Written by Joe Jackson on Nov 10, 2021. Posted in General Interest

Location Managers now eligible for Television Academy membership

The Television Academy has announced that Location Managers are now eligible for either Active or Associate membership. A new Location Managers Subgroup within the Producers’ Peer Group was created on 9 November 2021. Spearheaded by first vice president JJ. Levine and president John Rakich, the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) led the charge for this campaign.

“This is a milestone moment, not just for the LMGI, but for all Location Professionals to be recognised as creative contributors within the Television Academy, especially now with the wealth of incredible content being made,” declared Rakich. “Today we celebrate the synergistic and collaborative relationships that Location Professionals have with Producers to create exceptional storytelling on an international scale."

LMGI members who laid the early groundwork for this achievement include chair emeritus Orin Kennedy and LMGI founder Beth Tate as well as Kokayi Ampah, Diane Friedman and Stevie Nelson. “Opening the door to membership in the Television Academy has been a goal of the LMGI,” stated Levine. “Since its inception, the LMGI has been working to bring recognition to the creative contributions and the role of Location Professionals – members and non-members alike – in filmmaking for the large and small screens.”

Through programmes, publications and events, the Television Academy and its Producers Peer Group strive to empower storytellers who shape the evolving television space. “Location Managers play an integral role in the production, the look, logistics and on-set oversight of producing a television show, and they are a welcome addition to the Producers Peer Group,” said Peer Group governor Tony Carey. “These creative and collaborative professionals are indispensable to our business, and will bring valuable insight to the Academy,” added Keith Raskin, a fellow Peer Group Governor.

The Television Academy is now accepting applications for the new subgroup, as well as applications from those who are eligible to become active members. Applications and requirements are available online.