LOCATIONS
Job Overview
Location managers are responsible for finding potential shooting loca-
tions and arranging for permission to shoot in those locations, including
obtaining the necessary city and state permits and licenses. Additionally,
they may oversee any location scouts used to do the legwork of finding
and photographing potential sites.
Special Skills
Successful location managers are tenacious problem solvers. They
must listen well, follow instructions, and be able to negotiate with
people. "The ability to listen to what others have to say and having a
good sense of humor has helped me," says former location manager
Charlie Baxter. "I'm pretty easygoing."
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
Baxter suggests working as a production assistant as the best way to
begin your career in filmmaking. "Start in a position that allows you to
see what other people do." Offer to work for the location manager for
free, so that you can learn firsthand what they do, then work your way
up the ranks. "It's a hard business to get into if you don't live in L.A. or
New York, and it's a hard business to get into if you do live in L.A. or
New York. You just have to go out and try and hook up with people. It's
all about personalities. If you get along well with people and they like
your attitude and your energy, they'll recognize that."
Professional Profile: Charlie Baxter, Production Manager,
New Dominion Pictures, and former Location Manager
A Virginia native, Charles Baxter earned a bachelor of fine arts degree
in theater from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. "My
plan was to work in theater, regional and national theaters, as an actor
and ultimately as a director."
While auditioning as an extra for the television miniseries Kennedy,
Baxter was offered a job that changed the course of his career plan.
JOB TITLE: LOCATION MANAGER
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