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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With 2023 being the Guild's 20th anniversary, it is fitting that this year's TRAILBLAZER AWARD was presented to commercial scout and LMGA (Location Managers Guild of America) co-founder BETH TATE. Her trailblazing work in the inception, formation and continued support of the LMGI, as well as her stellar career encompassing line producing, production managing, location scouting and art earned her the honor. Enthusiastically presenting Tate with the award was former LMGI 1st Vice President JJ Levine and Guild founding Board member LM Diane Friedman. Tate was inspired to promote the idea for a Guild for location managers and scouts after attending a 1998 art show created in part by the Set Decorators Society of America to showcase its designs for the "best doghouse." Says Tate, "It was a very clever exhibit in that it showed what kind of creative people set decorators were without talking specifically about set design. I kept thinking what could we do to put ourselves in a light that's fun and not necessarily saying 'this is what we do' but actually showing it in a creative way." In 2003, Tate came up with the idea that a photo show featuring the work of location scouts would be a good way to engage her peers in a creative endeavor. Jerry Jaffe and Lori Balton joined Tate to produce In The Zone: Los Angeles Through the Eyes of Location Scouts. Says Tate, "We came together as a group to produce this exhibit that was museum-quality. It wasn't about scouting but it drove home the message of who we were and how clever and creative we were. And I watched the reception opening night at the Pacific Design Center, with us looking at each other's work just going, 'Wow! We are somebody!' We ARE important people; not just logistically but creatively. The director doesn't see anything that doesn't go through us first!" The success of the photo show led to the formation of the nonprofit Location Managers Guild of America to continue promoting the creativity and importance of our craft. Founding LMGA Board member John Grant recalls, "Beth came along like a snowball rolling down the hill, gathering people along the way. Her passion was infectious." While accepting her award, Tate said, "What I really love about the Guild is that it's a group of people who are all pulling together their resources, setting the stage for members who have ideas to do something. We are all sharing this company together and the company's mission is to be a publicity arm for what we do." Tate also gave a shout-out and thank you to first LMGA Guild President Bruce Chudacoff, Chairman Emeritus Orin Kennedy, and former President Lori Balton. She also acknowledged the support of the Guild's business partners, film commissioners, Teamsters Local 399 and the Guild's media partner IngleDodd Media. MIKE FANTASIA/LMGI THE CREATIVE COALITION was honored with the HUMANITARIAN AWARD for its dedication to promoting social change, free speech, education and the federal funding of the arts for the past 30 years. The organization leverages its diverse membership from all sectors of the entertainment industry to make a meaningful impact on the world. Actors Cheryl Hines and Steven Weber presented the award to THE CREATIVE COALITION'S CEO ROBIN BRONK and THE CREATIVE COALITION'S PRESIDENT, ACTOR, PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR, TIM DALY. Academy Award-winning director and former DGA President Taylor Hackford presented the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to veteran location manager DOW GRIFFITH/LMGI, for his lifetime career of scouting and managing more than 65 motion pictures whose locations span the globe. Beginning in 1975 with Carrie for director L-R: DIANE FRIEDMAN/LMGI, BETH TATE/LMGI, JJ LEVINE/LMGI THE 2023 LMGI AWARD HONOREES ARE… "You know how much I and my colleagues value you [location managers] because when it comes down to it, on so many levels, you deliver the look of our films." –Director Taylor Hackford L-R: CREATIVE COALITION PRESIDENT TIM DALY, PRESENTER CHERYL HINES, CEO ROBIN BRONK AND PRESENTER STEVEN WEBER 24 • LMGI COMPASS | Fall 2023