work long hours under pressure
• Ability to drive, with a full driving licence.
• A diplomatic approach to encourage or persuade people as situations demand
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Ability to problem-solve and think laterally
• Artistic, creative awareness and competence as a photographer
• Dependability and excellent organisational, planning and administrative skills
• A passable knowledge of architectural styles
• A strong knowledge of where filming will take place

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Location Manager starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Location Manager job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Location Manager may also reference it in preparation for the interview.