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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W hen the fantastical Wrinkle required a neighborhood of cookie-cutter houses, the US Air Force flew to the rescue. The Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office handles entertainment projects while protecting the Air Force brand in television, films, video games and web content. Deputy Director and Secretary of Public Affairs Develyn J. Watson provides continuity between active duty military personnel and entertainment companies. Specifications for DOD filming differ from private properties. "The minimum requirements are that the production has funding and distribution. Then we determine if the project has an Air Force depiction," Watson explains. "We review a script in its entirety or, if unscripted, we look at a treatment to see how the Air Force brand will be utilized. Once we make the initial determination, we make a recommendation to DOD at the Pentagon whether to provide support." Production wanted to shoot a section of military housing. Watson says, "They wanted uniformity among the structures. Because most of the homes are exactly alike, production was able to achieve that look." Watson found the project to be exciting, as well as exhausting. "This was the first time our office had filmed on this property," she says. "Typically, we work on active duty bases where we can 'direct' compliance once we have film approval. Working with the residents required patience and compromise. The sheer amount of [production] people caused a bit of angst among THE AIR FORCE ELEVATES A WRINKLE IN TIME by Dyana Carmella the residents. We had to work daily to engender trust and cooperation." Watson enjoyed working with location manager Alison Taylor, LMGI. "We went to the same college back in the day," says Watson. She also appreciated the diversity of the production. "[DuVernay] spent time with the residents, which made a more pleasant experience," Watson recalls. "From the tech scout to filming, she was accessible. There were a high number of people of color and women in roles usually dominated by white men. This was the first time I worked with a group of people like me." DOD doesn't offer perks to the film industry, but they don't charge a location fee or require permits. They typically provide secure locations free from unwelcomed press and gawkers. Additionally, productions can have access to a range of jets and planes, anything from C-17s and F-16s to F-35s and F-22s. "You can't borrow a plane because you think it's pretty," Watson explains. "The first question I always ask is, 'What is the Air Force depiction?' And we need to see a full script." If a production wants to utilize a plane in flight, the Liaison Office pairs the shooting days with a training mission, which lowers the cost. However, to direct a flight for filming purposes, the Office sets the standard price placed by the government. "As far as locations, the USAF is located throughout the world," says Watson. "If there is a base where you want to film, we can help. We are more than locations; we are your partners in a successful production. A small group of military professionals and civilians, we can provide you with subject matter experts, [and] can help add realism and production value, helping you navigate the bureaucracy of filming on DOD property. Further, our advice is at no cost to the production. "This was the first time I worked with a group of people like me." Reprinted with permission from the California On Location Awards 2017 magazine www.californiaonlocationawards.com Air Force Deputy Director and Secretary of Public Affairs Develyn J. Watson. Photo courtesy of California On Location 44 • LMGI COMPASS | Spring 2018