H is for Hawk: A Q&A with Tim Faulkner, the Film’s Devon-Based Location Manager
Published February 2, 2026
A Location Manager is crucial to a film’s production. Their work includes scouting for the best locations, and working closely with the director and production team to realise the creative vision of the project.
Devon-based Tim Faulkner was the Location Manager for H is for Hawk, a film rooted in its lush landscapes. We had the pleasure of asking him a few questions about his work. In this Q&A, Tim tells us about how he chooses locations, his love of Devon, and what it was like working with a bird of prey on set…
How did you become a location manager?
I started my career as a general practice surveyor in London. I managed a large portfolio of property but at the same time nurtured a keen interest in film and video making. During this time, I met someone who was a location manager and discovered my dream job. I could combine my knowledge of property and love of the screen. So I made the decision to leave my surveying job. I spent a while assisting location managers and being a runner on various productions, to gain experience. At that time London was booming with TV Ad production, so it wasn’t long before I had my first location manager job.
What do you enjoy about your work?
Seeing a script come to life on the screen. No job is the same, every day is different, there are always interesting locations to discover and new people to meet. I work with great people, most of the time, and love the challenges filming throws up, which we overcome as a team.
Where did you begin when scouting for locations for H is for Hawk?
It began with a good read of the script. Then a meeting with the director and designer to pool ideas, look at references and discuss the tone of the film. A lot of H is for Hawk was set in Helen’s college house so that was the first location I started to look for. At the same time I started researching various locations where we might be able to film the hawk flying.
Claire Foy and her co-star Mabel the hawk
Did having a bird of prey on set affect your decision making at all?
Yes, I had to find a house (and location owner!) which could accommodate Mabel the hawk for several days. The hawk was well trained however there were some ground rules when on set; minimum distraction, no yellow coloured items including clothing and no smoking. I had to bear this in mind for each location where Mabel would be with us and find options which could guarantee this.
As a Devon-based person, are you influenced by Devon landscapes?
Of course! Devon offers a range of beautiful, dramatic and unusual landscapes, so when I am scouting elsewhere I always say ‘I know the perfect location in Devon'.
Are there any locations in the film that you are particularly pleased with?
There is an estate in south Wales where we managed to find several of our flying locations. Not only did they look great on screen, they all looked different so they could represent a number of places in our story, which saved moving each day.
Mabel on set
It was lovely to chat with Tim about his work! It’s fascinating to find out how Mabel the hawk’s presence affected the shoot, and to hear Tim talk so passionately about Devon. We were delighted to have been able to hear Tim’s unique perspective on this important role on a film set, and we hope to see more of his work soon!
H is for Hawk is screening at Studio 74 until Thu 05 Feb. Click here for times and booking.