Location manager
Also known as: film location manager, location coordinator, location scout, film & TV location manager, film location coordinator, set location manager
About this occupation
Location managers are responsible for procuring locations for filming outside of the studio and all the logistics this includes. They negotiate site use, and manage and maintain the site during shooting. Location managers manage the safety and security of the film crew on site.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply organisational techniques
- search for a suitable location
- work with pre-production team
- negotiate price
- prepare road directions
- report analysis results
- supervise site maintenance
- consult with production director
- analyse a script
- manage consumables stock
- analyse logistic needs
- manage contracts
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Media Technical Directors/Managers (O*NET 27-2012.05). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
- Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
- Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.
- Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.
- Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.
- Test equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$90,360 a year (2025), 143,120 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaExtremely important (4.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Media Programming Directors
- Producers and Directors
- Project Management Specialists
- Film and Video Editors
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Art Directors
- Special Effects Artists and Animators
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
- Public Relations Specialists
- Talent Directors
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.