A location manager is a member of a film or television production team who is in charge of the logistics of shooting on location. Many films and television shows prefer to shoot on location because it gives them access to unique locations and resources that are impossible to replicate on a sound stage. The location manager’s job is to ensure that on-location shoots run smoothly, with the help of one or more assistant location managers and other support crew.
The location manager is frequently also the location scout. The location manager meets with other key members of the crew during the development stages of a film or television episode to break down the script and storyboards to determine what is needed for the production. The location manager compiles a list of required locations and consults with the director about the vision for each. If a field is required for battle scenes in an epic, for example, the location manager will want to know what kind of field the director envisions.
The location manager scouts potential shooting locations using this information. If there will be multiple location shoots, an effort is usually made to find locations that are close together so that the cast and crew do not have to travel all over the world. However, in some cases, location shoots may be required in completely different locations. Many films set in Britain, for example, film a few key shots in British locations before relocating to Eastern Europe to finish filming due to lower production costs. One of the many concerns that location managers have is production costs.
The location manager is in charge of the filming logistics once the locations have been chosen. This includes obtaining permission and approvals to film, obtaining all necessary permits, organizing local crew who will be needed to assist, informing people in the area that filming will be taking place, and interacting with the community to maintain good relations between the film crew and the community. This is especially important in frequently used locations, where good relations between the film and television industry and the community are essential to the continued use of these locations.
This job can be demanding, but it can also be exciting. There is a lot of travel involved, and the location manager must manage a lot of details as well as be prepared for emergency situations. If, for example, a natural disaster destroys a location, the location manager must act quickly to keep filming on schedule.