On March 1 the Location Managers Guild of America (LMGA) hosted a reception: “Concentric Circles: Metro L.A. Revealed” at Beady Minces Gallery in Venice, Calif. More than 400 attendees circulated throughout the gallery, admiring the display of unique location photography. The event ─ a result of collaboration between the LMGA and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) ─ demonstrated a compelling new way of looking at transportation systems throughout L.A.

Around 30 locations scouts roamed about the Los Angeles Metro system in search of captivating designs. The idea was to document the city using photography that truly captures hidden beauty in everyday locations. The pictures were not only on display for viewing enjoyment, but to exhibit the available for filming ─ repped by Meyler & Company.

Lori Balton, second vice president of LMGA, says the event “had a good showing of production managers, directors, producers, production designers, set decorators, and gaffers.” She adds that, “The industry came out to support us. Everyone had a lovely evening, and many commented on the level of artistry and professionalism. A good location manager can accomplish anything!”

Orin Kennedy, chairman of the board for LMGA, comments, "Since location managers and scouts are so often the ‘first eyes’ on location for a film, TV production, commercial, and print, they are key players on the creative design team.” He adds that, “Concentric Circles gave us the opportunity to shine a bright light on our specialized craft through their photographic artistry.”

The event added to the list of previous location gallery events that originally helped launch LMGA. The initial photography exhibit was five years ago at the Pacific Design Center and “was put together by Beth Tate, Jerry Jaffe, and myself,” says Balton. “In many ways this original exhibit was the seed that began the Location Managers Guild of America. We were all determined to do what we could to stem the tide of runaway production.”

The second LMGA showcase displaying location photography was titled “Last Looks: The Ambassador Hotel” in 2006 at City Hall. This was a community project, where 60 high school students collaborated with location managers to showcase their photos of the 84-year-old landmark hotel.

Interpreting the vision of filmmakers and determining the perfect setting is no easy task. As was shown this year, however, location scouts and managers have uncovered a new kind of art that captures the attention of filmmakers ─ and anyone else who dares to envision the “what could be possible.”