Locations Trainee
Overview: The locations trainee is an entry-level role often for someone new to the film/TV industry, working within the locations department. As a trainee, you’re there to learn the ropes and assist the team with basic but important tasks. You’ll do a bit of everything – from manual work like setting up cones and picking up litter, to administrative errands and observing how locations are managed. Think of it as an apprenticeship: you might not have major responsibilities on your own yet, but you’re contributing to the team and gaining the experience needed to move up to a location assistant role in the future.
Key Responsibilities:
General site support: Be ready to assist with any odd jobs or basic tasks needed around the location. This can include being a runner/messenger (carrying messages or small items between the location and production office or between departments on set), doing sweeps of the area to ensure it’s tidy (you may literally be picking up litter, emptying trash bags, or cleaning up after lunch), and helping set up or pack down equipment. You’re essentially an extra pair of helping hands – if the unit manager needs help unloading tables from a truck, if the location assistant needs you to hold a sign in place while they tape it, or if the location manager needs copies made of a map – you jump in and do it. No task is too small, as each contributes to the overall smooth operation.
Traffic and parking control: Often, a trainee will help as a traffic marshal. Under supervision, you might be stationed at an entry road or parking lot to direct cast and crew vehicles to the correct spot. You’ll wear a high-vis vest and possibly use a walkie-talkie to communicate. For example, you might flag in trucks to the unit base, ensure nobody unauthorized parks in reserved spots, or hold traffic temporarily when the crew is filming an exterior shot (always under guidance and usually in conjunction with professional traffic management if on a public road). You may also help put out traffic cones and signs early in the morning to mark off the production’s area and then remove them later. This part of the job is crucial in keeping the logistics organized and the public safe.
Area cordoning and set security: Work with location marshals or security to cordon off areas where filming is taking place. You might help string up reflective tape or set out “Crew Only” barriers around the set or the unit base. During shooting, you could be positioned at a perimeter to kindly stop members of the public from wandering into frame or to direct pedestrians to an alternate path. Essentially, you serve as a friendly barrier – protecting the set’s space so filming can proceed without interference. If you’re at a public location, you might answer basic questions from passersby (“We’re filming a TV show, we’ll be done by 6pm,”) while ensuring they heed the signs and boundaries.
Guiding crew and vehicles: Act as a guide for crew members and deliveries arriving at the location. As one of the first on site (trainees often arrive early), you learn the layout and then help new arrivals find their way. For example, if a new crew member arrives looking lost, you show them where the unit base or set entrance is. If a delivery truck arrives with props or catering, you might hop in and show the driver where to unload or park. On large sites, you could be given a map and a radio to coordinate incoming vehicles (“Base, this is trainee at Gate 2, sending the costume truck your way now”). Good navigation skills and knowing the site well are key here; you become a point-person for directions.
Running the locations van (supplies): Many location departments have a van stocked with equipment (cones, signs, tools, cleaning supplies, etc.). As a trainee, you might help manage the stock of this van. In the morning, you’ll assist in checking that it has all expected items and loading any extra supplies needed for the day (for example, putting additional heaters on board if it’s going to be cold, or extra matting if shooting in a muddy field). Through the day, you may be the one sent to fetch things from the van as needed (“We need three more folding chairs on set – trainee, can you grab these from the van?”). You keep an unofficial inventory in your head and restock items after use. At the end of the day, you help pack the van back up and ensure nothing is left behind. Keeping the van organized (coiling cables, cleaning equipment before storing) might fall to you, under guidance from the assistants.
Handling petty cash and receipts: Often the location department deals with small purchases (like buying coffee for neighbors or extra gloves for crew). As a trainee, you might be entrusted with small cash errands. For instance, your supervisor gives you some cash to run to a nearby shop to buy bottled water or to pay a local kid to not mow the lawn during a take (yes, it happens!). You then keep the receipts for everything you spend and return the change and receipts promptly, logging them if required. It’s a good way to demonstrate responsibility – always be transparent and careful with any money given to you, and keep those receipts safe (they’ll need them for accounting).
Setting up cast/crew areas: Assist in setting up temporary facilities such as green rooms or break areas. If the crew is using a community hall as a dining area, you might arrive early with the team to arrange tables, chairs, and put up directional signs. If cast members have a tent to wait in on set, you help erect the tent and lay out chairs, maybe even a heater or fan if needed. With extras, you might help the AD team by gathering extras at the crowd base and walking them to set at the right time, ensuring none get lost on the way. Essentially, you’re there to help create comfortable, functional spaces for everyone.
Maintaining the location throughout the day: Keep the location tidy and functional as filming progresses. This means doing periodic trash rounds (picking up litter, emptying full bins into larger bags or skips), restocking supplies like water coolers or snack tables if those run low, and keeping an eye on things like bathroom cleanliness (perhaps checking that toilet paper and hand towels are available, and notifying cleaning crew if something needs attention). If weather conditions change, you react – for example, if it starts raining, you might help roll out mats to prevent mud, or if it gets hot, distribute water or fans. Be proactive: if lunchtime is approaching, you might start setting up the eating area a bit ahead of time, or if the sun is setting, helping set up some lights around walkways.
First in, last out: A phrase you’ll hear is that location teams are often the first to arrive and last to leave a location. As a trainee, you’ll experience this: often coming in early to help prep and staying late to wrap out. In the mornings, you might help unlock gates, turn on lights/heaters in holding areas, and do a final sweep to ensure all is ready before the main crew shows up. In the evenings, once the shooting crew is gone, you stick around with the location team to pack everything up and make sure the site is fully restored. This can involve general cleaning, removing all signs, collecting equipment, and double-checking that nothing is left behind (you might walk through a location with a checklist to ensure, for example, all windows locked, all tape marks peeled off, all borrowed furniture returned to original places). It’s often quiet at this time, and you get to see the satisfying result of returning a location to normal. It teaches you thoroughness and diligence, even when you’re tired at the end of a long day.
Observation and learning: While not a “responsibility” in terms of tasks, a huge part of the trainee role is to actively observe and learn from the rest of the team. Watch how the location manager negotiates or troubleshoots, note how the assistants handle calls and delegate tasks, and pay attention to how various departments interact with locations. When appropriate (and during downtime), ask questions. The crew generally knows you’re there to learn, so many will be willing to share knowledge if you show interest. Over time, you’ll become familiar with the terminology, the process of securing and managing locations, and the flow of a production day. You’re essentially being paid to learn while helping out – make the most of it by being curious and engaged.
Key Skills and Attributes:
Eagerness to learn: The most important thing for a trainee is a great attitude and willingness to learn. Show up each day ready to absorb new information, and take feedback constructively. You won’t know everything at first, and that’s okay – what’s key is that you demonstrate progress and genuine interest. Being enthusiastic about tasks (even the mundane ones) and then asking thoughtful questions when appropriate (like during a break, “Hey, I noticed we used a different route for the trucks today – why was that?”) shows that you’re engaged and serious about learning the craft.
Reliability: As the most junior person, one of the best ways to stand out is simply to be reliable. If you’re asked to do something, do it promptly and see it through. If you’re scheduled to arrive at a certain time, be there a little early. Follow instructions carefully – if your supervisor tells you to take note of something, write it down so you won’t forget. The rest of the team needs to trust that you can handle the small things so they can focus on the big things. Building that trust by being dependable is key to progressing.
Positive attitude and resilience: Filmmaking can be tough, and being a trainee means you sometimes get the less glamorous tasks. Having a positive, can-do attitude goes a long way. Smile, be friendly, and don’t grumble about the work – every producer or location manager values a trainee who remains cheerful under pressure. Also, be resilient: you might get tired or face challenging situations (like dealing with an upset neighbor or cleaning a messy area), but showing that you can handle it with grace is huge. Remember, everyone above you likely did these same tasks when they started, and they understand it’s not always fun – displaying grit and determination will earn their respect.
Good communication (listening especially): You’re there to follow instructions and eventually take on more responsibility, so listening carefully is crucial. Pay full attention when someone is explaining a task; if you’re unsure you caught it all, politely ask for clarification. When reporting back, be clear and concise: e.g., “I delivered letters to all houses on Oak Street; about 3 people had questions which I answered, and no issues came up.” Use the radio properly – you’ll be taught the etiquette (like saying your name/position when responding). Being polite and humble in communication is important too; you’re at the bottom of the chain, so a respectful tone with everyone (fellow trainees, security guards, PAs, all the way up to directors) is expected.
Map reading and navigation: Develop a good sense of direction and navigation skills. If you’re not already comfortable with reading maps or using GPS, make an effort to improve. Often you’ll be guiding others or being sent on errands, so knowing how to quickly figure out where you are and the best route is a great skill. If you’re working in a city, learn the main streets and landmarks; if you’re in a studio or large complex, memorize the layout. Not getting lost (and helping others not get lost) is part of the job!
Physical fitness: While not every trainee is an athlete, you should be prepared for the physical nature of the work. Being reasonably fit helps because you may have to carry heavy objects (with proper technique, of course) or stand/walk for hours. If you have any physical limitations, let your team know so they can accommodate, but in general, building up endurance (through, say, regular exercise) will make the job easier. Also, taking care of your health – staying hydrated, wearing weather-appropriate clothing (you’ll learn to keep a kit of essentials like rain gear, sunscreen, etc.) – will keep you performing well on long days.
Observational skills: Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Over time, try to anticipate needs. For example, if you see that the trash is piling up, you don’t need to wait to be told – go empty it. If you notice the location manager patrolling looking for a particular person, you can ask if you can help find them. Being observant also means noticing small details that others might miss: a fence gate left open that should be closed, or a piece of equipment left behind after wrap. Your fresh eyes can catch things that a busy senior team might overlook.
Team player mindset: Even though you’re the most junior, you’re part of the locations team. Support your colleagues and they’ll support you. That could mean volunteering to take on a tedious task to lighten someone else’s load or sharing a discovery (like finding a shortcut path on a large location that everyone can use). Show that you’re invested in the group’s success, not just doing your isolated assignments. Also, never disparage fellow departments – maintain a cooperative attitude with everyone. If something isn’t your department’s job (say moving a prop), you can still lend a quick hand if you’re free; that goodwill often comes back around when you need a favor.
Basic technical skills: You don’t need advanced tech skills, but knowing how to use a smartphone or walkie-talkie effectively is important. For instance, being able to take decent photos or videos of a location if asked (and then knowing how to share them with the team quickly), or using apps like weather forecasts and compass (sometimes used to check sun position for locations). Over time, you might also learn to use the location department’s software or databases – be ready to pick those up. Also, if you drive and have the appropriate license, being a confident driver (perhaps of a van) can be a big asset, since trainees often run errands.
Honesty and work ethic: If you make a mistake (and we all do, especially learning), be honest about it. If you accidentally forgot to lock a door or missed a house on a letter drop, inform your supervisor as soon as possible so it can be fixed. Lying or covering up will erode trust quickly. Show a strong work ethic – sometimes you’ll be unsupervised for a bit; use that time productively rather than slacking off (e.g., if waiting at a door during a take, maybe tidy up nearby or review your next tasks in your head). People will notice if you’re consistently hard-working, and that’s exactly what you need to move up in the industry.
As a locations trainee, you’re essentially learning by doing. Embrace every task as a chance to prove yourself and to understand the bigger picture of location management. Over the course of a production, you’ll likely transform from a complete newbie to someone the team can truly count on – and you’ll have built a foundation of skills to step into a location assistant role on future projects. Good luck, have fun, and soak up all the knowledge you can!