Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook —
What does a Location Manager do?
Location managers research, secure, and prepare locations for filming. Additionally, they handle the logistical aspects by paying property owners, ensuring the shoot complies with local laws and mandates, securing necessary permits, getting insurance for property, and informing neighbors about the production. Location managers are also responsible for hiring security.
How much does this career make?
According to Glassdoor, Location Managers make a national average of $74,683 or $35.91 an hour (as of March 2022). The Location Manager position is managerial, and salaries currently range from $35,000 (25th percentile) to $168,000 (75th percentile). This wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the film industry?
Location managers deal with issues as they arise on set. They are the primary liaison to the community, often interacting with residents and onlookers. As important as the location is to the film, it is just as important that the property is returned to its owners in good condition. Location managers are responsible for ensuring the location is cleaned and well kept during production.
What is the job outlook for a Location Manager?
Analysts forecast that film revenue will grow to $392.34 billion by 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in the production field (including Location Managers) will increase by 24% during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick off your career:
- Work as a production assistant and shadow the location manager.
- Explore the NYU x Rolling Stone x IndieWire Film + TV Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Film Career Guide.
Learn from:
Judd Apatow, Film & TV Industry Essentials contributor,
Film director/producer/screenwriter/ comedian
Related Careers:
Film Director | Production Designer | First Assistant Director | Second Assistant Director | Camera Operator | Gaffer | Key Grip | Cinematographer | Director of Photography | Line Producer | Props Master | Assistant Props Master | Script Supervisor | Boom Operator | Stunt Coordinator | Leading Actor/Actress | Extra
