Film Location Manager

Career Guide

A Film Location Manager finds, secures, and manages real world locations for film and television shoots. The role balances creative needs with practical constraints like budgets, permits, community relations, and on set logistics to keep production running smoothly.

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Key Responsibilities

Scout and evaluate potential locations that match the script and visual style
Create photo and information packages for directors and producers to review
Negotiate location fees and usage terms with property owners and agents
Secure permits and approvals from local authorities and agencies
Coordinate access, parking, holding areas, and crew movement
Work with departments on set needs such as power, staging areas, and safety
Manage location agreements and ensure compliance with restrictions
Communicate with neighbors and local businesses to reduce disruption
Oversee location setup, upkeep, and restoration after filming
Track location costs and report updates to production management

Top Skills for Success

Location Scouting

Permit Coordination

Contract Negotiation

Budget Management

Schedule Management

Stakeholder Communication

Conflict Resolution

Risk Assessment

Site Safety Awareness

Vendor Management

Documentation Management

Local Area Knowledge

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Location Manager

Unit Production Manager

Production Manager

Line Producer

Transition Opportunities

Location Scout

Assistant Location Manager

Production Coordinator

Facilities Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Permit StrategyCost ForecastingLocation Agreement DraftingCommunity RelationsEmergency PlanningDamage Prevention Planning

Development SuggestionsBuild a repeatable process for scouting, permitting, and wrap restoration. Practice writing clear location briefs, track costs weekly, and learn local permit rules through short courses or mentorship with an experienced location team.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 65,000

Mid LevelUSD 65,000 to 100,000

Senior LevelUSD 100,000 to 150,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand tied to production volume, with strong competition for higher profile projects and increased emphasis on permitting and community impact management.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

NetflixDisneyWarner Bros. DiscoveryNBCUniversalParamountSony Pictures EntertainmentAmazon MGM StudiosApple TV Plus

Industry Sectors

Film ProductionTelevision ProductionStreaming Content ProductionCommercial ProductionProduction Services CompaniesDocumentary Production

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio with location photos, access notes, parking plans, and permit examples

Develop a template set for location agreements, neighbor notices, and daily location reports

Network with assistant directors and production coordinators to get referred to upcoming shoots

Learn common permit requirements in your target cities and compile a contact directory

Take a safety focused training relevant to on set work and location risk management

Start on smaller shoots to build credits, then step up to larger unit responsibility