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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LMGI COMPASS | Summer 2025 • 13 2025 Board Retreat Over the weekend of May 4, the LMGI Board of Directors convened in Downtown Los Angeles for its annual retreat—an intensive, two-day working session designed to align goals and energize efforts across the Guild. The weekend focused on streamlining initiatives, establishing annual committee plans and formalizing the Guild's seven global region committees. Hosted in the iconic Bradbury Building, the gathering provided not only an inspiring physical backdrop but also a renewed sense of purpose as Board members tackled structural updates, welcomed new voices and engaged directly with the membership. The Bradbury Building, a historic architectural landmark and longtime favorite of filmmakers, offered a fitting stage for the weekend's meetings. Known for its dramatic ironwork, skylit atrium and appearances in productions such as the original (and best) Blade Runner, (500) Days of Summer and The Artist, the building generously donated space for the Guild's use. Adding to the cinematic ambience, the boardroom featured specially commissioned artwork created from original scout photos for Blade Runner—a fitting nod to the iconic scenes captured within its walls and a tribute to the contribution of location- driven filmmaking that the LMGI was created to support. Saturday's 11-hour session opened with an "LMGI 101" presentation, led by Communications and Operations Director Erika Howard, providing foundational context for internal operations and updating the Guild's brand guide. The Guild officially welcomed three new Board members: Kay Pointing Wilson (UK), Mo Qazzaz (Canada) and Andrea Keener (US). Committee Chairs then presented their goals and budget proposals for the year, highlighting the Guild's ongoing commitment to transparency, inclusion and professional development. Among the central outcomes of the retreat was a review of the LMGI bylaws, with the Board approving a set of proposed amendments that will soon be shared with the membership for a vote to ratify. Additionally, the Board formally adopted a revised LMGI Code of Conduct, reaffirming the organization's professional standards and values. The Marketing and Communications Committee, co-chaired by LMGI members Danny Finn and Angus Ledgerwood, also unveiled a new membership ID card and badge—tools that will help LMGI members showcase their credentials with clarity and pride. On Sunday, the Guild hosted its annual member meeting, offered both in person and via Zoom to ensure broad accessibility. The session drew attendees from across the LMGI's global membership—Board members, committee leaders and general members alike. Following the meeting, attendees gathered for brunch and a private tour of the Bradbury Building, which deepened the weekend's sense of creative connection, history and community. The retreat concluded with a renewed sense of direction, focus and enthusiasm for the mission of the LMGI. With strengthened collaboration across committees and regions, and clear forward momentum on governance, the 2025 Board Retreat laid the groundwork for a dynamic year ahead. L-R: Jill Naumann/LMGI, Craig Van Gundy/LMGI, Erika Howard, Vernon Smith/LMGI LMGI Board. Photo by Paul Messana/LMGI Lisa Scope/LMGI