On August 19, I had the honor of welcoming nearly one hundred LMGI members and non-members to the Tate Modern in London for the official launch of the LMGI’s United Kingdom, Europe & Africa (UKEA) Region Committee and our new UK Subcommittee. Standing in such an iconic London location with views across the Thames toward St Paul’s Cathedral at sunset and looking out at a room filled with location managers, scouts, producers and production designers, there was a great sense of community excitement for the connections and collaborations still to come.
The Tate Modern could not have been a more fitting host for this launch. After hours, the Tate hosted two exclusive tours, providing attendees with an inside look at the building and the possibilities it offers for filming when the public has gone home. The Tate’s film team also gave a thoughtful presentation about their work with past films and the ways they can support future productions of every scale. It was an inspiring demonstration of how world-renowned institutions are increasingly open to engaging with our industry and with the Guild. Their generosity in providing the tours, drinks and canapés set the perfect tone for an evening of networking and discovery.
What made this evening particularly meaningful was the mix of attendees. Alongside many long-standing LMGI members and non-member location professionals, it was a pleasure to host both Jonathan Paul Green (Chairperson) and Paul Frost (Vice Chairperson) of the British Film Designers Guild. The conversations between new faces and familiar colleagues highlighted exactly what our Guild is about: creating a community where knowledge is shared, opportunities are fostered and the craft grows stronger together.
This event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the UKEA Committee and, in particular, the UK Subcommittee that pulled everything together. Thank you to the UK Committee: Kay Pointing Wilson (LMGI Board of Directors), Mick Ratman, Lauren York, Tom Howard, Camilla Stephenson, Dee Gregson, Cécil Howard, Jodi Moore, Robert Bentley and Mark O’Hanlon. I would also like to recognize UKEA members Azania Muendane (Africa), Eduardo Rodrigalvarez (Spain) and Giannis Sotiropoulos (Greece). Their collective effort made the launch not only seamless but truly memorable, setting a high bar for what we can achieve together as we move forward.
The evening also carried a quiet moment of reflection, as Camilla Stephenson offered a touching tribute to the late David Broder/LMGI, a veteran location manager respected by so many of us. It was a reminder of the deep roots of our profession and the enduring bonds that connect us. Looking ahead, the launch of the UKEA and UK Subcommittee marks more than just a milestone, It signals a renewed commitment to collaboration, both within our own community and with sister guilds across the UK. With the enthusiasm shown at the Tate Modern, I am confident that we are entering a new chapter defined by stronger partnerships, greater visibility and a united vision for the future of our craft.
