Real-Life Communication
A location manager spends the better part of their day communicating
their ideas with others on the set. Communication skills are the most important
skills to have in this field. Next are map reading skills and logistic skills,
say Ashley Hathaway and Timothy Stone.
"You must communicate to everyone
you come in contact with. It's so important to be clear and cover all
bases by letting everyone know what you need and what your intentions are,"
says Hathaway, who works as a location manager in San Francisco.
Oral
communication skills will be the difference between getting jobs and not getting
jobs. Written skills are less important, agree both location managers. "Know
how to make friends without being fake. It's really important for finding
and using locations. You have to make deals with people," says Hathaway.
Stone
says, "Knowing someone can be the key to getting a job and not getting a job.
And only after getting some experience will you get jobs. This is sometimes
a catch-22."
A director hands you a script. There are three shots that
are circled in the script: EXT. PEACH ORCHARD, INT. TRAIN STATION, and EXT.
MAGNIFICENT BACKYARD.
It is your job to make the best match of locations
within your area. You need to compose a letter to Mr. Bosch, who owns the
big mansion on the river. You think his backyard will be perfect for the shoot.
However, you know he can be difficult.
You want to let him know that
he will be reimbursed graciously for lending his property to the film, his
property will be famous, and the film crew will leave the property as they
found it, if not better. Be creative and convincing. Add anything else you
think might convince him.