“Joy is not in things; it is in us.”
–CHARLES WAGNER
There is a universal rhythm to the holiday season, no matter which hemisphere you call home. We take a beat to celebrate with friends and family, to reflect on where we’ve been, and to imagine where we’re headed next.
In this issue, we celebrate both the artistic creativity and the near ninja level logistical skills of our members. We are reminded that true joy resides not just in the projects we help shape, but in the spirit of camaraderie, resilience and fortitude we share in the process of orchestrating their creation.
In our cover story, “One Battle After Another,” writer producer Shaun O’Banion chronicles the extraordinary efforts of SLM Michael Glaser/LMGI and team as they race the length of California and beyond to bring Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic “on the run” saga to life.
Joseph Mennella/LMGI reports on the under-the-Brooklyn Bridge exhibit that showcases the brilliant photographic work of our New York members in “Seen Before the Scene: A Location Scout’s View—Photoville Festival 2025,”
“In the News” features Fam Tours in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Australia’s capital, Canberra. We highlight the LMGI’s partnership with the Austin Film Commission and the U.K.’s inaugural Location Manager Awards ceremony. LM Ross Brodar/LMGI is featured in two episodes of the BBC’s flagship series Talking Movies for his work on the award-winning film, Anora, while Albert Chi/LMGI’s “A Scout’s Gaze” offers a preview of striking images from David Graham/LMGI’s forthcoming photo book, Locations from a Movie I Never Made.
We also pause to honor cherished friends and colleagues we lost this year “In Memoriam.” Their presence and passion will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
LM/Scout David Weber captures an evocative image of elk at Point Reyes, California, in this year’s “Martini Shot” finale—a quiet reminder of nature’s enduring grace.
As the final notes of 2025 fade away, we reflect on the blessings of the past and embrace the promise of brighter days ahead. Whether under sunlit skies or falling snow, we wish you and your loved ones the enduring warmth of the season.
Until next time,
Stevie Nelson, Diane Friedman, Paul Messana, Edward Mazurek, Dodd Vickers and JJ Levine