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LMGI COMPASS
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Summer 2020
are several weekend programs required from contracts and
paperwork, to scouting fundamentals. To upgrade from there
to LM requires other courses, including mandatory supervisor
training classes." The DGC Councils have partnered with the LMGI
to increase understanding of the complexity and inherent value
of strong location professionals. Their regional programs are well
funded, with a full-time training coordinator who oversees the
curriculum, keeping the program relevant with new material, and
currently hosting courses online.
South of the border, Hollywood Teamsters Local 399 supports
an annual slate of voluntary classes. One of the mainstays of the
program is LM Tim Hillman. "Location management is one field
in the industry where you can be hired with zero experience,"
claims Hillman. "As our ranks grew, this became more obvious.
Simple things like filling out a check request or PO, how to budget,
how to communicate with the rest of the crew that depends on
us doing our job properly so as to pave the way for them to do
their jobs. We needed consistency for our own well-being to form
solid, cohesive teams, as well as to raise our position in the film
community becoming a respected part of the whole."
Location manager and producer Mandi Dillin/LMGI (Westworld)
now teaches the union classes she once attended. Dillin aspires
to never stop learning ... to remain open minded to new ideas. To
that end, she says, "The 399 classes are a great opportunity to
review what you think you know and hopefully leave with new
tools to help you on the job. When staffing my team, I look for
assistants who have taken some if not all of the classes. It tells
me they have both interest and initiative to improve their skillset.
Education is one of the building blocks of raising the bar of our
craft."
Hillman is finally becoming happy with the purpose and popularity
of the classes. Frequently, instructors from one class take others.
Hillman adds, "Our classes are designed to teach newbies the right
way to do things and to remind seasoned professionals of things
they may have forgotten or never knew. Location professionals
are always under pressure to produce results at an astounding
speed. These classes offer time-saving techniques that can shave
time off your long workday."
On this, our 40th Anniversary, we want to reconfirm our dedication
to providing you the best locations and service possible. While there
is unprecedented uncertainty surrounding our industry - we can
assure you that we are here to help you!
Your friends at CAST Locations!
Since 1980, the Location Service you can count on!
(323) 469-6616 www.castlocations.com
President Mike Fantasia at the LMGI/Atlanta session. Photo by Karen Burns
