This document discusses the jobs and responsibilities of locations personnel in the film industry. It outlines key factors considered when selecting film locations, such as aesthetic suitability, costs, logistics, and permissions. It describes four cardinal rules for locations managers, including reducing liability, saving time, preparing for last minute requests, and avoiding burning locations. Finally, it provides details on the roles of locations managers, assistants, scouts, researchers and other locations personnel, and considerations for scouting, weather problems, parking for base camps, and sound.
2. Locations Requirements
• Suitability of a Location Takes into
Consideration Many Factors, Including:
Overall Aesthetic (Appropriateness to Script)
Financial Costs to Production
Logistical Feasibility Including:
Distance to Production Office
Distance to Other Locations
Availability of Parking (Room for Base Camp)
Facilities to Keep Cast/Crew Safe and Dry
3. Locations Requirements
• Suitability of a Location Takes into
Consideration Many Factors, Including:
Available Light (indoors or outdoors)
Potential Weather Conditions (outdoors)
Permission from and Cooperation of:
Location Owner
Neighbors
Local Government
Law Enforcement
4. 4 Cardinal Rules of Locations
1. Reduce Liability to Production Co.
As Intermediary, Make Every Effort to
Protect the Location and the Cast/Crew
Hire Only Certified and/or Bonded Vendors
File Detailed Insurance Certificates
2. Save the Production Company Time
Find Locations that are Close to the
Production Office and Close to Each Other
Find Locations with Plenty of Parking or
Locations that have Parking Nearby
5. 4 Cardinal Rules of Locations
3. Be Prepared for Last Minute Requests
Have Answers Ready – Time is Money
Always Be Able to Contact Property Owner
Always Try to Accommodate Production but
Know When to Say “Yes” and to Say “No”
4. Never “Burn” a Location
Locations are Hard to Find and Easy to Lose
Examples of Los Ranchos and Las Vegas
and Bad PA on “Men Who Stare at Goats”
6. Locations Personnel
• Location Manager
Oversees the Locations Department
Reports directly to UPM or AD
Oversees Department Staff
Negotiates Contracts with Property Owner
Arranges with Locality for Permits
Maintains Relations with Property Owner
Keeps Location Costs Within Film’s Budget
7. Locations Personnel
• Assistant Location Manager
Assists Loc. Mgr. on all His/Her Duties
Coordinates Location Scouting Trips
Oversees On-Set Operations
Holds Permits While on Location
Maintains Relations with Property Owner
Assures that Location is Left Clean
(Clean is cleaner than when production arrived)
8. Locations Personnel
• Location Scout
Researches and Visits Possible Locations
Maintains a Database of Possible Locations
Sometimes Becomes the Location Manager
Makes Initial Inquiries re: Cost/Availability
Takes Extensive Photos/Video of Possible
Locations that can be viewed by Director
Identifies Possible Base Camp Locations
(if there is not sufficient parking on site)
9. Locations Personnel
• Location Researcher - Coordinator
Usually only on Larger Productions
Researches Possible Locations Online and in
Various Location Databases
Makes Initial Inquiries with Location Owners
about Availability and Possible Costs
Makes Arrangements for Location Scout to
Visit Locations
10. Locations Personnel
• Location Assistant
Hired by Location Manager
On Set Before, During and After Production
Opens Location for Other Crew Members
Maintains Relations with Neighbors
Maintains Cleanliness of Location Throughout
the Production Process
One to Three Location Assistants at all times
11. Locations Personnel
• Location Production Assistant (PA)
Usually Only on Larger Budget Productions
Not On Set but Represents Locations
Department During “Preps” and “Wraps”
• Parking Coordinator (Base Camp Mgr)
Hired as Needed to Oversee the Parking of
Trucks in the Base Camp and Crew Parking
Sometimes Oversees Wiring of base Camp
• Parking Staff and Cleanup Personnel
Hired as Needed to Help with Base Camp
12. Variables Affecting Locations
• Bad Weather
Always Have a “Cover Set” Available
Location Rental Agreement Should Include a
Clause Regarding “Weather Holds”
• Lack of Parking for Base Camp
There Needs to be Enough Parking for Trucks
and Production Crew within a Mile or Two
• Sound Considerations
A Location Near an Airport is a Bad Choice
13. Tech Scouting Expedition
• Personnel Attending a Tech Scout
Location Manager & First Assistant
Director and 1st AD
Director of Photography
Essential Producers
Department Heads
• Camera & Sound
• Grip/Electric
• Production Design
14. Basecamp Layout
• How to Arrange the Basecamp:
Camera, Props, Grip & Electric Trucks Need to
Be Where Stake Bed Trucks Have Easy Access
Catering Trucks Need Easy Access for Deliveries
and Room for Tents
Hair/Makeup
Wardrobe
Production
Dressing Rooms
Honey Wagon