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
Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1225284
Stevie: DOES NEW MEXICO OR THE CITY OF SANTA FE OFFER ANY INCENTIVES TO HOLLYWOOD FILMMAKERS? CP: New Mexico offers a 30 percent refundable tax credit on qualifying TV projects and a 25 percent refundable tax credit on fi lm projects. There is also a 25 percent refundable tax credit that applies to standalone post-production projects. A major development in the last few years was the Netfl ix purchase of Albuquerque Studios, as well as its expected investment of $100 million every year on production in New Mexico for the next 10 years. Stevie: WHAT ARE YOUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE? CP: I most often fi nd myself in the middle of nowhere so I make sure to have the basic survival package: my 10-year-old Ford F150 that gets me everywhere I need to go, multiple weight jackets and hats for the 40-degree swings in weather, a cooler stocked with water, snacks, as well as ample amounts of canned espresso. In the summer, I have my snake-proof work boots close by. My cameras of choice are both small and effi cient: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100, iPhone XS Max. I have a larger Lumix, plus lenses, however, I rarely fi nd myself digging into the camera bag for those while scouting. Stevie: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE JOB? CP: First and foremost, being paid to work with my location's team. Over the years, I have assembled a group of hardwork- ing, talented, thoughtful professionals, each one a friend. I would be pretty useless without them. They are: Austin, Diego, Donovan, Emily, Eric, Greg, Nora and TC. I love the fi rst read of the script, the fi rst scouts with just a handful of people, as well as the chance to work with a fascinating and diverse group of people. Every so often, you'll pick a loca- tion that has never been fi lmed, and it just happens that the owner is struggling to make ends meet, to cover a medical bill, to put food on the table. Bringing a check for temporary relief is something I will never get tired of. IN MY CITY: SANTA FE Stevie: WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF OR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THIS PROFESSION? CP: On location, you are the liaison between the production and the public; be courteous, professional, be quick to accept blame, even if it is not yours to be had, be a force of calm in the chaos. We work with all socioeconomic groups, all have a voice, each carrying the same weight. Also, take the time to look around and be grateful for the chance to work in fi lm. To my younger self or someone just starting out, keep your complaints about catering to yourself. Other than the military, where else are you going to have a job that covers your meals while you're working? Stevie: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE LMGI & HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER? CP: I joined in 2019. It had been on my radar for multiple years. A few colleagues shared with me the benefi ts of being a member. I also wanted to be a part of an organization that promotes our craft. It truly is a unique, yet misunderstood role in the fi lm industry, so anything that helps shed light on all facets of what we do is something I'm eager to be a part of. Top & bottom: Buena Vista Ranch