Location Manager - TV
Location Managers work on television drama, drama-documentaries and continuing drama productions. They research and assess suitable locations, negotiate contracts and payments, and present their findings to Producers and other decision makers. They oversee all logistical aspects of the location during shooting. The hours are long, and they may be required to spend considerable periods working away from base. They usually work on a freelance basis.
What is the job?
Location Managers must identify, from scripts and from discussions with Directors, Designers or other Heads of Department, the number, types and sequence of locations required for productions. They identify and use appropriate sources of information to research different locations, and arrange reconnaissance visits (recces) to assess their suitability. They check with relevant authorities to confirm the availability of potential locations, and to ascertain the need for any relevant permissions and/or licences. They assess any possible problems or difficulties, including checking whether suitable local power supplies are available, or if there is sufficient space for any required generators. They also consider the climatic, physical, environmental and health and safety factors which may affect the use of locations.
Location Managers take clear and descriptive photographs or video footage, and make detailed notes about potential locations to inform their selections, or for consideration by other decision makers. They identify any costs associated with the use of each location, and ensure that they are within the location budget for the production. They present their findings and recommendations to decision makers, and contribute to the final decision on where to shoot.
Once selections have been approved, Location Managers negotiate and confirm Location contracts with owners. They ensure that relevant Heads of Department attend technical recces of all locations, and collate information about each department's specifications for the shoot, including access, exits and power source requirements.
One of the Location Manager's most important responsibilities is the preparation of Movement Orders (directions to locations which are distributed daily with call sheets). Movement Orders enable crew members to travel quickly, directly and safely from the production office to the unit base, and from the unit base to each location. Because Movement Orders must be as accurate and as easy to read as possible, Location Managers drive each route themselves, using a Dictaphone to record all relevant directions and landmarks. They subsequently transcribe the tapes, making decisions about how much detail to include or omit, and ensuring that the resulting Movement Orders are well presented. They identify the daily production requirements for parking, traffic control, etc. They liaise closely with local councils and police forces, noting any special dates (e.g. public holidays, football matches) which may disrupt the shooting schedule. They also monitor and are responsible for controlling noise - either that created by the shoot or by outside sources such as road works, aircraft or music.
Location Managers draw up parking plans for each shoot, and where necessary arrange crane and scaffolding permits and temporary traffic restriction orders, submitting them to local councils for costing. They are also responsible for writing, copying and distributing letters informing local residents of any shooting scheduled to take place in their neighbourhood. They arrange for the production of location direction signs for each location, and ensure that they are appropriately placed.
Location Managers also make arrangements to ensure that locations and property are not damaged during production or post production. They set up safe and secure location bases for all required vehicles, including camera trucks, generators, costume and make up trucks and honey wagons (mobile toilets) which need to travel from the unit base. They carry out risk assessments, and ensure that all health and safety checks have been completed. Many of these responsibilities continue throughout each shoot.
Location Managers must carry comprehensive Location Kits containing maps, dust sheets, high visibility waistcoats, cleaning materials and equipment, etc. During production they are usually the first to arrive on set in the morning, and the last to leave at the end of the shooting day. They are on set most of the time, helping to avoid any misunderstandings, and liaising between the crew and the location owners about any special requirements, e.g. if a door needs to be removed, or a light fitting moved. At the end of each shooting day, they ensure that the location is left in a clean and tidy condition. They also oversee the safe and secure overnight parking of all production vehicles.
Typical career routes
Location Managers are usually experienced production personnel, who may have started their careers as Runners, and worked as Researchers, 1st Assistant Directors or Production Assistants on a number of television drama productions. Alternatively, they may come from a background of managing live events (music or festivals), or from working in theatre where they train as Stage or Production Managers.
Essential knowledge and skills
Location Managers must know how to interpret scripts to ascertain the need for different types of locations. They should know how to identify and access reliable sources of information about locations and their ownership. They need to build up and maintain a personal contact database of a variety of locations, including all relevant details about ownership, facilities and directions. They must be able to quickly establish constructive relationships with location owners. They should be experienced and confident drivers, with the required full, clean driving licenses so that they can move any type of vehicle quickly and safely. They should know when and what type of personal protective equipment and clothing is required, and ensure that it is available for use.
Key Skills include:
- accurate sense of direction and ability to read maps;
- precise attention to detail and methodical approach to work;
- excellent organisational skills;
- resourcefulness and the ability to troubleshoot;
- highly developed negotiation skills;
- excellent communication skills;
- diplomacy and sensitivity when dealing with location owners, members of the public and production colleagues;
- excellent negotiation abilities in order to get the best pricesfor location hire;
- financial and budgeting abilities;
- willingness to work long and irregular hours;
- excellent IT skills;
- current knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations, and associated procedures, and how to comply with regulatory requirements;
- extensive knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Although no specific educational or training qualifications are required for the role of Location Manager, a degree in a media related or specialist subject may provide some useful background information. Wide experience in and knowledge of the production process is essential. Because the work is extremely practical the best training is acquired on the job.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- - Guild of Location Managers; http://www.golm.org.uk/
- - BECTU, the trade union represents production personnel; http://www.bectu.org.uk/
- - Many cities, regions and countries within the UK have their own film offices offering information and advice on filming on location, please see the Regional Screen Agencies
- - BBC Training; http://www.bbctraining.com/
- - National Film and Television School; http://www.nfts-tv.ac.uk/
Publications
- - Location Scouting and Management Handbook: Television, Film and Still Photography - R. Maier -
ISBN - 0240801520
- - Broadcast, the weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry; http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/
- - Televisual, the business magazine for the broadcast and production industry; http://www.televisual.com/
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Location Manager - TV
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