The location manager is the crew member responsible for finding and managing locations conforming to the requirements of both the director and producer. A difficult task as the location must suit the artistic nature of the film as well as be able to cope with the logistics associated with a film crew. The job of location manager requires diplomacy, forward thinking, immaculate planning, a good eye and boundless energy.

The location manager's job starts with reading a script/treatment and breaking down the list of locations. Especially when working on features, some locations will need to be "built" in a studio for either technical or practical reasons and producers often rely on a location manager's experience to help identify these tricky locations. Once the list of "real" locations is drawn up, the search can begin. The perfect location, irrespective of its artistic suitability, doesn't cost a penny, allows total control to the director, provides a 360º shooting angle, is totally silent and lets you park your vehicles on its doorstep. In reality things aren't this easy.

No two briefs are alike, so finding the right location involves a lot of footwork, knocking on doors and being in the right place at the right time. Having access to an extensive location library like My Locations often gives a location manager a head start, but a lot of ground literally still needs to be covered before the right location is found. Whilst scouting, the location manager will take photographs which he/she will present to the director/producer. Based on those images, a shortlist will be made and the chosen properties will be recced by the technical crew and the director. Once a final decision is made, the necessary permits are organised for the all important parking, licence agreements are drawn up with the property owners/location representatives and movement orders (directions to location) are written for cast/crew. Things can get a bit tense as any last minute changes in script or schedule can have serious consequences.

And then the shoot day arrives. The location manager is always first on the scene to ensure all technical vehicles are parked up at the location and checking that catering is in to start preparing the all important breakfast. Once everybody has settled in and is getting on with their job, the location manager is there to ensure that the rest of the day runs like clock work. He/she might have to deal with a unit move to a different location, supplying crew with local information, dealing with any complaints arising from filming taking place in public area or helping neighbours find alternative parking for their car as the crew's vehicles are taking up the whole street! There's never a dull day. and it's not over till it's over. The location manager is always the last one to leave, as it's his/her responsibility to check that the location is left as found when he/she first arrived about 16 hours ago! He/she needs to take note of any damage and notify the producer immediately as insurance claims or negotiations for compensation need to be dealt with swiftly and efficiently to ensure the next crew is still welcome at that location.

And then off home for a few hours precious sleep before the fun starts all over again the next day!