Manages and coordinates filming locations, negotiates rental agreements, and secures permits with 8–16 weeks lead time.
Technical Details
A Location Manager typically manages budgets between €50,000-€500,000 for location rentals, depending on the production scope and exclusivity of the shooting location. The lead time is 8-16 weeks before the start of shooting for standard locations, and up to 6 months for more complex sites like airports or historical buildings. All locations are documented in digital location libraries with GPS coordinates, floor plans, access directions, and technical specifications such as available power capacity (usually 32-125 Amperes required) and parking space count for 20-80 crew vehicles.
History & Development
The profession established itself in Hollywood in the late 1960s as studio productions increasingly moved to original locations. A pioneer was Robert Relyea at MGM, who first introduced systematic location scouting processes in 1969. In Germany, the function became professionalized from the 1980s onwards through the Neue Deutsche Film GmbH. Today, Location Managers work with specialized software like StudioBinder or Shot Lister, which integrate GPS tracking, weather forecasts, and permit status in real-time.
Practical Application in Film
For "Babylon Berlin," the location team coordinated over 180 Berlin locations with a 3-year lead time for historical authenticity. Christopher Nolan's "Inception" required Location Managers in 6 countries with specialized knowledge for skyscraper filming permits and street closures. The workflow includes tech scouts with camera, sound, and lighting departments, where exact sun position calculations and sound level measurements are documented. Problematic aspects include weather-dependent exterior shoots and short-notice permit revocations, which require alternative locations within 24-48 hours.
Comparison & Alternatives
Distinction from the Assistant Location Manager, who handles operational tasks such as cordons and resident communication, while the Location Manager makes strategic decisions. Location Scouts exclusively conduct research but do not negotiate contracts. In low-budget productions, the Unit Production Manager often takes on this function in addition. Virtual Production reduces the need for locations through LED volumes but requires specialized Location Managers for technical integration between practical sets and digital extensions.