What a Fixer Does in Film Production

Few careers offer more variety than that of a Fixer, the local expert responsible for bringing all the moving parts together for a film or video production. Fixers help productions save time and money by allowing crews to hit the ground running without having to worry about local logistics.

This role demands exceptional problem-solving skills, sharp organization, and a strong network of crew and trusted vendors. For those who thrive ‘behind the scenes,’ it’s a rewarding job but far from easy. Fixers constantly identify potential problems and act quickly to resolve them. Most build their expertise through years of experience in a range of production roles.

“I don’t see creative briefs and scripts anymore. I see jigsaw puzzles. You see the whole production through the eyes of ‘what do I need to shoot here’, not just ‘that’s a cool concept,” said Kent Youngblood, Fixer and Owner of Denver-based Movie Mogul Productions. “You have to become very detail-oriented but I’m constantly thinking about the hundred different things I need to solve. It can drive you crazy.”

Every Day Brings a New Challenge

In the first six months of 2022, Youngblood tackled two major documentaries for European networks, each packed with its own challenges. For the BBC–Studio Ramsay co-production Trailblazers, he coordinated more than 30 locations and activities, provided crew recommendations, and arranged transportation for a three-week shoot.

He managed a 40-person crew with daily company moves—requiring constant adjustments and razor-sharp planning. The team filmed everywhere from a cowboy bar in Cheyenne, Wyoming to the summit of Pikes Peak, all under aggressive timelines. The production launched in January and wrapped in April, capping off one of Movie Mogul’s most demanding and rewarding shoots to date.

A month after completing Trailblazers, he was off on another documentary for France 3 television called Pack Your Rucksack. Although the journey through Colorado was similar, it had a smaller crew and needed language support for a French-speaking crew. A major challenge was gaining access to national parks across Colorado. Due to staffing shortages and permitting issues, getting approved to film was difficult. Having the production designated as “Low-Impact Filming” was critical to success.

By the end of June, Youngblood had travelled over 3,000 miles throughout Colorado and had “way too many Starbucks ice teas and fast food drive-ins. But it was an epic six months of travel. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

Questions and Problem Solving

Every production has its unique requirements and it is the Fixer’s job to come up with solutions. Years of hands-on experience and deep local knowledge help anticipate most needs but that doesn’t mean there aren’t surprises. Requests can range from the challenging to the downright absurd:

Q: Can we get 250 pounds of camera equipment up to the top of the Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Yes… with sledges, plenty of time and lots of manpower.

Q: Can we summit Long’s Peak in February with a crew of 20 people?
No… with a crew unaccustomed to an altitude of 14,259 feet, deep snow drifts and freezing temperatures, it’s a safety hazard.

The Thrill of Accomplishment

Working on an intricate puzzle and clinching it with the final piece is gratifying. “I’ll walk into something and go, ‘This is it’,” said Youngblood. “Everything together: the locations, the crew, the equipment, the travel arrangements… and all under budget. It’s a thrill and a relief.”

Above all, one of the best parts of being a Fixer is how every project is different. “In one month I worked on a network documentary, a music video for a major label, a Vogue fashion shoot and an immersive experience for Netflix,” Youngblood said. “The variety is hard to beat. And the people you meet along the way are awesome.”

From Colorado to Utah, from Wyoming to New Mexico, our team has travelled all across the Rocky Mountain West. We are experienced Fixers that understand the unique aspects of film and television production. We also represent a variety of filming locations in Colorado, as well as local studios offering full production services in Denver, Albuquerque and Cheyenne. If you need a Fixer on your next shoot, drop us a line.