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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8 • LMGI COMPASS | Winter 2024 IN THE NEWS LMGI Hosts Event Down Under First Atlanta, then LA, now Australia! In this celebratory year marking the Guild's 20th anniversary, Sydney was the site of the first film industry event hosted by the LMGI in association with the newly formed Australian Location Managers Guild (ALMG). "This was the first industry event in Australia that had location professionals at the heart," enthuses LMGI Board Secretary/LM Lisa Scope. "And that extends to all the companies that support us during production." Spearheaded by Scope, the November 17 event attracted a diverse industry crowd of more than 70 enthusiastic attendees to Pier One, a boutique edition hotel directly on the water under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. ALMG President Elizabeth Sarsfield spoke about the organization's goal of building networks within the local communities to support filming. SpaceDraft showcased its technology with a demonstration of its innovative mapping system and Maree Cochrane from Sustainable Screens talked about efforts to encourage green production practices. "This inaugural LMGI networking event was a wonderful evening and provided a rare opportunity for all those working in the location department to get together and socialise," says LM Chris Reynolds/LMGI. "I "It's been a privilege to be a part of the LMGI Board for the last 18 months. I'm also eager to showcase location managers in Australia, promote the importance of the cra and establish a LMGI Regional Chapter in the vibrant Oceania Region, which extends beyond Australia. The fledging ALMG focuses locally and we will continue to support each other. I value the global visibility provided by the LMGI through its programs, educational panels abroad and its annual awards show." –Lisa Scope/LMGI hope this can become a more regular event for us, and we can look at hosting these events in different cities and regions across Australia." Adds LM Magdalene Phillips/ LMGI, "After the last few years of disconnection, this was a fun, informative and generous night to celebrate what we do as a location department from every aspect of our industry. Perfect timing—thank you LMGI!" Producer Matt Carroll shares that "attending the Sydney LMGI 20th anniversary event, I was reminded of film life before location managers. This year is 50 years since my first large-budget film as producer. My role then was rolled in with location wrangler, catering and wardrobe advisor. Thank goodness for location managers, as where would we be without you? I'm always amazed how you pull off the impossible. Here's to the next 20 years of amazing locations you manage to get us into!" LM Peter Harris/LMGI sums up the evening: "I reckon it was a great night had by all! So many faces I could finally put names to and some newbies I didn't know. Let's do it again soon!" "LMGI member James Doherty's remarkable efforts in securing sponsors played a pivotal role in the evening's success," concludes Scope. "A heartfelt thank you extends to everyone involved in making this event a reality. The support of our generous sponsors contributed to the seamless execution of this milestone event, setting the stage for more exciting gatherings in the future!" Thanks to: Pier One Autograph Boutique Hotel Sydney • Stage and Screen Travel Australia • Event Engineering Pty Ltd • Troy TJM Earthworks Maguire • On Stage Cleaning® • CATO Location Services • SpaceDraft • Australian Location Managers Guild • Location Managers Guild International L-R: Chris Reynolds/LMGI, Phillip Roope, Mary Barltop/LMGI Maree Cochrane/Sustainable Screens Australia, Lisa Scope/LMGI Pier One Hotel, Photos by Paul Lojszczyk