I have completed my research on the role of the Location manager the last week, but I forgot to transfer it on my journal. Meanwhile, I have come to realise ever more the importance of the role. Not having the appropriate location can make shooting a real nightmare, both in terms of the effort and stress level that the crew has to go through, and the visual and audio outcome of the work.
The most unglamorous, though at times very important, part of the Location manager`s job is health and safety. Every rolls their eyes, and it is very frustrating and bureaucratic a lot of the times, but a necessary evil. Then comes the really crucial bit: is the lighting adequate? Will the set not pose major problems with the recording of sound? Do you have to get permission to shoot and who do you ask for it? Will the neighbours agree or will you find yourself sabotaged ?! Can you control the area insofar as to make sure you don`t have people who are not involved in the production walking in and out on your set? Can you make sure the crew knows where to go on the day of the shoot (you`ll have to draw up a MOVEMENT ORDER for this particular task), without getting lost and making sure they can park, dine, warm up, work in a safe environment and clean up the location at the end of the day?
What does it take to be a location manager?
- a good understanding of the script and an extensive library to search through for the right place
- willingness to travel, even at short notice
- a good knowledge of your area/town/county/country
- working knowledge of governmental procedures
- know your history, architectural styles, etc
- ability to keep focused for long hours, attending to the needs of each unit of the crew
- administrative and negotiating skills.
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