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 | Summer 2026 The Huddle Returns for a Conversation on Leadership What makes a good leader in the Location Department? The question is increasingly relevant as location professionals manage larger teams, assume greater responsibilities, and work to keep people, productions and communities moving in the same direction. Leadership was the focus of the second installment of Atlanta's The Huddle, LMGI's quarterly speaker series for location professionals. The event continued LMGI's partnership with the DeKalb Entertainment Commission and was hosted at Assembly Studios in Doraville, which offers stage space, backlot opportunities and convenient access to downtown Atlanta. The evening took place in Studio A Café, where Assembly's staff provided the Atlanta locations community with a relaxed setting for conversation, professional development and reconnecting with colleagues. The panel featured longtime LMGI members Mike Fantasia, Mac Gordon and Maria Bierniak, with LMGI USA South/South America Regional Director Ryan Schaetzle moderating. Andrea Keener, who organizes the series, says the panelists were selected for their extensive Georgia experience and their distinct approaches to managing crews. Together, they brought decades of leadership experience to a discussion on mentorship, communication, and the responsibility professionals carry to both their teams and the craft itself. Most location managers do not enter the profession through a traditional path. They often find their way in sideways, learning under pressure from those willing to share their knowledge. The Huddle gives LMGI members a forum to by Dodd Vickers/LMGI discuss the lessons that do not always fit neatly into a production manual. "Education about excellence in locations is not merely traditional classes in practical skills. We strive to include the intangibles of our craft. Things like ethics, leadership, and stewardship must also be discussed and considered." -Mac Gordon/LMGI For Gordon, those conversations are central to the value of the Guild. "I appreciate how our LMGI, Ryan and Andrea work to make the organization relevant and educational," he said. "The LMGI is really the only place to find all of that." The event was designed to give attendees time before and after the discussion to reconnect with colleagues, meet new people and continue conversations informally. Ethan Stewart, an ALM, appreciated the balance, noting that the combination of networking and focused discussion created a strong format and a valuable event. Attendees included LMGI members Martin Allen, Jimmie Bullis, Kyle Carey, Chris Bonnem, Matt Chamberlin, Russ Gladden, Corey Gilbert, Joanne Harris, Kyle Hinshaw, Matt Messina, Slean Peavey, Dustin Pitan, Julieta Rey del Castillo, Lenzi Sealy, Brad Smith, Willard Pennington and Nick DaLonzo. The Huddle launched with a discussion on mental health and stress management before turning its focus to leadership for the second session. The series provides LMGI members with another resource for professional growth beyond the daily demands of production. With two Huddles completed and two more planned for 2026, the program is becoming a regular opportunity for professionals to learn from one another and explore the broader responsibilities that come with the work. "I am really pleased to see the consistent turnout for The Huddle series and look forward to presenting it to other regions for our members. Be on the lookout for a Huddle near you!" -Andrea Keener/LMGI Location professionals spend their careers solving problems in real time. The Huddle offers something different: a chance to gather before the next challenge arrives, share what experience has taught them and ensure that knowledge continues moving forward. L-R: Mac Gordon/LMGI, Mike Fantasia/LMGI, Bronwyn Stallcup/Dekalb Entertainment, Maria Bierniak/LMGI, Ryan Schaetzle/LMGI