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 | Summer 2026 • 11 Sydney Location Professionals Gather at Loom Lounge On April 15, the LMGI Oceania Regional Committee launched its 2026 Sydney program at Loom Lounge in Crow's Nest. Organized by Anton Denby/LMGI, the event was open to all Sydney location professionals and brought 17 people together for food, drinks and the chance to catch up without a call sheet setting the pace. Tucked away in Crow's Nest, NSW, Loom Lounge is a listening bar whose name reflects the idea of weaving music, people and conversation together. Its low lighting and intimate atmosphere gave attendees space to swap stories and connect with colleagues whose paths rarely cross once production is underway. Denby says, "Being involved in organizing this event, it was great—and a relief—to see such a solid turnout. But speaking from experience, location professionals never miss an opportunity for a catch up over a refreshing beverage or two and a chance to debrief!" LMGI members in attendance included Monique Miller, Jeremy Peek, Colin McDougall, David Watts, Matthew Panyiotu and Michelle Williams. They joined colleagues from across Sydney in a room that mixed longtime friends with people meeting properly for the first time. For Lisa Scope, Chair of the LMGI Oceania Regional Committee, the highlight of the evening was seeing everyone make time for one another. Scope says, "What I loved most about our April LMGI get-together was seeing people simply enjoy each other's company. In an industry that moves at a relentless pace, it's important to make time to connect beyond the job. The conversations, laughter and willingness to share experiences reminded me that while locations are at the heart of what we do. It's the relationships we build that make our community so strong. Evenings like this reinforce why being part of the LMGI is so special." Emma Parrish, visiting from the United Kingdom, found an immediate welcome. She says, "Coming over from the UK, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome. It was brilliant to meet the Australian location community and hear so many great stories from the people behind it." Chris Reynolds/LMGI appreciated seeing familiar faces while also meeting location managers he rarely encounters on the job. He says, "It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces, while also getting a chance to connect with some location managers whom I rarely cross paths with." The evening was supported by Stage & Screen and Australian Film Security, with Stage & Screen also providing two prizes. Reynolds took home a new suitcase that he notes, "will certainly be getting plenty of use on future location scouts." Estee Chang/LMGI described the gathering as "another brilliant and well-planned event in an intimate setting," and welcomed the opportunity to hear about colleagues' recent experiences and the new ideas they have in the works. Nothing formal was required of the gathering, and that was part of its value. Location professionals who usually meet under the pressures of production had time to sit together and enjoy one another's company. The LMGI Oceania Regional Committee's 2026 Sydney program is off to a strong and sociable start. LMGI members Anton Denby, Lisa Scope, Colin McDougall Top to bottom, L-R: Sasha Sherman (Stage & Screen), Rachel Sheridan, Michelle Wild, Anton Denby, Colin McDougall, Solomone Fotu (Mosla AFS), David Watts, Ella Keough, Monique Miller, Estee Chang, Lisa Scope, Emma Parrish, Julie Clark, Morgan Supple, Daniel Power, Vincent Power, Melinda Kuhl (Stage & Screen), Chris Reynolds. Seventeen location professionals, good food, and the kind of conversation production schedules rarely leave room for! by Dodd Vickers/LMGI