location manager
Role lens
Do you have an eye for unique and practical locations? As a location manager, you're the key to finding and securing the perfect settings for film and television productions, bringing stories to life outside the studio.
Location managers are vital to film and television production, responsible for sourcing and managing locations used for filming outside of studio environments. This role requires a blend of logistical expertise, negotiation skills, and a strong understanding of safety protocols. You’ll work closely with directors, producers, and production teams to ensure filming runs smoothly and within budget.
- • Scouting and securing suitable filming locations, considering factors like aesthetics, accessibility, and budget.
- • Negotiating site usage agreements and permits with property owners and local authorities.
- • Managing and maintaining locations during filming, ensuring they are prepared and protected.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Legal, social, cultural and related associate professionals — 108 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Romania, Spain.
Longest-running shortage: Italy, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could location manager fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Cooperation?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Adaptability/Flexibility?
Future Outlook for location manager
The outlook for location manager reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could location manager change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could location manager change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- prepare road directions
- work with pre-production team
- consult with production director
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse logistic needs
- search for a suitable filming location
Tasks most exposed to automation
- arrange permits
- report analysis results
- analyse a script
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
A typical day as a location manager
09 09:00 · Morning prepare road directions
10 10:30 · Mid-morning manage location logistics
12 12:00 · Midday analyse a script
14 14:00 · Afternoon analyse logistic needs
15 15:30 · Late afternoon arrange permits
17 17:00 · Wrap-up consult with production director
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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cinematography
The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials such as film stock.
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film production process
The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.
- lighting techniques
- photography
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negotiate price
Arrange an agreement on price of products or services provided or offered.
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manage contracts
Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.
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manage location logistics
Make sure cast, crew, and equipment reach the location on time and in an organised manner. Organise catering, power sources, parking, etc.
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apply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
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manage consumables stock
Manage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
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prepare road directions
Explore the different routes to the filming locations. Make notes. Create detailed directions to distribute to cast and crew. Make road signs.
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consult with production director
Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.
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supervise site maintenance
Supervise the clean-up and maintenance of a specific site in order to ensure it is fit for purpose.
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finish project within budget
Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
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analyse logistic needs
Analysing the logistic needs of all the different departments on the organisational level.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does location manager fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What skills are most important for a location manager?
- Strong negotiation skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a keen eye for detail are essential. You’ll also need to be adaptable, resourceful, and comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with local regulations and permits is a significant advantage.
- Is this a role that requires a lot of travel?
- Yes, location managers frequently travel to scout locations and oversee filming. The amount of travel can vary depending on the scope and location of the production.
- What's the typical work arrangement for location managers?
- Location managers are typically employed by production companies or studios. While freelance opportunities exist, most work in a full-time, employee-based role.
- Location Manager — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 8 of the 11 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark and 4 more. 3 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Location Manager — what does it pay in the United States?
- $104,690 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $66,420 to $139,990. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.