Being a Location Manager: A Day to Discover the Secrets

In the world of television and film production, the Role of the Location Manager It’s essential. In this exclusive interview with Sofia, one of our expert location managers, we’ll learn about her typical day, the secrets of the trade, and how her role affects her personal life. Sofia also reveals the criteria that make a the ‘perfect’ location for a production.

From her passion for the world of television production to her education in communication, media, and advertising, Sofia offers a unique perspective on her Career path for the role of Location Manager. Find out how Sofia handles her busiest and quietest days, and the secrets to discover new places, and the places that really make her heart race. A complete immersion in the world Behind the Scenes of Television and Film Productions.

At this point, you're probably wondering, “Who is Sofia?”.

Let us introduce her to you.

“There’s no middle ground, and it’s a job where you never get bored. Some days are quiet, while others are extremely hectic. A “quiet” day would be a typical office day, involving calls with clients to discuss their requests in detail and put them in touch with venue owners. On a hectic day, on the other hand, you’re out and about all day between location scouting to look for new ones, visit locations to photograph them and see them in person, and conduct site visits with clients in response to their requests.

”These days, whether it's necessary or just to check in, we also stop by the set to make sure everything is going according to plan and that the owners can rest assured that the entire production is being handled properly."

“One of the key requirements that makes a location perfect is the space. It may seem strange, but this aspect sometimes even takes precedence over the beauty of the location, because any type of production or event requires spacious areas capable of accommodating many people as well as equipment and props. They must also be convenient from a logistical standpoint; in fact, film crews prefer locations on the ground floor, with spacious and easily accessible elevators. For this very reason, it’s important that the area where the venue is located isn’t too crowded or right in the heart of the city center, so that vehicles have all the space they need to maneuver.

One perfect location Then it must certainly to tell a story. In fact, most of the requests we receive are for lived-in spaces—homes that convey the warmth of family and intimacy and that stir the emotions.

Last but certainly not least, the main selling points for a location are definitely the owners; ”; working with homeowners who are accommodating, open-minded, curious, and eager to open the doors of their homes creates the ideal conditions for effectively balancing the needs of the production team, the homeowners, and the location manager."

“Let’s just say that the way I draw inspiration in my research is the classic scouting on the road; I go around the city looking for places, jotting down addresses, leaving my contact information, and—above all—paying close attention to details and everything surrounding a location.

Another approach that shouldn't be underestimated is the social! Instagram is full of profiles that can serve as inspiration, and many users dedicate their profiles to their homes; in this case, too, it’s very important to know how to engage with them and win them over!”

“Many of the locations that make my heart race are the ones where it’s a pleasure to work with the homeowners. Thanks to their willingness to cooperate, a synergy is created that makes working there a joy, and as a result, the location itself is able to convey its beauty.”.

I don't have a specific location in mind, but the places where I would live definitely hold a special place in my heart; those locations with the’modern and contemporary furniture with high ceilings, spacious areas that hold so much light and many colors such as our Giordana's loft or those with large windows, teeming with plants and comfortable like ours Ermenegildo's loft. If you're curious, I recommend checking them out in the our archive!”

“A location manager earns based on how much they work, which is why it’s so important to give it your all—because in the end, the hard work always pays off! The role can be compared to that of a real estate agent, even though it’s a different kind of market and a completely different world.”

“I have so many stories to tell, but what always amuses me is seeing how the homeowners—who are just ordinary families—react when they find themselves in their living room Michelle Hunziker dressed in a diving suit, just like in the Oral-B commercial filmed at our Vanessa's Villa o Bruno Barbieri who cooks Michelin-starred dishes at the Lea's Loft. Filming the ‘Superheroes’ movie’ where Alessandro Borghi starred alongside Greta Scarano in the living room of the beautiful Yago's Apartment.

The families living in our locations always try to experience this day on set as a’a unique and fun experience, creating a memory that will last forever.”