32
•
LMGI COMPASS
|
Winter 2022
MIKE FANTASIA
LMGI PRESIDENT
HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE
Submissions came in from everywhere, representing diverse
projects that featured a stunning array of international sites. From
the majesty of British Columbia's expansive terrain to the streets
of Bangkok, the Mexican desert to the highways of Estonia, the
industrial rust belt of the US to the castles of the British upper
class—the visual landscape—both natural and manmade—was
on full display, helping to tell the stories that resonate beyond
borders and speak to us all.
Reprising his role as host, the dapper and ever-fragrant Isaiah
Mustafa—former football wide receiver, star of Shadowhunters
and It Chapter 2, and Old Spice spokesperson—kicked off the
proceedings with his unique wit and style announcing that
this year's awards had taken the challenge of creating a virtual
show up a notch from 2020's stellar virtual event: Instead of pre-
recorded acceptance speeches, "This year, the nominees will be
online, but in real-time, so they will be able to accept their awards
the minute we all learn the winner!" This was almost—live TV, and
the added element of excitement was palpable and shared by the
audience and the nalists, who waited for their cues at home with
family, friends and colleagues to appear live from every corner of
the globe as their category was announced.
"During a year when no one could go anywhere, the men and
women of the Location Managers Guild International suited up
and went to work!" proclaimed Mustafa. And did we ever! Our
nominees represent the stories that sustained viewers during the
uncertain time of the pandemic. Even with delays in production
and postponed release dates, a visual cinematic feast was enjoyed
by a receptive and captive audience.
On October 23, 2021, we all assembled virtually, no matter
where in the world we were, to celebrate the role locations play
in the great collaborative effort of storytelling for television and
movies and to honor the talented location professionals who help
bring them to life and onto the screen.
HONORING THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE
LMGI President and Awards Committee Chair John Rakich marveled
at how the Guild has grown: "International isn't a big enough word
to describe what we do. It's easy to imagine a scene taking place at
any point on the globe, or in outer space, or in a world that exists
in a post-apocalyptic universe, but it's another thing to go out and
nd it! Every day we make the impossible possible."
The sentiment was echoed by the rst recipient of the Guild's
honorary awards. "Ultimately, what you and your colleagues
do is almost magical!" enthused producer, writer and director
DIRECTOR DAVID YATES, EVA MONLEY AWARD RECIPIENT
PRESENTER
SUE QUINN/LMGI
