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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CNN producer Jackson Loo recently contacted location scout Lori Balton, LMGI to participate in a series about wanderers with a passion for unconventional exploration. Asked to share hidden, off- the-beaten-path gems in the City of Angels, Balton and the crew braved the heat and hit the streets of Los Angeles. Their tour included Balton's running commentary on Heritage Square with its collection of turn-of-the- century buildings, the evocative courtyard of the Pico House, the timeless stage and loft at the Palace Theatre, and the living history of quirky Clifton's Cafeteria, and Edison—power plant- turned-nightclub. With Me as Your Guide and aspiration, the locker rooms are oval-shaped to promote unity. The three- story glass wall faces the field so that employees and trainers feel connected and focused. These specific features lend themselves to what scouts look for: layers and depth, unique shapes and lines, and an aesthetic vibe. This building could easily be found in Milan, London or LA. More than 60 location professionals were warmly welcomed by LMGI 1st VP and Board member Mike Fantasia and LMGI Past President Nancy Haecker. They introduced the Guild and sponsors to the attendees and encouraged everyone to enjoy the food and beverages while meeting new colleagues and business members. Southern hospitality is a real thing, and in the South, you are made to feel welcomed and at home before the business at hand. The business at hand was the drone seminar presented by Kevin LaRosa of Helinet, which included Pete Acevedo, safety program manager with the FAA in Atlanta. LaRosa demonstrated drone photography with an Alexa Mini camera on a Freefly AL- TA8 drone, with a MoviPro Gimbal. Helinet uses a three- man crew on motion pictures and commercials. LaRosa discussed public safety and FAA regulations which govern filming with drones, exploring the difference between the commercial drone work that Helinet provides versus the drone scouting that location managers do. He explained that the first call to make when a drone is proposed is to a licensed aviation company, in order to guide the production through myriad permitting and permission jurisdictions. Acevedo spoke of the importance of complying with FAA regulations, even when scouting with a drone, especially in the restricted flight zones around airports and military facilities. A big round of applause for our sponsors, without whose cooperation this event would not have been possible: Atlanta United's President Darren Eales, Paul McDonough, Kevin Kennedy and Matt Finley; SouthScout's Sharena Hall; Bari Holmes of Classic Tents & Events; Reel Security's Mario Ramirez (LMGI Board member) and Darren Miller; Nick Adams of Crew Thrones; and Helinet Aviation Services. We appreciate their attendance, as well as their support! Additionally, our heart band of volunteers who set up the event, worked the room and explained the benefits of LMGI membership: Nancy Wong, John Latenser, Chris Gayden, and LMGI Board members Mac Gordon and Matt Chamberlin. L to R: Leshawn Cook, Atlanta Film Office, Jonathan Owens, Travell Blake. Photo by Karen Burns LMGI Board member and 1st Vice President Mike Fantasia. Photo by Karen Burns Infinitely more comfortable behind a camera than in front of one, Balton nonetheless is a tireless spokesperson for our craft. See her at work here: http://www.cnn.com/travel/ specials/with-me-as-your- guide MEMBERS MAKE HEADLINES