Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Location Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

A Location Assistant is the foundational, boots-on-the-ground member of the Locations Department, a critical team responsible for finding, securing, and managing the physical spaces where productions are filmed. You are the eyes and ears for the Location Manager, acting as a crucial liaison between the production team, property owners, and the general public. This role is not a desk job; it is a dynamic, hands-on position that requires resourcefulness, stamina, and an impeccable ability to problem-solve in real-time. You are directly responsible for ensuring that locations are prepared for filming, maintained during the shoot, and restored to their original condition afterward, making you an indispensable part of bringing the creative vision to life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant (Set, Office, or Post)
Event Coordinator or Assistant
Photography Assistant or Real Estate Photographer

Advancement To:

Assistant Location Manager (ALM)
Location Scout
Location Manager

Lateral Moves:

Production Coordinator
Assistant Production Coordinator
Key Production Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct initial location research online and in-person, taking comprehensive digital photographs and videos of potential sites for review by the Location Manager and Director.
Serve as the on-set representative for the Locations Department, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave the filming site.
Physically prepare locations for the arrival of the cast and crew, which includes posting directional signs, coning off streets, and securing designated parking areas.
Liaise directly with property owners, residents, and business owners before, during, and after filming to address concerns, answer questions, and ensure a positive relationship.
Perform thorough site protection measures, such as laying down floor and wall coverings, to prevent any damage to the property during production activities.
Actively manage the production's footprint on location, ensuring crew members stay within designated boundaries and respect the property.
Supervise and direct any additional Production Assistants assigned to the Locations team, delegating tasks like security lockups, fire-watching, and managing public foot traffic.
Coordinate with various departments (e.g., transportation, art department, catering) to manage the logistical layout of base camp, including the placement of trucks, tents, and mobile restrooms.
Maintain the cleanliness and order of the location throughout the shooting day, managing trash disposal and coordinating with cleaning crews.
Execute security "lock-ups" during filming, preventing pedestrians or unauthorized individuals from walking into the shot or disrupting sound recording.
Create and distribute detailed maps, parking plans, and other location-specific documents to all cast and crew via email and hard copies.
Troubleshoot and resolve logistical issues that arise on set, such as unexpected parking conflicts, noise complaints, or access problems, with a calm and professional demeanor.
Conduct a thorough "wrap out" of the location after filming is complete, ensuring the property is returned to its original or better condition.
Take extensive "wrap photos" to document the condition of the location post-filming, protecting the production from potential damage claims.
Assist the Location Manager and Assistant Location Manager with the preparation and submission of film permit applications and other essential paperwork.

Secondary Functions

Support the Location Manager in negotiations with property owners by gathering comparable data and providing on-the-ground intelligence.
Run errands for the department, which may include picking up supplies, distributing neighborhood notification letters, or delivering contracts and payments.
Maintain and organize the department's digital and physical files, including photos, location agreements, permits, and contact sheets.
Assist in managing the departmental budget by tracking petty cash expenses and submitting detailed, accurate expense reports in a timely manner.
Monitor weather patterns and environmental conditions, reporting any potential impacts on the location or production schedule to the department head.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Location Scouting Photography: Ability to take clear, well-lit, and comprehensive photos and videos that accurately represent a location's potential and limitations.
Driving & Navigation: A valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and exceptional navigation skills, including the ability to read maps and use GPS effectively in unfamiliar areas.
Permit Process Familiarity: Basic understanding of municipal film permit applications and the requirements of different jurisdictions.
Basic Computer Proficiency: Competency with email, word processing (Microsoft Word, Google Docs), and spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets) for creating maps and reports.
Map Creation & Layouts: Skill in using tools like Google Maps or basic design software to create clear directional maps, parking plans, and site layouts for crew distribution.
Production Paperwork: Familiarity with reading and understanding production documents such as call sheets, location agreements, and tech scout notes.

Soft Skills

Extreme Resourcefulness: The ability to find creative and effective solutions to logistical challenges with the tools and information available, often under tight deadlines.
Diplomacy and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal communication skills to interact professionally and courteously with crew members, the public, police, and property owners.
Spatial Awareness: An intuitive understanding of physical space and logistics, enabling you to anticipate the movement and needs of a large crew and heavy equipment.
Unwavering Proactive Attitude: A "can-do" mentality and the foresight to anticipate problems before they occur, rather than just reacting to them.
Resilience and Stamina: The physical and mental endurance to handle long, often irregular hours (12-16 hour days) in various weather conditions.
Composure Under Pressure: The capacity to remain calm, focused, and professional when faced with high-stress situations, angry residents, or last-minute changes.
Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in preparing a location for filming and, most importantly, in restoring it perfectly afterward.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film, Media, or Television Production
Geography or Urban Planning
Hospitality and Event Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of professional experience. A background as a general Production Assistant on film/TV sets or in a role with heavy logistics and coordination (e.g., event production, tour management) is highly relevant.

Preferred:

Direct experience on at least one professional film, television, or commercial production set. This demonstrates a foundational understanding of on-set etiquette, departmental structures, and the pace of the production environment.