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 | Fall 2025 • 27 FOR COMMERCIALS ORIENT EXPRESS: "ARTISAN OF TRAVEL" won for "OUTSTANDING LOCATIONS IN A SINGLE COMMERCIAL." A visually rich tapestry of locations mostly filmed in Turkey, with some passages captured in Slovenia and Italy, showcased the relaunch of its epic train service connecting Paris to Istanbul. Accepting on behalf of Turkish location professionals CAGDAS ALTUN, OZGUR OZ, BUGRA BAYDAR and GOKHAN SEVEN was ERIC BROWN, a member of the LMGI business partner Production Service Network that provides boots-on-the-ground location support for producers in more than 50 countries. "Locations are the canvas on which we tell stories," read Brown from a note prepared by the Turkish team. "This recognition is not just about one spot; it's about the passion and hard work that goes into making every detail count. We share this award with everyone who believes in the power of place to inspire storytelling!" The Army National Guard's Uncommon Is Calling, Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, Lilo & Stitch: The Super Bowl Commercial and Stella Artois: David & Dave were also nominees in a category where the vision of the location professional helps a director tell an entire story in a matter of minutes—or even seconds—in the most spectacular way. FOR FILM COMMISSIONS Executive Director of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Claire Brooks presented the award for "OUTSTANDING FILM COMMISSION" to Jon Crowley and Dave Schoner from the NEW JERSEY MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION COMMISSION (NJMPTC) for the Bob Dylan biopic, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN. She noted that the office was "indispensable in recreating the feel of 1960s folk culture, with the state's locations doubling for Washington, D.C., Virginia and Upstate New York—all brought to life without the use of CGI. Whatever challenges were faced, the NJMPTC had one simple reply: "Don't Think Twice … It's Alright!" Remarked Crowley, "Anthony Pisani and team, if you're watching, thank you for putting New Jersey on display. Thank you to all the members of the LMGI. We're here really to honor all of you. You are the spine; you're the muscle of every production. What department does not come to locations for help every single day?" Schoner agreed: "This is really about you. This award is for what you give to us in the interaction with our office, because while stuff is challenging, you give us the trust in what you do and execute it so well!" British Columbia Film Commission/Creative BC for The Last of Us S2, City of Toronto Film Office for The Handmaid's Tale S6, Egypt Film Commission for Fountain of Youth, Film New Orleans for Sinners and Montana Film Office for 1923 S2 were all worthy nominees in a category much appreciated by location professionals. Adding a touch of glamour to the award proceedings were a cast of actor-presenters: Carmen Christopher (Killing It, The Curse, The Bear), Maxwell Acee Donovan (That '90s Show, The Better Sister), Keyla Monterroso Mejia (The Studio, Curb Your Enthusiasm) and LMGI Award stalwart Kate Linder (The Young and the Restless). Anthony Pisani/LMGI, A Complete Unknown Francois Audouy, production designer, presenter, A Complete Unknown NJ Film Commissioners Dave Schoner & Jon Crowley, Presenter AFCI Executive Director Claire Brooks