Location Managers Guild International Awards Celebrate Excellence in Location Scouting

Santa Monica, CA – The 12th annual Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) Awards, held Saturday evening at the Eli & Edythe Broad Stage, honored the critical, often unseen, work of location professionals. Emmy contenders "The Studio," "1923," and "The Penguin" were among the top winners, highlighting the vital role location scouting plays in bringing stories to life on screen.

Film and Television Honorees

The LMGI Awards recognize outstanding achievements in film, television, commercials, and film commissions. This year's winners showcase the diverse landscapes and urban settings that contribute to immersive storytelling.

Outstanding Locations in a Period Television Series: "1923" (Paramount+) – David Zachary Heine / LMGI, James Crowley, Hayden Yancer / LMGI Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Television Series: "The Studio" (Apple TV+) – Stacey Brashear / LMGI, Martin J. Cummins / LMGI Outstanding Locations in a TV Serial Program, Anthology, MOW or Limited Series: "The Penguin" (HBO Max) – Keith Adams / LMGIOUTSTANDING Outstanding Locations in a Period Feature Film: "A Complete Unknown" (Searchlight Pictures) – Anthony Pisani / LMGI Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Feature Film: "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" (Paramount Pictures) – Ben Firminger / LMGI, Jonas Christiansen, Morten Nelson, Niall O’Shea, Jason Roberts, Peter Bardsley, Jasmine Burridge / LMGI, Clara Butler, Sam Millner

"A Complete Unknown," filmed throughout New Jersey, and "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning," shot across England, Norway, South Africa, and Malta, secured the Motion Picture Awards. The New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission was recognized with the Outstanding Film Commission Award for their work on "A Complete Unknown."

Location as a Character: A Deeper Look

The award for "The Penguin," filmed across various New York City boroughs, underscores the importance of location in shaping narratives. "The location is almost another character in 'The Penguin'," says veteran location scout Maria Zimmer, who was not involved in the production. "The grit and realism of those New York neighborhoods provide an essential backdrop to the story's themes of power and survival. A good location manager doesn't just find a place to shoot; they find a place that breathes life into the script."

Industry Recognition and Special Awards

The ceremony, hosted by actress and producer Rachael Harris, also celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. Kevin Costner received the Eva Monley Award for his extensive body of work, including "Dances with Wolves," "The Bodyguard," "Field of Dreams," "Yellowstone," and "Horizon: An American Saga." The Eva Monley Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional support for the work of location professionals.

The LMGI Humanitarian Award was presented to Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, recognizing the organization's dedication to fulfilling the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Aparna Pande, CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, accepted the award.

Ilt Jones, a veteran location manager whose credits include "The Dark Knight Rises," "Inception," and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Producer Ian Bryce presented the award, honoring Jones's remarkable career and lasting impact on the industry.

The Evolving Role of Location Management

The LMGI Awards highlight the increasingly complex role of location managers in the entertainment industry. Beyond simply finding suitable locations, these professionals navigate permitting, logistics, community relations, and environmental concerns. "Location management has become a highly specialized field," explains film historian Dr. Emily Carter. "With the rise of global productions and the demand for unique and authentic settings, location managers are essential partners in the filmmaking process. Their ability to blend creativity with practical problem-solving is crucial to the success of any project."

The awards serve not only as a celebration of excellence but also as a reminder of the collaborative spirit and dedication required to bring compelling stories to audiences worldwide. The winners represent the best in their field, demonstrating the power of location to enhance storytelling and create unforgettable cinematic experiences.

Outstanding Film Commission: New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission – "A Complete Unknown" (Searchlight Pictures) Outstanding Locations in a Commercial: Orient Express: "Artisan of Travel" (Belmond) – Cagdas Altun, Ozgur Oz, Bugra Baydar, Gokhan Seven