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Location Manager

Finds, secures and manages filming locations on UK productions — permissions, community and logistics.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Scouting
• Permits and councils
• Liaison with owners
• Unit base planning

Reports to

Line Producer / Producer; works with Director on choices

Works with

Unit Manager, ALMs, Scout, Local authorities, Owners, 1st AD, Production

Career path

Location Assistant → Unit Manager → Location Manager

Day to day

Scout/secure; negotiate fees; risk assessments; council/police film office liaison; plan unit base; protect relationships through wrap.

Call times

Often the earliest department: lock-ups, signage, parking and neighbour liaison before trucks. Wrap after unit clears and the location is made good.

What to wear

Practical outdoor clothing; hi-vis when marshalling; boots; weatherproof layers; radio pouch; smarter kit for council/owner meetings in prep.

Tools & kit

Car, camera/phone for scouts, measuring apps, permit files.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Google Earth / Street View
• What3Words
• Parkopedia
• Notion scout databases
• ChatGPT for permit checklist drafts
• Google Maps / What3Words / OS maps
• Excel / Drive location packs
• Unit maps on call sheets

Bectu rate cards for this role are in the app.

Related roles

Unit Manager

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