Location manager, cinema
Focus on the job of film location manager.
Among the shadowy professions that populate the world of cinema, there is one that is constantly busy making sure it has all the props and furniture it needs for the production!
What are the duties of a cinema location manager?
In the film industry, the location manager works under the direction of the set designer or the head set designer. Their job is to supply the props and furniture needed to create the set. To do this, they contact antique dealers, local authorities, associations, museums, zoos, collectors and even private individuals, in order to find a specific piece of furniture, a material required for the manufacture of a set, electrical equipment, animals that may be included in the script, period vehicles, collectors’ items, etc. In short, this professional knows how to be ingenious and resourceful, in order to make contact with the right person, with a view to unearthing the element they are looking for. If he can’t find it, he knows how to tinker with objects, modify them, and is always on the lookout for a viable solution. The film location manager is also responsible for returning these objects in good time, as well as preparing them and making them available for filming.
How do I become a film location manager?
Those who aspire to become film location managers are strongly advised to take a higher education course in film and audiovisual studies, specialising in props and set design, or scenography. It is also a profession that can be entered without a diploma, but with significant experience in related professions or in the film industry.
Film location manager: qualities and skills required
Resourceful to the core, film location managers like to be in contact with people. They have no trouble canvassing their various sources, maintaining an efficient network of contacts and keeping their contact list up to date. They are also good at persuasion and negotiation, so as to obtain the approval of the people they are dealing with.
The cinema location manager is also capable of interpreting a script. When the request is not explicit, they have to be able to read between the lines, understand the innuendo, use their imagination and project themselves into the world depicted by the director. In this way, they will be able to find ‘the’ piece that the director had imagined in his script.
Finally, he’s not afraid of stress! On the set, he keeps a constant eye on the script to make sure he hasn’t missed anything. If he forgets something, he has to be able to find a solution immediately, so as not to jeopardise the production or the timing. His inventiveness can save him from unfortunate situations!
Career & career opportunities
After several years’ experience, the cinema location manager may consider moving on to a career as head set designer or set designer, two professions on the fringes of his activity that involve greater responsibilities.
Average salary for a cinema location manager
Film location managers earn around €1250 gross per week. As is often the case in the film and audiovisual professions, this is the median salary, which can fluctuate depending on the production budget, its size and the specific features of the job.
