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: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1181568
56 • LMGI COMPASS | Fall 2019 PM: What have you found to be the most enjoyable part of your job? MBA: My favorite part of the job is prepping locations. I love the logistical aspect of this profession. It's satisfying to troubleshoot and find a way to bring a production company into a community and ensure they have a positive filming experience. Additionally, when you're in a neighborhood or business district prepping for weeks, you can quickly become familiar with the local inhabitants. It's wonderful to meet diverse groups of people and hear their stories. PM: What have you found to be the most challenging? MBA: The most challenging aspect of this profession is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. At times, especially earlier in my career, I would be consumed with the tasks of the job and find myself neglecting family, friends or even myself. As my career progressed, I became more efficient in my methods and that's allowed me to have a healthier balance between my life and career. PM: What is something you are aspiring to do in locations? MBA: I would love to work on projects out of state. I travel a lot in my personal life and would be interested in spending extended time away from California working and embracing the different sites and cultures. Beyond that, I would like to continue to grow as a location professional and hopefully work on projects that are positively impactful for different cultures and society. PM: Do you have advice for any young assistants just starting out? MBA: A new assistant location manager should remember the phrase, "Work to learn not to earn." Many assistants are in a race to get promoted and become key assistant but, in my opinion, they should make sure they've spent a decent amount of time doing the work of a key before they begin receiving the title and pay boost. I was an assistant for two years before I bumped up. Even though I was an ALM, I spent my second year asking managers for opportunities to do KALM tasks. Sometimes assistants are always asked to close the set; if they get consistently stuck in this role, it will stagnate their growth and make them less marketable. Asking your manager for opportunities to scout, do to work in locations, you have to understand this is a career, not a job. It's a demanding career with little to no gratitude for success, yet full accountability for failure." Beyond the technical advice about scouting & logistics, that's the greatest advice I received—the simple, harsh reality of this career. Part of the legacy of my last name is understanding how this position should be performed with a sense of pride & respect. PM: How long have you been working in the Location Department and what do you primarily work on? MBA: I have been a location professional for four years. I primarily work in television, having done three seasons of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and three seasons of VIDA. I have also done features, including Roman Israel Esq., starring Denzel Washington and the upcoming Eddie Murphy film, Dolemite Is My Name.