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A CONVERSATION WITH THE UK'S GUILD OF LOCATION MANAGERS
Added October 6, 2008 by P Orth
A CONVERSATION WITH THE GUILD OF LOCATION MANAGERS – UK
By Kent Matsuoka - Los Angeles
As chair of the LMGA international committee my task is to explore collaborations with location management organizations in other countries. I have found we seem to experience similar challenges within our profession, our industry, and among the communities in which we film. By sharing our experiences we can learn from each other. With that in mind I had a recent conversation with Mick Ratman, Chairman of the Guild of Location Managers (GLM) in the UK.
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| Mick Ratman of the GLM | Kent Matsuoka of the LMGA |
According to Ratman the GLM was formed in the late 1980’s by a group of UK location managers with the view “to maintain standards of professionalism within the industry regarding filming on location”. Their guild was recognized in 1992 as a non-profit organization by the then newly formed British Film Commission.
The GLM’s stated purpose is, “to promote professionalism and responsible working practices among its members, provide a forum where its members can exchange views and information and promote the reputation and understanding of the location managers’ role within the industry and the general public”. Their organization also offers training classes applicable to the profession including First Aid and Safety Classes for Hazardous Locations. Ratman said, “Membership in the guild may be taken as evidence of a level of experience and a responsible long-term approach to location management.”
Membership is comprised of two categories designated as full and associate membership. Qualifications for each division depends upon certain minimum levels of experience working in the UK as a location manager, scout, assistant location manager or unit manager. Members in the GLM are exclusively UK based and currently number about 100.
Ratman said their organization works closely with British film industry bodies relative to various filming policies. In recognition of the GLM’s professional status the guild is represented on committees of numerous influential UK production related entities. The GLM also works closely with various government bureaus, community organizations and educational institutions. The inclusion of the LMGA on the boards and committees of entities involved in policy-making issues relative to location filming, as the GLM has accomplished, is something the LMGA could emulate and strive for.
An issue discussed was the need for mutual efforts to gain recognition and parity in pay. Due to our unique relationship with all departments, location managers have become the go to person for all problems not identifiable as a specific department related issue. We tend to be the one person who is most aware of location issues aside from the first AD or the production manager. As such we should be recognized and compensated accordingly.
Another familiar issue is the need for educating the crew about the long-term effects of film production within communities and the preservation of locations for future use. Several locations in London, like Los Angeles, have reached a saturation point and must be handled carefully to insure their continued hospitality to filming.
Mick summarized, “We all have the same problems and the more we can stick together the better the chance we have to overcome them.”
For more information on the UK Guild of Location Managers, visit www.golm.org.uk. Involvement with the LMGA and GLM joint collaborations is welcomed. Please email Kent Matsuoka, kent@kentmatsuoka.com