Movie Magic; Location Managing

When you watch a film, you are taken to so many different places as the story unfolds. It may be a beach, a city street, a helicopter in the sky, whatever the location may be, there is a hard working person behind the scenes who makes it all possible. They help to provide the canvas that is needed for the story to be told. Recently, I had the pleasure and opportunity to speak with France Myung Fagin about her experience as a location manager in the film industry. I am grateful for her sharing her experiences and giving me insight into this exciting industry.

Through my conversation with her I learned what it really entails to pull off some awesome movie magic. A typical day for Fagin is something that everyone may not be used to. Her main goal may be finding the perfect setting that fits the director’s vision for a scene, but it certainly doesn’t end there. After a location has been found and pitched to the director with a reason why it will work for the story, logistical plans must be thought out in order for a smooth production to take place. France describes this process as “planning a wedding for 200 people at each location.” Everything regarding each location is carefully planned out from getting necessary permits, to negotiating the financial aspect of the location, to where production vehicles will be held, as well as any security issues that may need to be addressed.

With an impressive number of credits to her name, France’s success is all thanks to her dedication to her work. As an aspiring filmmaker breaking into the industry, dedicating yourself to what you want to do is something that will be essential for your success. France shared with me that through interning and working as a production assistant, she learned a great amount of information that helped her get to where she is today. Although these positions may be unpaid, it is your dedication and ethics put forth into your work that will result in stepping-stones to other great opportunities.

Teamwork is one thing that France enjoys most about her job. Being part of a production she compared to being on a team where there are no slackers and everyone gives 110% all the time. The creative aspect also is something she enjoys as day after day she gets the chance to make something out of nothing. The pay off……watching the magic on the big screen. I can only imagine what it is like to see something that you put your all into being projected in front of a large audience. From start to finish there are many challenges that are overcome, but when it is all said and done the one word that can sum up the entire experience is magic.

Being persistent and constantly working to gain experience is key as she describes every minute being an opportunity. Speaking with France inspired me to keep going for my dreams. If I model my work ethics like France, through hard work, dedication, and most importantly asking questions, I know I can make it in this industry. I am more then excited to start showing others what I am capable of as I start to establish myself in the film industry. Thank you France for taking the time to give this aspiring filmmaker a peek into your life and your success as a location manager.