56
•
LMGI COMPASS
|
Summer 2021
Cirque of the Unclimbables, Northwest Territories, Canada
Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
PM: What have you found to be the most challenging?
MH: At times, I fi nd the careful balance between the ever-
changing needs of production and keeping the location owners
happy can be a challenge.
PM: Do you have any advice for any young assistants just starting
out?
MH: Show up early and don't be late.
Vet locations before you present them! Ensure that the location
is available for the dates and specifi cations required before you
present it as an option.
Plan for as many scenarios as possible. Be prepared for any
type of weather that could occur. Expect changes to things like
dates and crew size. Be nimble!
Be completely upfront with the owners or liaisons of a location.
Build relationships with the key players for each location. If the
location owners trust you, they will be much more willing to
work with you in the future!
And fi nally, be kind and thank everyone for working with and
for you.
PM: What are your tools of the trade? What car or tech gadget or
tool can't you live without?
MH: I am often scouting locations outside of cellphone range,
so I don't go anywhere without my Garmin inReach satellite
communicator. The inReach gives you the ability to send texts
and emergency messages via satellite. You can also put the
device on tracking mode so those who have the link can track
your progress and see where you are at all times. I encourage
everyone to make this item a standard part of their scouting
kit.
I also rely on an iPhone app called Gaia GPS, which allows me
to track my trip, set waypoints and link photos to all of the
locations. I fi nd this is especially helpful when I'm organizing all
of the information at the end of a scouting day.
Another app I like is PeakFinder, which allows you to hold your
phone up to a mountain range as if you're taking a photo and
miraculously learn the names of all of the peaks in the frame!
PM: What made you decide to join the LMGI?
MH: Ken Brooker! The longtime location manager and LMGI
Board member introduced me to the organization. After I did
my research, I realized that I wanted to be a part of this global
location community and share common strategies, struggles
and information. It's been really amazing. I have gained so
much knowledge from the organization—especially from
participating in "Coffee Tuesdays."
