Film commissioners and location managers join forces to launch training course

The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) has teamed up with the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) to launch a first-of-its-kind training course on location management.  

Location Management 101 course at AFCI University is targeted at those who want to understand the role and responsibilities of location managers working in film, TV, commercial, print and other types of media production.

The course will cover topics such as location research, planning, scouting, budgeting, permitting, photography, laws/regulations, transportation, security and equipment.

It will explain how to work effectively with the various entities involved in on-location production, including film commissions, property owners, residents and businesses. In addition, it explores how location managers play a role in broader industry issues, such as workforce diversity and inclusion, COVID-19 compliance, on-set safety and sustainability.

“AFCI recognizes the value of providing a well-rounded understanding of the location manager’s role -- not only for its film commission members but for anyone who works on-set or is interested in pursuing a career in production,” said AFCI president Eve Honthaner. “To develop this course, we turned to the best professionals in the industry”

The curriculum was created by longstanding LMGI members, whose credits include Mission Impossible, The Irishman, American Crime Story, Tomorrowland and Men in Black. They will offer real-world location management tools such as contracts, maps and checklists.

John Rakich, LMGI president, added, “The course provides a unique opportunity to learn about location management from some of the foremost experts in the field.”

Location Management 101 is open to everyone and will be available on the AFCI University website - AFCIuniversity.org. The course is $150 for AFCI members and $300 for non-members. Students who complete the course will earn a joint AFCI/LMGI certificate of completion.