can say or a source I can guide them to, it is
my pleasure to serve," he humbly remarks. "I
can honestly say sharing like this recharges
me. Mentees' thirst for knowledge reminds
me of myself decades ago." Like many of us,
he shares the need to give back to an industry
we love, speaking to high school and college
classes, community groups, and children of
friends and acquaintances, happy to offer
insider industry advice.
Passing along tricks of our trade has been
informal, in that no schools or certifi ed
training programs exist for location
professionals, with only the occasional
mention in fi lm schools. Some unions have
taken steps to rectify this. The DGC (Directors
Guild of Canada) has member training
with the only offi cial standardized location
programs, but it only goes so far. A national
labor organization representing location
professionals, the DGC consists of separate
councils weighing in on regional matters like
education, workfl ow and rates.
LM/UPM Hans Dayal/LMGI, who has served
on the DGC BC Board comments, "In order
for the craft of location management to be
recognized as on par with the other creative
production crafts, we have to ensure that we
support future generations. Classroom and
practical education is key for making that
happen, elevating our vocation." Dayal would
like "more accreditation—some type of
post-secondary or professional designation
(like project management), or a certifi cate
program." Nonetheless, he credits these
training programs with developing standards
and practices, as well as their professional
code of conduct.
The DGC places a premium on well-
educated crews across Canada. Seeing a
lack of standards and the need for deeper
understanding of production concerns within
the Location Department, they implemented
regional courses with experienced members
creating the curricula and teaching, allowing
LPAs to learn these crafts and begin their
journey on a solid foundation. Completing
the program is mandatory to classify in
higher union categories. While the heart
of their training is basic, there are different
levels as members decide to move forward.
LMGI Board member John Rakich, who also
sits on the DGC Ontario Board, explains, "In
order to upgrade from LPA to ALM, there
nsuring continued ecellence
on location reuires an ongoing,
innovative international symposium
of learning.
