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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12 • LMGI COMPASS | Spring 2021 Photos by Michal Sliwkiewicz/LMGI FilmWarsaw Fam Tour Cześć! Hello! On Dec. 1, 2020, the LMGI series "Coffee Tuesdays" presented a virtual Fam Tour of Poland. With the aid of hosts FilmWarsaw, the Warsaw Film Commission, the Polish Producers Alliance (KIPA), and Postnovation, along with moderators Jennifer "JJ" Levine/LMGI, Dodd Vickers/LMGI and Dana Pohl, Head of Projects at Polish Producers Alliance, we explored several regions represented by their seven film commissions. LMGI members trekked virtually through Lomé: the City of a Thousand Contrasts, and the Łódz Region, an area particularly favored by filmmakers. Poland's varied location opportunities include historic castles, palaces, industrial factories, sacred spaces, green expanses, modern contemporary buildings, and unique alternative spaces. Poland Germany, Berlin, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, The United Kingdom, Czech Republic, France, Italy and Spain, belongs to NATO. It enjoys an alliance with the European union allowing for freedom of movement and a seamless filmmaking process. A-list accommodations offer diverse cuisine, 15 five- star hotels, and a plethora of resources to support film production. Alicja Grawon-Jaksik, President of the Board, Polish Producers Alliance, walked us through their 30 percent cash rebate film incentive program's guidelines and requirements, Polish Film Institute grants and production financing. Mateusz Kozak, Postnovation, stressed that there are no technological boundaries limiting Poland's capabilities as a desirable filming location. Poland has world- renowned pre-production, production and post- production offerings, including gaming, digital restorations, virtual production, animation, mastering, facility sound stage rentals and experienced film crews. Additional thanks go to Dow Griffith/LMGI, Christian McWilliams/LMGI, Marie Cantin, UPM & producer/ educator, Michal Sliwkiewicz/ LMGI, Aldona Machnowska- Gora, Vice President of the City of Warsaw, Anna Spisz, Head of Mazovia Warsaw Film Commission, and Ewa Puszczynska, producer, Oscar winner for the film Ida. An in-depth and lively Q&A session followed the presentations. Fam Tours have been one of the benefits of membership and although COVID-19 has made it difficult to travel, film commissions have found creative ways to present their locations. This virtual journey to Poland was no exception! To view the Fam Tour, please use this link https://locationmanagers. org/lmgi-virtual-famtour- filmwarsaw/ has mountains, 2,000 lakes and salt mines. There are landmarks like Białowieza, Europe's Oldest Primeval Forest, the Palace of Culture and Science, Riese's seven underground structures located in the Owl Mountains and Ksiaz Castle in Lower Silesia. LMGI member Todd Christensen can testify that "the assortment and variety of locations are extraordinary!" Pohl reminded us that Poland, a country flanked by