location manager
Role lens
Do you have an eye for unique and practical locations? As a location manager, you're the key to finding and securing the perfect settings for film and television productions, bringing stories to life outside the studio.
Location managers are vital to film and television production, responsible for sourcing and managing locations used for filming outside of studio environments. This role requires a blend of logistical expertise, negotiation skills, and a strong understanding of safety protocols. You’ll work closely with directors, producers, and production teams to ensure filming runs smoothly and within budget.
- • Scouting and securing suitable filming locations, considering factors like aesthetics, accessibility, and budget.
- • Negotiating site usage agreements and permits with property owners and local authorities.
- • Managing and maintaining locations during filming, ensuring they are prepared and protected.
Do you have an eye for unique and practical locations? As a location manager, you're the key to finding and securing the perfect settings for film and television productions, bringing stories to life outside the studio.
Could location manager fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Cooperation?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Adaptability/Flexibility?
Future Outlook for location manager
The outlook for location manager is exceptionally stable. While AI tools will assist with daily tasks, the core of this role relies on human judgment, resulting in a high resilience score of 72.4%.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could location manager change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
How could location manager change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
This role remains strongly human-led where manage location logistics depends on trust, nuance, and real-world judgement.
Where AI may become a co-pilot
AI is more likely to assist supporting tasks such as prepare road directions, documentation, search, and workflow coordination.
Tasks most exposed to automation
Automation pressure appears selective rather than broad, with the strongest signal currently coming from Generative AI.
Detailed Analysis Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
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Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
Vital Signs
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Megatrend Signals
0-100%Model-derived scores. Indicates structural exposure to megatrends, not direct demand.
Technical Details
NexFuture™ v2.0 combines O*NET ability and activity profiles with ESCO skill group distributions and six global megatrend signals. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture™ Methodology White Paper for full details.
What people in this role usually do
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
A typical day as a location manager
09 09:00 · Morning prepare road directions
10 10:30 · Mid-morning manage location logistics
12 12:00 · Midday analyse a script
14 14:00 · Afternoon analyse logistic needs
15 15:30 · Late afternoon arrange permits
17 17:00 · Wrap-up consult with production director
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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cinematography
The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials such as film stock.
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film production process
The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.
- lighting techniques
- photography
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negotiate price
Arrange an agreement on price of products or services provided or offered.
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manage contracts
Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.
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manage location logistics
Make sure cast, crew, and equipment reach the location on time and in an organised manner. Organise catering, power sources, parking, etc.
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apply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
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manage consumables stock
Manage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
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prepare road directions
Explore the different routes to the filming locations. Make notes. Create detailed directions to distribute to cast and crew. Make road signs.
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consult with production director
Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.
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supervise site maintenance
Supervise the clean-up and maintenance of a specific site in order to ensure it is fit for purpose.
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finish project within budget
Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
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analyse logistic needs
Analysing the logistic needs of all the different departments on the organisational level.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how location manager aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does location manager fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What skills are most important for a location manager?
- Strong negotiation skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a keen eye for detail are essential. You’ll also need to be adaptable, resourceful, and comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with local regulations and permits is a significant advantage.
- Is this a role that requires a lot of travel?
- Yes, location managers frequently travel to scout locations and oversee filming. The amount of travel can vary depending on the scope and location of the production.
- What's the typical work arrangement for location managers?
- Location managers are typically employed by production companies or studios. While freelance opportunities exist, most work in a full-time, employee-based role.