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 | Spring 2024 IN THE NEWS London Calling: The LMGI at FOCUS & the makers & shakers 2023 The Location Guide hosted its ninth edition of FOCUS with a remarkable turnout of professionals spanning creative screen industries, including film, TV, advertising, games and immersive experiences. This year's event was held entirely in person and welcomed more than 3,500 delegates, exhibitors and sponsors from 84 countries. Across two lively days at the Business Design Centre in London (December 5-6), attendees indulged in an array of conference sessions, meetings and networking events. FOCUS 2023 culminated with the exclusive makers & shakers Awards at BAFTA, celebrating excellence in global production and presented by makers magazine and The Location Guide. The LMGI hosted a popular booth at the event and partnered with sponsor Supply 2 Location Group for a "Location Managers Christmas Drinks" event. "Supply 2 Location Group is a fantastic service provider and we're happy to get to partner up with them this year at FOCUS," commented LMGI President John Rakich. LMGI administrative manager Erika Howard noted, "Our booth has morphed into a great meeting place for our members where they store their gear, chat with us, network, and are always chatty with the businesses and regions interested in learning more about us. It's really great when we have a panel because our booth is always slammed after with the audience wanting to know more and connect." John Rakich hosted a panel discussion entitled "Everything You Want to Know About Locations But Were Afraid to Ask." Other LMGI members on the panel were Melissa Downing, Mike Fantasia, EJ Richards, Jodi Moore and Jason Nolan. At the event, Ian Pearce, managing director of regions, Supply 2 Location Group, commented: "This year, Supply 2 Location Group is thrilled to support the 'Location Managers Christmas Drinks' with LMGI, where we are looking forward to seeing our industry friends and partners over a back-to-work celebratory drink, as we all plan for a hugely successful 2024." The winners of 2023's makers & shakers Awards were announced on the final day of FOCUS, December 6, and took place at London's illustrious BAFTA Piccadilly. Members from the global screen industry gathered to recognize and applaud the trailblazers and visionaries influencing the L-R: LMGI members, Tomislav Peleski, John Rakich, Mike Fantasia, Harriet Lawence, Erika Howard (administrator), Lottie Ludkin, Ben Bailey creative landscape of tomorrow. The event emcee was comedian and podcaster Travis Jay. Sponsors included United Airlines, the Romanian Advertising and Media Association, the Moroccan Cinema Centre, the Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office, Fews Film Location & Studio Services, 2 In Tents Marquee Hire, Barbican, Boomerang Carnets LTD, GT Film Transport, Marriott Hotels and The Florida Keys & Key West Commission. As the quality of submissions continues to rise each year, the judges faced a daunting task. Following a thorough and meticulous judging process, the awards unveiled seven deserving winners. The LMGI is proud to congratulate SLM Jason Nolan/LMGI ( The Last of Us) for being recognized for OUTSTANDING CREATIVE USE OF A LOCATION. The makers & shakers Awards website noted: The Last of Us was filmed on location in the city of Calgary. This concise yet powerful sequence from The Last of Us sought to depict the daunting challenges and fear confronting Ellie as she ventured into the open city, now overrun by the infected. Utilizing practical locations instead of green screens necessitated the temporary closure of a significant portion of the urban landscape, posing considerable logistical challenges. "It was truly an honor to receive the makers & shakers Award this year in London," said Nolan. "It was an honor for all of us and I could not have done it without the entire location team." Judges this year included LMGI members SLM Mary Barltrop, Naomi Liston and LMGI L-R: LMGI members Melissa Downing, Mike Fantasia, EJ Richards, Jodi Moore, Jason Nolan and LMGI President John Rakich