Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Alex Banderas · Accepted Answer

“The biggest suggestion I recommend is to not bullshit people, especially Location Managers that you’re trying to take on as a mentor. Don’t say you can do something that’s impossible to do. Overselling is a way of burning bridges. Say you really want to do it and ‘please help me learn’ and lots of locations people will help.
“Don’t just ask for work. Explain why you want to do locations because it can be a nightmare. There is a lot of creativity that goes into locations, from reading a script, envisioning different places and putting in your own creative flow. So, it’s important to be where you’re at and be honest. Also, never be late. Locations should be the first one there and the last to leave.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Alex Banderas · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake amateurs make is lying about what they can do with a budget to book a job. If a Location Manager over promises, they’re going to have to go back to production and ask for more money, which will look bad.
“They’ve got to be honest upfront so the Producers can budget accordingly. Say what is possible to be done and where they need to devote extra funds. It can be a tough conversation but it’s necessary. Sometimes the opportunity will leave because of it but that’s usually for the best because there would have been major problems with that type of production.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Alex Banderas · Accepted Answer

“What is your worth?
“A lot of people don’t set a base rate for themselves and are afraid to talk about money. There are a lot of bad people out there who will take advantage of labor. They don’t consider hours worked, just what they want. Therefore, it’s important to figure out what the rate is going to be before getting started or committing to a job.
“If someone is reluctant to talk about wages then it is probably a job not worth doing unless you’re trying to gain experience. This is a dream job but the way to make it real and sustainable is to figure out your worth and make sure you get it. That’s the only way to survive.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Alex Banderas · Accepted Answer

“How realistic is it that someone is going to make it in this industry?
“There’s time when I don’t have work. Must remember to save money for those lulls. The pendulum always swings back the other way and it can feel like it’s always going to be like that. Remember to manage your own expectations.
“There’s only so much work and it isn’t very glamorous. Most people can’t take it and there’s a very low probability of making a successful living. Many people have been doing it for a long time so often Location Managers will run into each other repeatedly through the years. Don’t crush your own dream when times are slow and be prepared for failure. It takes tenacity to survive.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Alex Banderas · Accepted Answer

“Determination.”

Question 6

What does the Location Manager do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The Location Manager on a film must handle and coordinate all needs pertaining to a location used for the filming of a movie. This means making sure the cast and crew know where that location is and have easy access to it. It also means addressing any other issues that may require attention, such as parking permits, space for trucks and other vehicles, and the management of noise levels at that location.

Question 7

Is it hard to become a Location Manager?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The Location Manager has to coordinate with multiple people during filming and also address any number of issues that come up in relation to a location. They must be calm and collected even during stressful times and be up to the task of being the person others look to when a location-specific problem arises. It takes a great deal of problem-solving, coordinating, and multi-tasking to become a Location Manager.

Question 8

What experience do you need to be a Location Manager?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Location Manager is not an entry-level job. In addition to have general filmmaking knowledge, it requires ample and effective communication with others and being able to troubleshoot issues big and small. Often Location Managers start out as Location Assistants or other support staff to gain the experience necessary to rise to the position of Location Manager.

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