#26: Adam Betterton, Location Manager - Navigating Film Locations and Career Paths

Filmmaking Framed

Join us as we sit down with Adam Betterton, an experienced location manager known for his work on projects like Jurassic World Dominion, Killing Eve, and Black Mirror. In this episode, Adam shares his journey into the film industry, the critical role of a location manager, and how he has helped others break into the field. Adam discusses the importance of tenacity, creativity, and practical problem-solving in scouting and managing locations. Learn about the challenges, rewards, and surprising aspects of working behind the scenes in film locations, including navigating council regulations and finding the perfect spots for complex scenes. Aspiring filmmakers will gain valuable insights into why starting in location management can be a fantastic entry point into the industry, offering unique opportunities to network, develop a deep understanding of film production logistics, and see some of the most extraordinary places. Discover the unseen career path that is essential to the success of any film production.

Key Lessons

• Persistence Pays Off: Adam stresses the importance of persistence in location scouting. Keep knocking on doors and following up to find the perfect spot and build lasting relationships.

• Practical Creativity: Adam highlights balancing creativity with practicality. A location must not only look great but also be logistically feasible for the crew and equipment.

• Networking and Mentorship: Adam shares a story about helping a Starbucks employee break into the film industry. This underscores the value of networking and mentorship, showing how strong connections and a good work ethic can open doors in unexpected ways.

Resources

• Lavish Locations: An agency specializing in residential properties.

https://lavishlocations.com/

• National Trust: For finding stately homes and larger historical sites.

https://www.nationaltrustimages.org.uk/filming-locations

• Facebook Groups: Such as "Location Department Juniors," which offer a platform for networking and information sharing among film professionals, facilitating job opportunities and community support.

https://www.facebook.com/share/7XxPb1aoNHwHGbPa/

Filmmaking Framed is proudly supported by Centroid Motion Capture, a leader in providing state-of-the-art motion capture technology to the entertainment industry.