Day 3: The Locations Department

BLOG 3: May 11, 2022

7:40 p.m.

Hours Today: 4

Hours Total: 15.5

Today was a short but sweet introduction to the logistics side of television production. I spent my day with the Locations Department and took in far more information than I could possibly retain without a pen and paper. They gave me a behind-the-scenes view into all the work they do on a daily basis that makes everything function during production. The Locations Department is essentially responsible for the vast majority of the “where” and “how” of filming off-set. They scout locations, then apply for permits from the Mayor’s office, the police department, and the fire department to reserve these locations at the time they want to film. Additionally, they plan exactly where filming, hair and makeup, catering (food, bathrooms, etc), and parking will specifically happen within the confines of the locations they choose, and this process can take weeks from start to finish. Though it wasn’t the most classically “exciting” department I’ve seen or will see, it was absolutely necessary to spend time with these people to get a better understanding of all the moving pieces that make a show like Mrs. Maisel possible in the first place.