The UK's official graduate careers website

Login to My Prospects

Not a member yet? Join now
 
 

Location manager : Salary and conditions

More in this section

  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
  5. Career development
  6. Employers and vacancy …
  7. Related jobs

Print all pages in this section

Case studies

  • Rates of pay vary widely, depending on experience, your reputation within the industry and the type of production. Location managers working on major television dramas or feature films can expect to earn more than those working on low-budget productions. For recommended minimum rates for location management contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) .
  • Most location managers work as freelancers and are paid on a contract basis.
  • Location managers working on photographic ('stills') shoots work with smaller crews but also take on the role of producer. Their rates of pay are therefore higher, but photographic shoots are less governed by unions so there is greater variation in the rates of pay.
  • The initial scouting stage requires maximum viewings per day in the shortest possible period of time.
  • Work is often outdoors so it is important to be adaptable and able to work in all kinds of environments and weather conditions.
  • Work levels vary seasonally, with winter traditionally being quiet and summer the busiest period.
  • On filming days, the location manager is normally the first to arrive and the last to leave, so hours are often long and unsocial.
  • Part-time work is rare because the location manager needs to be constantly available.
  • Due to the nature of the work, it is worth becoming familiar with legislation such as the Working Time Regulations.
  • There are currently more men than women working as location managers.
  • Employment is only available in restricted locations and the irregular nature of the work may lead to periodic relocation and financial insecurity.
  • Work is usually offered on the basis of recognition or recommendation, so you need to maintain a network and build up your experience and reputation.
  • Location managers work under pressure. They must foresee problems and respond quickly as issues arise.
  • Driving to locations and working away from home is a common aspect of the job.
  • There may be opportunities abroad for experienced and established location managers. If a film or television production is set in a particular town or city, it will not necessarily be shot in that town or city, or even in the UK.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
October 2011
© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer
 
 
 

This website is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with CSS enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets if you are able to do so.