Location Assistant
Overview: The location assistant is a jack-of-all-trades support role in the locations department. Reporting to the location manager and assistant location manager, location assistants do a wide variety of tasks wherever needed to ensure filming locations are prepared, safe, and well-run. This could mean doing physical work like putting up signs and moving equipment, handling paperwork like distributing maps or notices, or liaising with the public on site. In high-end TV and film, there are often several location assistants who form the core crew on the ground at each location. This is a hands-on role that requires energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to tackle any job (big or small) that helps the shoot go smoothly.
Key Responsibilities:
Location research support: Help the team with researching potential filming locations. This might involve doing quick online searches for certain types of places (e.g. finding several warehouse options in a city), calling venues for availability info, or gathering specific details about a known location (like “does this park have public toilets?”). You might also assist in creating “show-and-tell” boards or presentations – basically, printing and mounting photos of candidate locations for the director to review. If you’re out on a scout, you’ll take your own notes and pictures and then help organize these into the location database or folders so they can be referred to later.
Technical recce assistance: Support the technical recces (location scouting visits with department heads). Before a recce, you may prepare the “tech recce packs” – assembling any maps, schedule, contact list, and site info that will be handed out to crew. During the recce, you’re an extra pair of hands: you might help open up locations, carry equipment, or run ahead to make sure the next location is ready for the team’s arrival. You could be tasked with things like measuring a room or doorway and noting dimensions that the camera or art team ask about. After the recce, you might gather all the feedback (each department often has requirements) and pass those notes to the location manager. It’s a learning opportunity too – you observe what each crew member is looking for at a location.
Community notice distribution: One key task is doing letter drops to local residents and businesses around filming locations. This means you’ll go door-to-door (often wearing a high-visibility vest identifying the film production) delivering notification letters. These letters explain what the project is, when and where filming will happen, and any impacts (like road closures or loud noises). You should be ready to answer basic questions if someone stops you – e.g., “Yes, we’re filming a drama for two days next week, here’s a hotline number if you have concerns.” You keep track of which addresses you’ve covered so no one is missed. Additionally, you might attend community consultation events or town hall meetings as a representative of the locations team (usually with a supervisor). There, you might help set up, hand out info packs, take notes of community concerns, and generally assist in showing the locals that the film crew is organized and considerate.
Preparing the location for shoot day: Well before cameras roll, assist in setting up the location. This can include a range of duties: for example, posting signs – putting up direction signs guiding crew to the location, parking notices (“No Parking – Filming”) to reserve spaces, or safety signage (“Caution: Filming in Progress” or route maps on walls). If the location is indoors, you might lay down floor protection (like mats or plastic sheeting) under guidance, to protect carpets or floors from the heavy foot traffic and equipment. You ensure this is done neatly and safely (taping down edges, etc.). Set up off-set areas: this could mean arranging a green room for actors to wait in (bringing in chairs, mirrors, refreshments), establishing a crowd base where extras will check in (setting up pop-up tents, tables, water coolers), or prepping any additional spaces needed (like a room for child actors, with appropriate furniture or signage). Also, you place bins (trash cans) around the set and base to encourage proper waste disposal from the start. If instructed, you help create simple maps or movement order documents showing how to get to the location or how to navigate between base and set, and you might run these over to the production office or distribute them to departments. In essence, you’re part of the crew that “dresses” the location for filming – not in a creative sense like art department, but in a logistical sense, making sure everything the crew needs upon arrival is there and clearly marked.
Logistics and errands: Be ready to run all kinds of errands in the lead-up and during the shoot. Need to pick up extra copies of a permit from city hall? You grab them. Forgot gaffer tape or batteries? You dash to the store. Perhaps a last-minute piece of kit needs collecting from a rental house – you might drive out to get it. Also, help coordinate deliveries to the location: if a truck with equipment arrives, you show them where to park or unload (under direction from the unit manager). If catering is trying to find the base, you answer their call and guide them in. You become a go-to person for “Can we get…?” requests. This can even include arranging meals or coffee runs for your location team if everyone’s too busy to break.
On-set support during filming: Once filming is happening, the location assistant’s job is to keep the location running smoothly and address any issues that arise. You will often station yourself at critical points: perhaps at the entrance of the location to direct crew, or roving around to spot anything that needs attention. Ensure pathways are clear: throughout the day, make rounds to make sure equipment cases or cables aren’t blocking hallways or fire exits. If you see trash overflowing, empty it (or alert someone to). Regularly check toilets and facilities if they’re provided by the location – sometimes part of the role is ensuring washrooms stay stocked and clean (especially if using a location’s own restrooms). Coordinate with marshals and security: you might help position location marshals at street corners or doors, rotate them for breaks, and provide them with updates (“we’ll be going into a take soon, hold pedestrians for a minute”). Under supervision, you might temporarily take charge of a lock-off point (stopping pedestrian or vehicle traffic during a take). Distribute meals or refreshments: at lunch, you could help guide crew to the catering area or bring coffee to a security guard who can’t leave their post. Essentially, you float and fill gaps – if the location manager needs you to fetch something, you do; if the assistant location manager needs you to relay a message to base, you do; if another department member asks for location-related help (“Can someone hold this door while we move equipment?”), you assist. Also, keep ears open on the walkie-talkie for any calls for “Location” – you’ll respond or ensure someone does.
Noise and environment management: Be mindful of the surroundings and address anything that could disrupt filming. For example, if there’s a loud noise nearby (a gardener’s leaf blower or a barking dog), you may be sent to politely ask for cooperation – maybe the gardener can pause for 10 minutes during a take, or you might offer the dog owner something to keep the dog calm. If a car alarm goes off or a nearby construction site starts drilling, you alert the team and possibly coordinate with production to find a solution (relocating our own unit vehicles causing noise, or asking the city if construction can pause). You might also help manage environmental factors – for example, using a leaf blower or broom to clear leaves if wind is causing continuity issues, or quickly putting mats down if rain starts and people are tracking mud inside.
Crew and public liaison: Act as one of the friendly faces of the film crew on site. For the crew, that means answering “Where is…?” questions (bathrooms, power outlets, etc.), directing new arrivals to the right place (like telling the electrical team where the generator is located), and generally being accessible and helpful. For the public, if people wander near the set out of curiosity, you gently intercept them, explain there’s filming, and direct them around or provide info if appropriate (“We’ll be here until 8pm tonight, you can pass after this take,” etc.). Often a location assistant stands at the perimeter of the filming area to stop passersby during takes and then let them through in between – doing this politely and with a smile maintains good public relations. If any VIP visitors or officials come by, you might be the one who greets and then quickly finds the location manager to handle them.
Enforcing location rules: Help ensure that the crew follows the rules set by the location owner. For instance, if everyone must wear shoe covers in a historic house, you remind people at the door and offer them covers. If no food is allowed outside designated areas, you tactfully redirect a crew member carrying a snack into the allowed zone. It’s part of your job to be vigilant about these things, since the location manager can’t be everywhere. You also keep an eye out for any damage or issues: if you notice a scrape on the floor or a broken vase, report it immediately. Your quick report might allow the team to fix it before the owner even notices, which goes a long way.
Maintaining cleanliness and safety: Throughout the day, and especially when wrapping up, make sure the location stays tidy and safe. This includes doing litter sweeps (picking up trash, emptying bins), checking that equipment is stored securely (so nothing gets stolen or no one trips over it), and making note of any damage to address. At wrap, you’ll often be involved in the final cleanup: collecting all signs and equipment the location department put out, removing floor protections carefully, sweeping or mopping floors if needed, and generally leaving the place as you found it. You might also help pack the location van with all the gear (tables, cones, signs) that needs to return to the warehouse or office. The motto is “leave no trace” – and you’re one of the people who makes that happen. If wrap goes late, you could be among the last on site, doing a final walk-around with a torch to ensure nothing (even as small as tape on a wall) is left behind.
Following health and safety procedures: Always adhere to health and safety guidelines yourself and encourage others to do so. Wear your high-vis vest on location when required, use gloves or hard hats if the situation calls for it, and set a good example. If you spot a hazard – a cable across a walkway or a spill – act to mitigate it (tape it down, clean it up, or call someone who can). Part of your assisting role might be to place cones or safety tape around dangerous areas (like around a generator or a stunt area). Basically, you contribute to keeping the set a safe environment by being the eyes and ears that catch issues early.
Key Skills and Attributes:
Enthusiasm and can-do attitude: A great location assistant approaches every task, even the mundane ones, with energy and positivity. Whether it’s raining and you’re directing traffic or you’re on hour 12 picking up trash, showing enthusiasm goes a long way. It keeps morale up and shows your team that you’re reliable for any job. Curiosity and eagerness to learn are big pluses – you might ask the location manager questions during downtime to understand why things are done a certain way, which helps you grow in the role.
Physical fitness and stamina: The role is physically demanding. You’ll be on your feet most of the day, often carrying or moving gear (like loading crowd control barriers or pushing bins around). Long hours outside are common – hot sun, cold wind, or drizzle, you’ll be out there. You need the stamina to handle this without your performance dropping. Take care of yourself with proper footwear and clothing (which you’ll quickly learn). If you’re someone who enjoys being active and outdoors, this helps a lot.
Attention to safety and detail: Even as an entry role, paying attention to detail sets you apart. Noticing little things – like a sign that’s fallen over, or a cup left on a ornate table that could leave a ring – and addressing them proactively makes a huge difference. It prevents problems and shows you have initiative. Similarly, being safety-conscious is important; always be aware of what’s happening around you on set (moving vehicles, heavy equipment overhead, etc.), so you don’t put yourself or others at risk. Speak up if you see something unsafe.
Communication skills: As a liaison to both crew and public, you need to be clear and polite in communication. Take direction well: listen carefully to instructions from the location manager or assistant location manager and confirm if needed (“Got it, you want me to cone off the east lot and then check the back gate?”). When talking to the public, be courteous, patient, and positive – you’re an ambassador of the production. On the radio, keep your messages concise and acknowledge calls (the phrase “Go for Location” might become second nature when someone calls your department). If you’re not sure about something, ask – better to get clarity than to guess wrong.
Teamwork: Be a team player. The locations team often operates like a unit – you back each other up. If you finish one task, check if your teammates need help with theirs. Support others: for example, if another assistant is tied up dealing with a delivery, you might take over their letter drop route. Collaboration with other departments is also key; you’re there to help the whole production, not just locations. A willingness to assist a grip moving a cable or help carry sound gear through a tricky location builds good will.
Reliability and punctuality: In locations, the day often starts before the main crew arrives. Being on time (actually, early) each day is crucial – the team is counting on you to help get set up. If your call is 5am and you’re five minutes late, that could mean a generator isn’t on or a road isn’t coned off when it should be. Build a reputation for always being where you need to be, ready to go. If you’re given responsibility over something (even as small as “guard this door”), take it seriously. The location manager should feel they can assign you a task and not worry – they know you’ll handle it or inform them promptly if there’s an issue.
Problem-solving mindset: Although bigger decisions will be handled by your supervisors, you can still solve small problems on your own as they arise. If rain is forecast later, you quietly fetch umbrellas or plastic covers in advance. If you notice people keep tripping on a step, you put some tape on it to make it visible. Think ahead and use common sense. This shows initiative and can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. When something unexpected happens outside your authority, remain calm and find the quickest way to get it solved (which might mean notifying the assistant location manager immediately).
Knowledge of local area (navigation): It helps to have a good sense of direction and local knowledge. You’ll often give directions to crew or guide trucks. Knowing the surrounding area of a location – where the nearest coffee shop, hardware store, or hospital is – can make you extra useful. At the very least, be adept with map apps or GPS. If someone says “I need you to pick up more ice from somewhere nearby,” you can quickly figure out where to go.
Adaptability: Shoots can change plans quickly – you might be packed up to move to the next location and then get word that we’re staying put for another hour. As a location assistant, you need to roll with changes cheerfully. If a task gets cut short or altered, you switch gears without fuss. One day you might be dealing mostly with paperwork in the office, another day you’re running base camp parking; being flexible and open to a variety of tasks (and environments) is part of the job’s charm.
Integrity and respect: You’re often entrusted with access to private properties, keys, or handling petty cash for errands. Being honest and respectful in all these situations is non-negotiable. Treat the locations with respect – as if they were your own home. If you borrow anything (even a pen from a receptionist when dropping off a letter), return it. If you promise to be quiet or follow a house rule, keep that promise. Also, respect your colleagues and the public – even if someone is rude to you, maintain professionalism. Your reputation as a trustworthy, respectful crew member will get you recommended for future jobs in the industry.