Why Music Videos Are the Ultimate Training Ground for Location Managers
For any aspiring feature film or TV commercial location manager, music videos are an incredible place to start. They’re fast-paced, creative, and often packed with multiple locations squeezed into a single day. Budgets are tight, the days are long, and the energy on set is off the charts.
I cut my teeth on a few classic music videos back in the day, and some of those experiences still bring back fond memories. These early gigs taught me how to think on my feet, problem-solve quickly, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances — skills that have been invaluable throughout my career.
Here are three music videos that stand out for me:
Jamiroquai – You Give Me Something
Director: Dawn Shadforth
Production Company: RSA / Black Dog Films
Location: ExCel London
Location Brief: Replicating a contemporary Hotel complex
Skateboards and Suites: Shooting Jay Kay’s Funk-Jazz Promo at ExCel with Dawn Shadforth
Back in 2001, I worked on a music video for a Native-American influenced funk-jazz band’s 20th single — a real milestone for them. The video was set to be directed by Dawn Shadforth, who was rapidly becoming one of the hottest names in music video directing.
Dawn scouted the ExCel exhibition centre in London and immediately saw its potential. The vast industrial space had everything she needed — especially an abundance of skateboarding areas, perfect for Jay Kay to show off his moves.
We shot over a packed weekend, moving all around the complex. One memorable challenge was turning a bland meeting room into a stylish hotel suite for the opening scene, proving that even the most ordinary spaces can be transformed with a bit of creativity.
It was a fast-paced, high-energy shoot that really taught me the value of flexibility and ingenuity when managing locations on tight timelines. Looking back, it remains one of my favourite early experiences in location management.
So Solid Crew – Ride Wid Us
Director: Dawn Shadforth
Production Company: RSA / Black Dog Films
Location: Milton Keynes & Milbrook Track
Location Brief: Modern Town / Commercial Buildings & Test Track
Rain, Police, and 23-Hour Days: The So Solid Crew Music Video Shoot
So Solid Crew was one of the biggest UK Garage and Hip Hop collectives in the early 2000s, riding high on success — though controversy seemed never far behind. I clearly remember one shoot in Milton Keynes where the police actually came to visit us on set.
We started the day filming driving scenes on the long, straight track at Milbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire — ideal for capturing those slick car shots. After wrapping there, we moved to Milton Keynes for an all-night shoot. Rain poured down relentlessly, but we pushed on, filming right through until the sun came up the next morning.
By the end of that day, I had logged a tough 23-hour shift — a true test of stamina and patience. Between battling the weather and handling unexpected police interruptions, it was a vivid reminder of how unpredictable and demanding music video shoots can be.
That experience taught me a lot about adaptability and keeping calm under pressure — essential skills for any location manager.
The Sea Horses – Love Is The Law
Director: Nick Egan
Production Company: Propaganda Films
Location: Eastbourne
Location Brief: Traditional English Seaside Promenade
A Long Day on the South Coast: Shooting The Seahorses’ Debut Video
After legendary guitarist John Squire left The Stone Roses, he formed The Seahorses — and their debut single, released in April 1997, marked an exciting new chapter. I had the chance to manage location for that music video shoot, and it was definitely a day to remember.
The shoot started super early — I left my Earls Court home around 3 a.m. and made the journey down to Eastbourne on the South Coast. We filmed across the promenade and on the beach, working against the clock and the tides. Although I’d given production the tide times, they tried to stretch filming longer than was safe — which led to a memorable moment when the band’s instruments and some equipment started floating out to sea with the rising tide.
After wrapping in the early hours of the next day, I grabbed a quick nap in a roadside lay-by before heading back to London — a marathon 24+ hour day.
This shoot perfectly illustrates why music videos are such valuable training grounds. They demand creative problem-solving, precise logistics, and nonstop energy — skills that have stayed with me throughout my career.
Music videos are the perfect training ground — a crash course in creativity, logistics, and pure hustle. If you’re starting out in location management, don’t underestimate the invaluable lessons these fast-paced, high-energy shoots can teach you.
Here are the three Music Video’s:
