Fixer services in media production refer to the professional support and logistical coordination provided to film crews, television producers, documentary makers and other media teams—especially when working in unfamiliar or foreign locations. A fixer acts as the local facilitator who ensures that every aspect of production runs smoothly, efficiently and in full compliance with local laws and regulations.
These services cover a wide range of essential tasks, including obtaining filming licenses and permits, scouting and managing locations, sourcing local crew, arranging accommodation and transport, handling customs and immigration paperwork, securing equipment rentals and managing on-ground logistics. Fixers also serve as cultural and language liaisons, bridging communication between international teams and local communities or authorities.
By taking care of legal, administrative and operational details, fixers allow producers, directors and creative teams to focus on storytelling and production quality. In essence, fixer services are the backbone of successful on-location media production, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently, safely and within schedule—no matter where they are filmed.
Categories of Fixer Services
Filming Licenses & Permits
- Research and identification of legal requirements for filming.
- Application and acquisition of filming permits from government authorities.
- Coordination with local councils and municipal offices.
- Negotiation and acquisition of private property shooting permissions.
- Compliance with national film board regulations and media laws.
- Securing environmental and heritage site clearances.
- Managing public liability insurance and legal documentation.
- Renewal or extension of permits for extended shoots.
- Liaison with police and local administration for on-site clearance.
- Handling special permits for drone or aerial filming.
Crew Sourcing & Coordination
- Recruitment of qualified local crew (assistants, sound techs, grips, runners, drivers).
- Verification of crew credentials and experience.
- Contract drafting and management for temporary crew hires.
- Scheduling and shift planning for local and visiting teams.
- Payroll and compensation coordination.
- Crew onboarding and orientation sessions.
- Coordination between production heads and local staff.
- Managing union and labor compliance.
- Performance supervision and issue resolution.
- Post-shoot crew feedback and evaluation.
Location Scouting & Management
- Research and preliminary scouting based on production needs.
- Photography and documentation of potential locations.
- Evaluation of lighting, accessibility, terrain and environmental conditions.
- Negotiation of location fees and contracts.
- Obtaining location access and filming rights.
- Coordination with property owners and local communities.
- Location preparation and site setup before filming.
- On-site management during shooting (crowd, weather, noise).
- Restoration and cleanup after filming.
- Maintenance of a database of local filming locations.
Travel, Visas & Work Permits
- Coordination of visa applications for foreign cast and crew.
- Processing of temporary work permits for film personnel.
- Customs clearance for equipment and materials.
- Liaising with immigration and border authorities.
- Arranging travel itineraries and flight bookings.
- Coordinating airport transfers and transport to filming sites.
- Handling lost luggage, customs taxes or import restrictions.
- Renewal or extension of travel documents.
- Providing travel insurance and emergency assistance.
- Monitoring visa compliance and expiration schedules.
Accommodation & Hospitality
- Identification and booking of suitable hotels, lodges or apartments.
- Negotiating group rates with hospitality providers.
- Assigning rooms based on crew hierarchy and proximity to location.
- Managing meal and catering services (on-set and off-set).
- Coordination of dietary preferences and special requirements.
- Arranging leisure or recreation activities for crew downtime.
- Organizing on-set refreshment and break facilities.
- Handling complaints and accommodation issues.
- Coordinating laundry, housekeeping and room services.
- Managing check-in/check-out logistics for large teams.
Security & Risk Management
- Hiring certified security personnel and guards.
- Conducting site risk assessments prior to filming.
- Coordinating with police for security escorts or traffic control.
- Setting up controlled access to filming locations.
- Managing crowd control during public or outdoor shoots.
- Ensuring compliance with safety and occupational standards.
- Emergency evacuation planning and drills.
- Insurance arrangement for personnel and equipment.
- Monitoring weather and political stability for potential risks.
- Post-shoot risk evaluation and reporting.
Transport & Logistics
- Vehicle rentals (buses, vans, trucks, 4x4s, etc.).
- Scheduling daily crew and cast transportation.
- Coordinating airport pick-ups and drop-offs.
- Shipment and customs clearance of production gear.
- Managing temporary storage and warehousing of equipment.
- Tracking vehicle use, mileage and fuel consumption.
- Ensuring insurance coverage for vehicles and drivers.
- Handling breakdowns and replacement logistics.
- Route planning for remote or multi-location shoots.
- Coordination of courier and delivery services.
Equipment Rental & Technical Support
- Sourcing professional-grade cameras, lenses and lighting gear.
- Arranging sound, grip and rigging equipment rentals.
- Verifying equipment quality and insurance coverage.
- Negotiating rental rates and return terms.
- Coordinating delivery and setup of equipment on set.
- Providing standby technical operators and engineers.
- Managing backup equipment for critical shoots.
- Troubleshooting technical malfunctions during production.
- Handling customs clearance for imported tech gear.
- Ensuring safe storage and transport of rented items.
Translation & Local Liaison
- Providing professional interpreters for multilingual communication.
- Translating official documents, contracts and permits.
- Negotiating with local authorities and service providers.
- Advising on local customs, traditions and etiquette.
- Acting as a mediator between local communities and foreign teams.
- Managing public relations with residents and business owners.
- Assisting in media or press communication.
- Supporting script translation or subtitle preparation.
- Liaising with local film boards or guilds.
- Providing cultural orientation sessions for visiting teams.
Production Management & Coordination
- Overseeing daily production schedules and call sheets.
- Coordinating all logistics between departments (camera, lighting, sound, art).
- Budget monitoring and cost reporting.
- Communication between producers, directors and local partners.
- Supervising timelines and milestone achievement.
- Ensuring adherence to production goals and regulations.
- Coordinating backup plans for emergencies or delays.
- Managing supplier and service provider contracts.
- Overseeing local post-production logistics (if applicable).
- Providing wrap-up reporting and documentation.
Cast Management
Here’s a detailed list of sub-services under Cast Management in our company:
Cast Management Sub-Services
- Casting Coordination
- Organizing auditions and casting calls.
- Shortlisting and selecting suitable talent based on production requirements.
- Coordinating with casting directors, agents and talent agencies.
- Managing callbacks and final selections with the production team.
- Contracting and Legal Documentation
- Preparing and managing contracts for actors and extras.
- Handling performance agreements, releases and consent forms.
- Ensuring compliance with labor and union regulations.
- Managing insurance and liability documentation for cast members.
- Scheduling and Call Sheet Management
- Creating and distributing daily call sheets for cast members.
- Coordinating shooting schedules and availability.
- Managing on-set timing, breaks and rotation for cast members.
- Adjusting schedules in response to production delays or weather conditions.
- Talent Coordination and On-Set Assistance
- Assigning talent handlers or assistants to manage individual actors.
- Organizing wardrobe fittings, makeup and rehearsals.
- Coordinating transport, meals and accommodation for cast members.
- Providing welfare and support for comfort and performance readiness.
- Communication and Liaison
- Acting as the link between the cast, production team and director.
- Ensuring cast receive timely updates and instructions.
- Managing communication with agents or representatives.
- Handling special requests or issues raised by cast members.
- Casting Database and Talent Records
- Maintaining an updated database of professional and background actors.
- Recording performance notes, feedback and evaluations.
- Managing archives of audition tapes, photos and bios for future projects.
- Budgeting and Payments
- Preparing and managing cast-related budgets.
- Processing talent payments, per diems and allowances.
- Tracking expenses for extras, stand-ins and guest appearances.
- Ensuring timely payment in line with contractual terms.
- Compliance and Welfare
- Ensuring compliance with child labor laws (for minors).
- Providing health and safety briefings to cast members.
- Coordinating medical support and on-set first aid.
- Overseeing ethical and respectful treatment of all talent.
- Public Relations and Image Management
- Coordinating media interactions and interviews for main cast.
- Managing confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations.
- Organizing press kits and promotional materials featuring the cast.
- Monitoring social media and reputation management during production.
- Post-Production Follow-Up
- Coordinating wrap-up communication and thank-you notes to cast.
- Managing pick-up shoots or ADR (voice re-recording) sessions.
- Distributing final materials or reels to cast upon request.
- Maintaining long-term professional relationships for future productions.
