Location Managers Guild International

Fall 2019

The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) is the largest organization of Location Managers and Location Scouts in the motion picture, television, commercial and print production industries. Their membership plays a vital role in the creativ

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10 • LMGI COMPASS | Fall 2019 IN THE NEWS For the seventh consecutive year, the "LMGI Hollywood Location Scouts" panel was a part of the programming at Comic-Con International in San Diego which was celebrating its 50th anniversary. Once again located in the main San Diego Convention Centre, we found ourselves with long lines waiting to get in and had to sadly turn people away as the room was at full capacity. Moderated by John Rakich/ LMGI (Shadowhunters, The Expanse), this year's panel highlighted the international presence of the LMGI, with panelists from Canada, the United Kingdom and both coasts of the United States. They highlighted the creativity, scouting, managerial skills and experiences of Robert Boake/LMGI (Game of Thrones Seasons 1-8), Josh Dillard/LMGI (Avengers: Infi nity War, Ozark), Mike Fantasia/LMGI (Ant-Man and the Wasp, Spider-Man: Homecoming), Cat Kagan/ LMGI (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Guardians of the Galaxy 2) and Dustin Pitan/ LMGI (Avengers: Endgame, Stranger Things). Starting with an incredible sizzle reel edited by Jacob Voelzke focusing on before- and-after comparisons of various locations set to one of the most unique and perfect musical pairings we've done to date, the panel led off with a quick introduction. Dustin Pitan summarized what we do through the stages of production from scouting to wrap. He also elaborated on the differences of working in movies and television projects. As location manager for all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, Robbie Boake spoke about the unique challenges that came up from the writing room, as well as the logistics of the largest sequences ever fi lmed on television. Additionally, he made recommendations for anyone interested in attempting to get into locations closer to where they live. Josh Dillard discussed the unique challenges of high-profi le, big-budget projects— not just dealing with the public trying to get a look but the sheer increased needs of production. Using incredible examples from his latest project, Top Gun: Maverick, Mike Fantasia talked about the complex coordination involved in working with the US military and obtaining approvals from the Department of Defense. Cat Kagan delved into the challenges that come from working in unique natural environments. She also spoke of the need for control and safety with large-scale action sequences, pyrotechnic and stunt sequences, especially when fi lming in large cities— achieving the right look without sacrifi cing the safety of the crew and the public. The audience was eager to interact with the panelists in a lively Q&A, with questions ranging from advice for student and lower budget independent fi lmmakers, to how international regions can attract location scouts and how climate change has impacted the work we do. Thanks to our generous sponsors for making this possible: Big Bear Lake Film Offi ce, Directors Guild of Canada (Ontario District Council), Inland Empire Film Services, Ontario International Airport (ONT), Pacifi c Production Services, Park As Directed, Riverside County Film Commission, Temecula Film Offi ce, Symons Ambulance and Whites Location Equipment Supply. As well a special thanks to all the panelists for being part of this event and LMGI Celebrates Comic-Con's 50th Anniversary John Rakich moderating alongside fellow LMGI members (L to R) Cat Kagan, Dustin Pitan, Josh Dillard, Mike Fantasia & Robbie Boake. Comic-Con attendees listen in to the 2019 LMGI Hollywood Location Scouts Panel. Photos courtesy of John Rakich/LMGI

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