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.

1. FILM LOCATIONS
The Jobs and Duties of Locations
Personnel in the Film Industry
Created by: John Grace
IATSE Member, Local 480
© 2013 Limited Rights Available Under
Creative Commons Attribution License

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
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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
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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
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(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
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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
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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

15. Online Scouting Resources:
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NMFilm.com
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ColoradoFilm.org
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http://www.nmlocations.com/loc_results.aspx
http://www.coloradofilm.org
/production/location
AZProduction.com
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http://www.azproduction.com/locations.php