“Look around
The grass is high
The fields are ripe
It’s the springtime of my life…”
–Paul Simon
We emerge from two years of pandemic winter into the light and warmth of spring.
It’s the season for the LMGI Awards Committees to review entries sent in for film, television and commercials from around the world for consideration as semi-finalists for the 9th Annual LMGI Awards.
None of this year’s contenders were untouched by Covid as production was often delayed, re-located, shut down and brought back to life again! We all understand what it took to keep our industry going. LMGI members in good standing will vote for the finalists in June knowing that we are celebrating the accomplishments of our colleagues who faced these challenges and managed to produce beautiful and impressive work.
Please watch for your ballot link in your email!
In our cover story, “Illuminating the Human Experience: The Locations of Under the Banner of Heaven,” Shaun O’Banion shows us how—from “Zoom Scouting” to the unwanted schedule push into winter—this compelling, true crime story was brought to the screen. In “A Persistence of Vision,” Diane Friedman gives us a tour of the much-anticipated opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Hollywood, highlighting the location professionals currently included in the exhibitions and the promise of more to come. And finally, Paul Messana’s “Next Generation” features Decatur, Georgia-based Jimmie Bullis, a talented KALM whose passion for travel has taken him around the world.
Our columns include “In My City” with Tomislav “Pele” Peleski, who gives us an insider’s look at Croatia’s capital, Zagreb—a city that bridges both East and West. “In the News” reports on the FOCUS tradeshow in London, the Zoom panel “The LMGI Presents: Locations Behind the Oscars,” the LMGI’s support of the campaign for a BAFTA location award, and our recent collaboration with the AFCI developing an educational course for its online university. And in our “Martini Shot,” Paul Messana gives us a glimpse of the Norwegian countryside.
This issue marks a farewell to photo editor Ken Haber who, after dedicating many years to the LMGI Compass, has departed to focus on long-delayed art projects. He leaves us in the extremely capable hands of Paul Messana. We thank Ken for his keen eye and sense of humor through our years of working together on this magazine. We wish him the very best and look forward to seeing more of his photographic work.
Please take a moment when you are in the throes of production to appreciate the warmth of the sun, the fragrance of the spring flowers and the promise that this season of rebirth holds!
Until next time,
Stevie Nelson, Diane Friedman, Paul Messana