Who We Are
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Location Managers and Scouts are vital members of the design team for film, television, commercials, music videos and print advertising.
Our primary job is to find the settings that best represent the visual concept of the Producer, Director and Production Designer.
This is done through research, scouting and photography. The creative dimension of the location professionals’ work assumes an advanced level of visual and aesthetic sophistication. A blend of intuition and knowledge, especially regarding architectural design, helps us to determine which settings best advance and enhance story and character development.
In addition to providing creative input, the Location Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of locations, and generally will be called upon to do any of the following on behalf of production:
- Meet with those neighbors and merchants directly affected by prep, shoot, or wrap activities.
- Negotiate the location fees, contracts, and associated paperwork.
- Coordinate legal issues with company attorneys.
- Request filming permits with all pertinent authorities, listing filming activities in detail.
- Call in notification of special effects and extended hours. Notify neighbors and gather signatures as required.
- Schedule police, fire safety officers and security personnel.
- Coordinate with company safety department and supervise environmental clearance and studies in an expedited manner.
- Design and implement traffic plans and street closures.
- Work closely with Transportation Dept. to ensure that parking arrangements meet both production and neighborhood needs.
- Prepare directional signage and maps.
- Act as liaison between the public and the shooting crew.
THE LMGA


The Location Managers Guild of America, founded in 2003, is a 501 (c) 6, non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion and interests of our members and our relations with the general public, communities and industry partners.
The LMGA is not a labor union. We do not represent Location Managers/Scouts in wage or working condition negotiations, leaving this responsibility to our unions, including Teamsters, Local 399 in Los Angeles and DGA in New York.
LMGA Board Members:
President: Lori Balton
1st Vice President: Tony Salome
2nd Vice President: Stevie Nelson
Secretary: Kim Crabb
Treasurer: Carole Segal
Bill Bowling - Briana Burke - Robin Citrin - Mike Fantasia - Marie Healy - Jim Maceo - Kent Matsuoka - Peter Orth - Veronique Vowell - Kristan Wagner
Chairman Emeritus: Orin Kennedy
top photos:; Thom Anable, Alasdair Boyd
lower photos: Peter Gluck, Stevie Nelson
thanks to Bill Bowling and Orin Kennedy for their contributions to the list of Location Manager Responsibilities.

