Location management - how to manage a film location shoot

Wherever the action takes place on the small or big screen, be it a stately home, an inner city street, a suburban garden or even a carpark, the chances are that the locations department of the production team has been involved in securing the location. Depending on the size of the production, the Locations Department may comprise three separate roles – a location manager, an assistant location manager and a location scout.

The responsibilities of a Location Manager

• Even before a production begins, a location manager will have to find the perfect location, by location scouting.
• From a technical perspective, they need to know what equipment will be needed, for example how many cameras can be accommodated in the space, and what facilities there are there or will need to be provided, such as power sources.
• The location manager will also be required to gain any permissions required from property/business owners and placate any concerns there may be about disruption, security and even noise pollution in the local community.
• By law, a healthy and safe working environment must be provided for all, with relevant Health and Safety legislation being observed. The location manager takes responsibility for this, as failure to observe H&S rules can render insurance invalid.

Portable toilet hire for location filming

The Health and Safety Executive’s guidance for welfare facilities in the workplace is clear – employers must, ‘as far as is reasonably practicable’, provide adequate facilities for staff while at work. In these instances, welfare facilities refer to toilet and washing provision, as well as changing facilities. Additionally, for complete compliance, all location managers must also be aware of their obligations to make the shoot accessible to all.

Luxury toilet hire

Luxury toilet hire enables location managers not only to provide adequate facilities but also facilities that offer comfort, luxury and glamour, befitting of the professionals who will be using them. Roomy enough to accommodate costume changes, and with heaters in all but our smallest unit, luxury trailers are ideal for cold weather shoots. Recessed lighting, flushable toilets and ceramic basins with running water, in addition to well-lit mirrors and indulgent toiletries will be welcomed by all at the end of a long day’s filming. For accessibility, we can also provide luxury disabled portable toilet hire, and disabled shower units, alongside our portable shower units.

Why choose Fortis Hire for your locations shoots?

With over 20 years’ experience in the events industry, Fortis Hire has extensive experience of working with major studios, including Pinewood, Elstree and OMA:X. We understand the pressures on location managers and will work alongside you and your team to provide a reliable and professional service. We provide a full range of luxury toilet trailers, from the luxury 1 plus 1 toilet, perfect as a complement to existing facilities or for more modest spaces, to our luxury 4 plus 2 trailer which can cater for up to 450 people over an 8-hour period. All our units feature an integral water supply so no mains water is necessary and where there is no connection to a mains power supply, we offer generator hire.

To enquire about portable toilet hire for your next location shoot, simply give our friendly sales team a call on 01525 643850. Alternatively, email us at sales@fortishire.co.uk and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.