NFTS graduate, Caterina Boselli (pictured) completed the diploma in Production Management in 2010 and decided to put her new skills to good use in the locations department.
Starting out as Film Officer for the Film Office of Southwark and Lewisham, Caterina learned all about permits, licensing and the FilmFixer website. Since then, she’s been involved in major productions such as Star Wars Episode VII- The Force Awakens, Snow White and the Huntsman, 47 Ronin and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. She was also part of the team that closed down Tower Bridge in order to film a helicopter flying through it for the 2012 London Olympics.
We asked her why working in Locations is such a great career choice?
What attracted you to working in the Locations dept?
I have always watched movies and wondered in which location they shot a particular scene and the logistics of it. And of course the love of travelling, photography, architecture and for the outdoors.
What was the most exciting or challenging production you've worked on?
Possibly the London 2012 Olympic Games. Imagine having to close down Tower Bridge to the traffic for an entire afternoon on a working day with a helicopter flying through it!
Is there one location or film you're most proud of and why?
Definitely Star Wars VII - The Force Awakens. Sorry, can't say anything about it as I do not want to spoil the surprise but you will see why very soon.
Any tips for Location Assistants and Coordinators, on moving up the locations ladder?
Always be available
Have plenty of initiative
Be able to visualise and find potential locations
Have excellent organisation skills
Have good negotiation skills
Be able to work with budgets (movie magic is a bonus!)
Understand contracts
Understand location authority processes for permits
Have good problem solving skills
Have good communication skills
Be reliable and enthusiastic
Be flexible and able to work long hours
Have a clean full driving license
Have a good working knowledge of health and safety requirements
APPLY NOW for the Assistant Location Mangers Course running from December 7-14th HERE.
Course Information:
This course provides a thorough overview of how an Assistant Location Manager works on a drama production, including the principals and practices of the work involved. The intensive training course includes classroom teaching, a number of location visits, case studies and practical exercises. It is an ideal course for those working as Locations Assistant or similar, looking to advance through the ranks in the locations department. The main tutor is Location Manager Johnny Ludlow - with over seventeen years of locations experience in film and TV, selected credits include The Midnight Beast, A Touch of Cloth, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Smack The Pony, Love Island, Splash!
Over the six day workshop, the course covers:
• The role of the Assistant Location Manager and how they work with the Location Manager
• Understanding the needs of the schedule and budget
• Working with a Director and Production Designer and understanding the creative vision
• Location scouting & presenting the options to the team (including a practical exercise)
• Location agreements and negotiations
• How to manage a location, unit bases and the needs of the production
• Movement Orders and location signage
• How to run a technical recce (including a practical exercise)
• Filming in different locations – historic buildings, public transport, ports & waterways
• Legalities of filming in public spaces
• Road closures and traffic restrictions and working with the Police
• Working with local authorities and filming permissions
• Health & safety – the legalities and legislation of filming including dangerous activities
This scheme is supported by Creative Skillset’s Film Skills Fund, which is funded by the BFI with National Lottery funds, through the Skills Investment Fund.
Pictured are Caterina with her sword Excalibu and NFTS students shooting location
