IN MY CITY: 's-HERTOGENBOSCH
population. Being able to submit a careful application is also important, just like drawing
up a correct resident letter or keeping track of complicated administration or a large
budget. You need to be well organized, maintain an overview and set clear priorities. If you
are sensitive to stress, you won't last long in the film industry! This will sound familiar to
many colleagues.
Stevie: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE JOB?
BH: I love being challenged. This doesn't necessarily mean that I need a bigger project. It
could also be a very heavy-themed story that interests me or finding new things to film
in a neighborhood on a small budget. I also always try to look for new things to further
professionalize the Dutch film industry, from 3D recce's in COVID times to digitalizing big
exterior sets for virtual production.
Stevie: WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF OR SOMEONE JUST STARTING
OUT IN THIS PROFESSION?
BH: It's all about gaining experience. There is no film school that offers location management,
except for a few lessons or guest lectures at most. Start as a production assistant on a film
set filming near where you live and try to support the location assistants where necessary.
There is always a great shortage of good people, and if you are eager and have the right
mentality, there is a good chance that you will be asked to work as a location assistant by
the ALM or LM on the next project. I would say start from the bottom and slowly work your
way up to the goal you have in mind.
Stevie: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE LMGI & HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER?
BH:
In 2022, I got happily surprised with an LMGI Award nomination for my work on Atlanta
S3. I had heard of the LMGI, but never considered becoming a member because I thought
it wouldn't add much to my work in the Netherlands. But I went to Los Angeles to attend
the awards ceremony and spoke to many other location professionals. I decided then to
join the LMGI as its first Dutch member. It has turned out to be a very nice way to stay in
touch with colleagues and learn more about the job. The Netherlands is very small, so it
is very nice to exchange war stories from people from all over the world and see the hard
work of location professionals being recognized. In 2023, I attended a Fam Tour to Croatia,
a very special experience which I would not have been able to have without the LMGI.
Although I initially thought I would remain a member for one year to see what it would
bring, I decided quite soon to remain a member.
