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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For his vast and indelible contributions to advancing the art of location scouting and management worldwide, for his exceptional commitment to elevating the role of location professionals and his dedication to mentoring the next generation, the LMGI is proud to honor Bill Bowling with the 2024 LMGI Trailblazer Award. SLM SUE QUINN/LMGI was presented with the 2024 LMGI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD by David Shepheard, Vice President of Martini Entertainment Group, former Film Commissioner for the city of Vancouver, former head of Film London and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and former Bristol City Film Commissioner. He called Quinn, "An absolute professional who never fails to get the job done. Sue was also one of the founding members of the London Filming Partnership. She is also one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. Speaking from the point of view of a former film commissioner, if you saw Sue's name attached to a project, you would green light whatever was needed immediately. She's that good. She's that dependable. She's that respected. Simply, Sue is one of the very best in the business." "I must say, location management is one of the best jobs in the world!" exclaimed Quinn. "It has taken me to many countries, introduced me to fascinating people, and allowed me to see and experience things that don't come along every day. I love being a location manager!" She has been creating cinematic magic and advocating for the role of location professionals for more than three decades. She's built visionary worlds for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, including the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, The Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Love Actually, Notting Hill, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Legend of Tarzan and Watchmen. LMGI COMPASS | Fall 2024 • 41 PHOTOS BY GREG DOHERTY, EXCEPT AS NOTED TRAILBLAZER AWARD HONOREE BILL BOWLING AND THE LOCATION GUIDE'S CLARA LE JENNIFER JORGE ACCEPTING THE HUMANITARIAN AWARD FOR THE MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION FUND In an intro video, friends and colleagues attested to Bill's remarkable achievements. "I think he has visited well over 100 countries and has met hundreds of film commissioners and location managers the world over," said Location Guide founder Murray Ashton. "He has gone well above the call of duty to help many, by training and assisting them, get on the 'global location destinations map.'" Former Guild President, SLM Mike Fantasia, listed Bowling's impressive film resume that includes Robin Hood: Men in Tights, The Horse Whisperer, Saving Private Ryan, The Insider and Red Dragon to name just a few. "Bill's IMDb is something that every location professional should aspire to," said Fantasia, also noting that Bill was an active supporter of Teamsters Local 399 and was also a founding member of what was then the LMGA. Celebrated director Paul Verhoeven thanked Bill, via video, for their friendship and the work they did together on Starship Troopers, Hollow Man and Showgirls. "I think we had a wonderful time; you did a great job, we did three wonderful movies and thank you, thank you, thank you!" In accepting the award, Bill recounted his early days in Hollywood and the luck that led him to his amazing career: first as a studio driver, then as a scout and manager who pushed the boundaries of location filming across continents. "The best part of it was not the filming. It has been all the people I've come to know and treasure," said Bowling. "I especially appreciate my connections with the LMGI, AFCI, the Asian Film Commission Network, the Latin American Film Commission Network, The Location Guide and all the location professionals I've had the honor of knowing."