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 • 51 Lee Tasseff, of the local tourism organization Destination Mansfield recalls, "Once they got inside to scout, they were taking it all in, figuring it all out. It was evident that, in director Frank Darabont's mind, the issue was not whether the location would work, but how. He was already building scenes in his head while he was walking through the property." Mansfield, Ohio, became the new Hollywood that summer. One of the first orders of business was to work with the Ohio State Film Commission, and with their blessing, Ampah, executive producer David Lester, production supervisor Sue Bea Montgomery, assistant production supervisor Scott Stahler, location scout Chris Cozzi and production assistant Steve Webster set out to help make what has become one of the most popular and influential films of all time. The success of Shawshank then led to the Reformatory receiving its second stay of execution, this time as a tourist destination for set-jetters. In 2008, 14 years after the movie's debut, Bob Mullen, the owner of one of the filming locations, with support from the team at Destination Mansfield, came up with the idea of "The Shawshank Trail." Mansfield began offering daily tours, and Mullen's woodshop location, the Reformatory, the park bench, the oak tree and 12 other recognizable locations from the film were transformed into a popular mecca for film lovers. "A lot of our town's economy depends on the film," says Dan Smith of the Reformatory Preservation Society. That dependence grew even stronger in 2015 with the launch of "The Shawshank Hustle," a 4.75-mile race that winds through film locations and culminates at the Reformatory. Launched by Roger and Christina Bowerstock of Rocketship Sports Management, the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society, and Destination Mansfield, the annual event now draws thousands; blending competition with cosplay, screenings, parties and deep fan camaraderie. "It's a pilgrimage that so many people make every year—because they love the film and they love to run," says Destination Mansfield's Jodie Snavely. More than 200 volunteers and countless virtual participants joined the 11th annual 2025 event. Like Shawshank, the event was simultaneously warm and inviting but also cruel and brutal. The warmth of a summer wedding between Nicole Walker and race warden Bob Casey juxtaposed with the brutality of the mile- long, uphill climb of Redemption Hill before reaching the finish line of this very real athletic contest. Along with bragging rights, each year's race winners receive one-of-a-kind awards. For example, last year's medal boasted a miniature Bible, complete with cut-out and rock hammer, a unique trophy that harkens back to important story points in the film. Jared Bugaj, a local chiropractor and the winner of this year's Shawshank Hustle, remarked, "The draw of the Reformatory is amazing. We had attendees from 47 different states, as well as international visitors this year. No one comes here to run 4.75 miles around town. They come for the full experience. They come in the night before, see what Downtown Mansfield has to Top: LM Kokayi Ampah/LMGI reunites with director Frank Darabont at The Shawshank Redemption 30th anniversary celebration. Photo courtesy of Kokayi Ampah/LMGI. Above: A filming site on the self-guided Shawshank Trail tour. Photo courtesy of Jodie Snavely, Destination Mansfield offer, tour the Reformatory, bring their friends (and) obviously the movie screening is insanely cool." "A lot of fans come and see how much fun we have here and say, 'We're coming back, and we're bringing our friends next year,'" race director Brian Polen added.