LMGI COMPASS
|
Winter 2026
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11
A Night of Recognition
The Michael Harm
Supervising Location
Manager Award
Winner: Christian
McWilliams/LMGI
Honoring three decades
of work in locations,
McWilliams—also a past
LMGI Award winner—called
the evening "a dream come
true." He praised the Liverpool
Film Office and Turner for
creating what he hopes
"becomes an annual fixture,"
adding, "the LMGI has led
the way in honoring our craft
internationally—and now the UK has its own celebration. It was
an incredible night in a spectacular setting."
A Celebration with Staying Power
Hosted by comedian Adam Rowe, the ceremony felt both
glamorous and deeply personal. Amid laughter, storytelling and
well-earned applause, the industry finally had the chance to
cheer for the people who make every production possible.
Between heartfelt speeches, bursts of laughter and an after-
party worthy of any wrap celebration, one thing became clear:
The first UKLMA was a resounding success.
From Liverpool to Los Angeles, the message resonated across
the industry: Location professionals aren't just behind the
scenes—they're the people who make it all possible.
"This was about shining a light on the people who make
the magic happen long before the cameras roll. Hearing the
stories and tributes from across the country made every bit
of hard work worthwhile."
–Georgette Turner
Michael Harm SLM Award winner
Christian McWilliams/LMGI
Liverpool Film Office Location Department Award winners Ian Pollington/LMGI and
the
Slow Horses team sponsored by Boomerang Carnet MEDIA
Neil Grigson Studio Unit Manager
Award winner Simon Crook/LMGI
UK Location Manager Awards 2025 at St George's Hall, Liverpool
The Andrew Bainbridge Rising Star Award
Winner: Emily Turnbull
Recognizing a standout representative of the next generation of
location talent.
The Neil Grigson Studio
Unit Manager Award
Winner: Simon Crook/LMGI
Honoring excellence in
managing complex studio
operations with the calm and
care Grigson was known for.
The Andre St John Unit
Manager Award
Winner: Martin Walker
Celebrated for his steady
leadership and on-set
problem-solving.
The Liverpool Film Office Location Department Award
Winners: Ian Pollington/LMGI and the Slow Horses location
team
Pollington shared: "It was a real pleasure to accept on
behalf of my team. Five and a half years and six seasons
of
Slow Horses—this recognition means the world. The
event itself was beyond expectations. St George's Hall was
magnificent, and Georgette and Jacqui deserve credit for
delivering something truly spectacular."
The Fred Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: John Friend Newman
Honoring decades of leadership and mentorship within the UK
location community.
All photos courtesy of Jacqui Rafferty - locationmanagerawards.uk
