Location Manager

The Location Manager is the head of department for Locations. Sources locations matching the script's needs, negotiates access with owners + councils, manages community liaison, handles permitting, and runs the on-set Locations team during the shoot.

What the role does

• Sources locations for every scene in the script — scouting personally or directing scouts
• Negotiates access with location owners — terms, fees, restoration commitments
• Liaises with Local Film Offices network for council coordination + permits
• Manages road closures + community liaison with Garda + council
• Runs the on-set Locations team — Assistant Location Manager, Location Assistant, Location Trainee
• Handles post-shoot restoration + final claim with location owners

Position

Reports to Line Producer / Production Manager on operational matters and to the director / production designer on creative-suitability matters.

Career progression

SI Competency Framework Level 5 — HoD. Path: Location Trainee → Location Assistant → Assistant Location Manager → Location Manager.

Working pattern + guild

Freelance, prep + shoot + post. SGI Locations recognition.