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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10 • LMGI COMPASS | Spring 2026 A Decade in London: FOCUS Turns 10 The LMGI returned to FOCUS in December for its landmark 10th anniversary edition; and the two action-packed days at London's Business Design Centre (BDC) delivered in every way! More than 3,500 delegates, exhibitors and sponsors from 78 countries filled the BDC, making it one of the strongest showings in the event's history—and for the LMGI, it capped a year of significant milestones on both sides of the Atlantic. The Guild was once again a hub of energy throughout both days, with LMGI President John Rakich and Guild Communications and Operations Director Erika Howard leading the charge and keeping things buzzing with members, partners and new faces from around the world. The Guild's footprint extended well beyond the show floor this year. The LMGI co-sponsored a headline conference session, "The Global Language of Locations: Building Partnerships That Power Production," bringing together a stellar international panel: SLM Michael Glaser/LMGI, a three-time LMGI Award nominee; SLM Christian McWilliams/LMGI, one of the UK's most decorated location professionals and an LMGI Award nominee last year for Gladiator II; Sabine Schulmeyer/LMGI, Berlin- based SLM and EUFCN Location Awards juror; and Guild President John Rakich. The session drew a packed house and sparked conversations that continued long after the panel wrapped. Reflecting on the Guild's growing presence, LMGI President John Rakich says: "Attending FOCUS London on behalf of the LMGI is a reminder of the Guild's growing international presence. There's a recognition now, not just of what we do, but of the role location professionals play in the broader production by Dodd Vickers/LMGI ecosystem. The real value, as always, is in relationships, reconnecting with long- standing partners and continuing to build new ones. Those conversations, often happening between meetings, are what ultimately drive collaboration forward." A veteran of some of the biggest productions ever to shoot in North Africa, Christian McWilliams knows the world of international locations better than most. Fresh from winning the Michael Harm Supervising Location Manager Award at the historic inaugural UK Location Managers Awards in Liverpool, he joined producer Michael Leahy and producer Said Andam for a frank discussion on why productions keep heading to Morocco, then brought that same energy to the LMGI's locations session. The LMGI is heading into 2026 with real momentum, and FOCUS remains the perfect place to show it. Says McWilliams, "The event has grown year-on-year and now attracts a world of location professionals from across the globe. The side room talks on an array of topics are fascinating, and seeing location professionals talk about their work with such pride is a great shop window for LMs. Last year, I met producers from Greece and Ukraine, service companies from the Philippines and the Middle East, saw UK government organizations, private location companies and tent companies all under one roof, all wanting to meet location managers and hand us a card. Even AI lurked in the corner, wanting our expertise and future collaboration. FOCUS continues to inspire the next generation. There is no other event like this. The Location Guide does a great job organizing this event, and the LMGI stand is always buzzing. It's a yearly highlight for me, and to be asked to speak is a great honor." For information on FOCUS 2026, taking place December 7-8 at the Business Design Centre in London, visit: ttps://focus. london/newfront L-R: Michael Glaser/LMGI, Christian McWilliams/LMGI, Sabine Schulmeyer/ LMGI and President John Rakich LMGI members L-R: Lauren York, Christian McWilliams, Anna Coates, Mick Ratman and Clarence Rolle/Bahamas Ministry of Tourism