Why You Need a Fixer on Your Next Shoot

No matter how experienced your production team is, shooting in an unfamiliar location comes with hidden challenges… from complex permitting to unpredictable logistics. That’s where a Fixer comes in. Acting as your on-the-ground problem-solver, a Fixer streamlines every aspect of production so you can focus on the creative.

You may have heard fixers referred to as Production Coordinators or Local Producers, but the term originated in international journalism. Traditionally, a Fixer was a local expert hired by foreign correspondents to handle logistics of a shoot. That meant everything from translation and transportation to securing access and arranging travel. In unfamiliar regions, Fixers were the “connection” that made reporting possible.

As documentary filmmaking and commercial production expanded globally, the Fixer role crossed over. Today, Fixers are a vital asset in film and television production, especially outside the U.S. They offer support at every stage of a production and are often the difference between a seamless experience and a chaotic production.

Fixers bring more than logistical support… they bring local insight. They understand regional traffic patterns, weather conditions, cultural expectations, and location-specific quirks that don’t show up on Google Maps. Through relationships established over time with crews, vendors, and permitting offices, Fixers allow productions to work efficiently and hit the ground running.

How Can a Fixer Help?

The best fixers have deep local knowledge and strong industry connections. So what does that mean for your production? In short, it runs smoother, faster, and more cost-effectively. While no two shoots are exactly alike, fixers consistently provide critical support in the following areas:

Location Scouting: Their familiarity with locations, access points, and permit restrictions allows them to identify visually compelling locations that aren’t widely known. They also navigate language barriers and local dynamics to keep everyone happy.

Location Permitting: Every city, county, and state has its own permitting process, often requiring detailed paperwork and multiple levels of approval. Fixers take this off your plate. They know which agencies to contact, how to expedite requests, and what restrictions apply, ensuring your shoot stays compliant.

Transportation and Accommodations: Fixers handle travel logistics so your crew isn’t stuck, lost, or delayed. They secure the right vehicles for terrain and crew size, hire trusted local drivers, and book nearby lodging that fits the production’s needs and budget.

Hiring Crews: Fixers have strong working relationships with leading crews in their area. This includes Directors, Cinematographers, Producers, Camera Operators, Sound Mixers, Grips, Gaffers and even PAs. They can add individual crew members to your team, or put together a full crew that’s perfect for the job.

Equipment Rental: Whether you need a single piece of equipment or an entire gear package, Fixers can help. They have relationships (and accounts) with all the leading equipment rental houses in their area. Because of these relationships, they can get the best rates, which they’ll pass on to you. Many Fixers also have their own production and equipment insurance.

Why Productions Need a Fixer in Colorado

Colorado is a stunning but logistically complex place to shoot. From alpine peaks and desert canyons to bustling urban centers like Denver and Boulder, the state offers visual variety—but it also comes with unique challenges that make hiring a Colorado-based Fixer essential.

Dealing with Altitude and Weather: Shooting at high elevations (e.g., Breckenridge, Telluride, Estes Park or Pikes Peak) can pose serious challenges for crews and gear. Thinner air affects drones, generators, and physical stamina. A local Fixer understands these limitations and can prepare your production accordingly, whether that means scheduling acclimatization days, sourcing high-altitude specialists, or recommending portable oxygen or hydration strategies.

Simplifying Permits: Filming in Colorado often means dealing with different types of land (e.g., national forests, state parks, county roads, or private property), each with its own rules and timelines. A savvy Fixer knows who to call, what paperwork to file, and how to get approvals expedited. This insider knowledge can shave weeks off your pre-production schedule.

Planning for Remote Shoots: Plenty of film-worthy spots in Colorado are hours from the nearest city. A Fixer helps coordinate transportation, lodging, catering, power access, and safety planning—essential when your shoot is miles from civilization. They can even arrange off-grid solutions like mobile restrooms, satellite Wi-Fi, or emergency medical response.

Hiring Local Crews and Renting Gear: Bringing in a full crew from out of state adds unnecessary cost. Colorado fixers have deep rosters of experienced crew across departments—from camera ops to drone pilots, grips to production designers. They also have strong relationships with regional gear rental houses in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction, ensuring you get high-quality equipment at local rates.

Working with Communities: Colorado residents are fiercely protective of their landscapes. A fixer helps navigate community dynamics and environmental regulations, ensuring your production is welcomed, not resented. They know how to secure local buy-in, minimize ecological impact, and keep your shoot low-profile when needed.

FAQs