Overview of the role
Reporting to the location manager and working within the location department, location assistants carry out a range of essential tasks to support the work of the location manager and wider department. Locations might include external areas, particular landscapes, historic buildings and interiors.
Typical tasks include supporting location recces, photocopying and compiling information, helping to prepare the location for crew, cast and participants, and making sure locations remain clean and safe during filming.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of production.
- Research specified information about locations
- Help prepare location information for others on the production
- Take and store clear photographs or videos of chosen locations, supervised by the location manager
- Assist with arranging access to locations, and meet location contacts ahead of staff arriving for recces
- Help with food and drink orders
- Carry out letter drops to local residents and businesses about the nature and schedule of filming, where appropriate
- Attend and help administrate public consultation events
- Put up notices about parking, access requirements, restrictions and directions to crew around locations
- Under supervision of the location manager, help prepare the location, such as laying out protective floor coverings and setting up rubbish bins
- Set up green room area, participant areas and any additional spaces required
- Help book equipment and supplies for signage, barriers, stationery and consumables, comparing prices from alternative suppliers under the direct supervision of the location manager
- Monitor and feedback usage of consumables to ensure no shortfalls
- Pack and return equipment and materials straight after use
- Make sure other departments know where they are going and all areas are signposted
- Keep all spaces clear of hazards
- Make sure bins are emptied regularly and rubbish is collected at the end of each day
- Ensure marshals are in correct positions, rotated and given breaks under the direct supervision of the location manager or higher
- Help ensure the location team and security are given food and drinks
- Locate and deal with any errant off-set noises cause by the general public or traffic
- Make sure crew comply with location owner’s stipulations, such as wearing shoe covers
- Respond to any requirements from other departments during shooting
- Identify and report any damage to locations and deal with complaints
- Clean locations and clear away any outstanding rubbish and equipment on wrap
- Help to return supplies to suppliers under direct supervision of the location manager
- Work in line with health and safety practice for all aspects of the location assistant role
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of location assistant.
- Protect locations and keep them clean and clear
- Support recces
- Set up spaces for cast, participants and crew
- Assist the location manager, run errands, help with whatever needs doing
- Communication: interpreting others’ requirements of locations and communicating location department requirements to others
- Team working: collaboration within the department and with others
- Research: finding out specific information
- Managing supplies: obtaining basic supplies and monitoring usage
- Event management: high levels of customer service in a fast-paced environment
- Learning the local environment: understanding maps and giving directions
- Resilience, enthusiasm and curiosity: adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Productivity: organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines. Demonstrates the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalates appropriately where necessary
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, and meets the ethical requirements of their profession