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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LMGI COMPASS | Winter 2021 • 11 Quarantine Program" which has helped streamline production's requirements for cast and crew traveling to Hawaii. Another LMGI business partner, the Virginia Film Office, is also a finalist for attracting major productions to its state with a 3,000-acre historical backlot that has no permit fees. "The State Farm" boasts fields, woods, streams and a growing number of Civil War period sets, which are always in demand by filmmakers telling stories related to that era or region. LMGI past president Lori Balton joins a panel of judges that include Ty Warren/Netflix VP of Physical Production, Emily Stillman/Senior VP Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (UK) and Rolf Viehrig/ President Locations Scouts Guild of Germany (BVL) (DE). Says Balton, "It's an honor to be on the judging panel for the inaugural Makers & Shakers Awards. There are so many creative problem-solvers in our midst, it's great to have a platform from which to sing their praises. There is an awful lot of making and shaking going on in these strange coronavirus times. Here's to better days, stronger constitutions, and acknowledging our small army of trailblazing makers & shakers!" For more information on the awards, please visit: https:// makersandshakersawards .com This November, location manager Diane Friedman/ LMGI (Insecure, Versace, 90210) moderated a two-hour panel on the art of location scouting and management for the "Producing Film" class at Northern Arizona University (NAU). "This is the only class that focuses on what goes on behind the scenes, like script breakdowns, production schedules, budgeting, etc.," explains NAU professor Paul Helford. "I also try to expose students to industry jobs besides the usual. They all want to be writers, directors, cinematographers, but there are many more paths into production for them to consider." "I jumped at the opportunity to enlighten these 60 plus future filmmakers on what we do!" says Friedman. "I put together a panel that included perspectives from seasoned pros and also from someone who is just starting out." She invited veteran location manager Walter Roshetski/ LMGI (Criminal Minds, Mank) and key assistant Frances Reyes Bolinger/LMGI (13 Reasons Why) to join in the Zoom and share their experiences. Based on a class survey, the programs they worked on were among the top shows the students wanted to hear about. "I enjoyed being asked to be a part of the panel and speaking with the students about the location world, while reminiscing about my 15 seasons on Criminal Minds," says Roshetski. "We dazzled the students with sizzle reels and 'before and after' production pictures from shows we had worked on," adds Friedman. "We stressed that no matter where they eventually find their place in the industry, it is so important to understand what the location team brings to the creative process, both visually and logistically." Reyes Bolinger felt that the experience expanded her empathy to all the teachers out there trying to have meaningful lessons in the digital classroom. She relished the chance to connect with strangers stuck at home during the pandemic. "We got to share about what we do for a living from the comfort of our own spaces and even got to reach students in China logging in at 1:30 a.m.! It also keeps me grounded remembering how I started and what these students might be feeling and going through. Professor Helford sent us the feedback and it was so validating to hear the students reach out to thank us and share that our words had resonated with them. Here are some of the comments professor Helford passed on from the class: "Our location manager guest speakers made one thing very clear; that having good people skills and connections goes a long way for this career path… I liked how much care goes into the property that is being used so they do not cause any damage which can be more expensive… It involves an incredible amount of organization plus knowledge for the show that you are working on, allowing for a location and possible set design that creates the right kind of mood or feel that the show requires… I had always wondered where Criminal Minds was filmed and how many different locations were needed… Listening to their journey in their careers was inspiring … it taught me to never ignore other facets of the film industry… Frances talks about being transparent to the people you're talking to so that they can trust us and cooperate more in the process of shooting—especially if the subject matter is sensitive… I will definitely start paying more attention to locations in the shows and movies that I watch now. I think I have a whole new perspective on this important department!" Roshetki was heartened to see that they had made an impression. "I think the students came away with a better understanding of a craft that they may have overlooked or misunderstood. It was great to pass on what I have learned over the years and hope that it will help them as they figure out what they want to do and where their talent and interests will take them. Friedman formatted the NAU presentation based on LMGI's recurring program, "Coffee Tuesdays," frequently hosted by Jennifer "JJ" Levine. "It gave me an idea on how to structure the panel. I know that other LMs have spoken before classes, but most likely in person! I encourage anyone who is asked to share what we do with the next generation to do it! It is a truly gratifying experience." Northern Arizona University Location Manager Panel