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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16 • LMGI COMPASS | Fall 2024 On September 26, the LMGI's Oceania Regional Committee held its inaugural event in Queensland, Australia, marking a significant moment for local location professionals. The Committee is dedicated to introducing more Oceania region location professionals to the LMGI and advancing the art and profession of location management across the region. The Island Gold Coast Resort rooftop hosted drinks for 50 of the finest location experts in the industry, all eager to celebrate their work and connect with peers. Despite the rainy Thursday evening on the Gold Coast, the atmosphere was vibrant and filled with camaraderie. Attendees shared stories, forged new connections and strengthened the bonds within the Queensland location community, setting a promising tone for future collaborations and events. Event organizer and Oceania Committee member Lauren Cooper/LMGI said, "It had been an age since location professionals in Queensland had got together socially, so the introduction of the LMGI to the Queensland location landscape provided the perfect catalyst. Post- pandemic, so many new faces have joined the department to keep up with the demands of production. The Rooftop Sunset Drinks event was a fantastic opportunity for location team members at all stages of their career to meet, share stories and connect. The event was open to both LMGI members and non- members, and the response was overwhelming. It's a great sign of the depth of location talent we have living and working in Queensland but most importantly, I received great feedback on the night of how valued everyone felt and the pride that comes from being part of a global location community." Noted LMGI Board member and Secretary Lisa Scope, "The Gold Coast LMGI event was a true celebration of our community; the spirit of Australia's location professionals shone brightly as we came together to connect, collaborate and honor our craft. It was a great opportunity to introduce the LMGI to more Aussies and for people to finally meet people they just knew through email, face-to-face!" Attendee Magdalene Phillips/LMGI said, "As an introverted extrovert, I usually shy away from networking events, but LMGI events create an authentic environment for people to be introduced to each other. LMGI evening events are fun, safe environments at film- friendly locations to expand our very supportive Location Department community. This gathering was especially great because I'm new to working in the QLD (Queensland Location Department) and I got to meet local location managers and crew who I look forward to working more with. Thanks to Lauren Cooper and Lisa Scope for creating such great moments last week!" Veteran LM Ed Donovan/LMGI expressed, "As a newcomer to South East Queensland and returning from sabbatical, the night was a great opportunity to connect with new and old colleagues alike. The LMGI enables me to maintain local and international contact with the best in locations." Said Kathryn Metcalfe/LMGI, "What a fantastic event— sharing laughs with colleagues, catching up with old friends and meeting the next generation of location professionals!" Added Duncan Jones/ LMGI, "Great conversations, connections and great support with LMGI at the helm!" The Committee wishes to thank the generosity of the following sponsors who helped make this event such a success: TFH Hire, Gold Coast City Council, Screen Queensland and Village Roadshow Studios. LMGI's Oceania Regional Commiee Scores with Inaugural Event Lauren Cooper/LMGI, Lynne Benzie (Village Roadshow Studios President), Lisa Scope/LMGI, Naomi Wenck (Screen Queensland) LMGI members: Lisa Scope, Monique Miller, Magdalene Phillips, Lauren Cooper, Kathryn Metcalfe, Duncan Jones, Edward Donovan and Fiona Ough Oceania Australia event: All photos by Loysh Cartmer