The UK film industry has announced nominations for a location managers awards event, in partnership with The Location Guide, set to take place in Liverpool on 4 October, 2025.
Leading location manager turned producer, Georgette Turner, is the event chair and driving force behind the Location Managers Awards UK, in partnership with The Location Guide, Shinfield Studios and the Liverpool Film Office.
The aim of the awards (nominations below) is to honour the “unsung heroes” of the industry – location managers, scouts, studio managers and unit manager - who do all the work on the ground for the whole crew and “shape the visual identity of every production”.
The event will take place at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, which has featured in numerous high-profile productions, including Peaky Blinders, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them, Batman and The House Of Guiness.
"We’re shining a light on the people who make the magic happen long before the cameras roll, location professionals work in all weathers, communities, landscapes and countries and with tight deadlines and tighter budgets, they deliver environments and experiences making stories we all see on screen, come to life," says Turner, who is currently producing the new Simon West WWII film, Fortitude, set to shoot all over London, including Elstree.
Lynn Saunders, head of Liverpool Film Office, adds: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Location Manager Awards UK to Liverpool for the first time. This prestigious event highlights the incredible talent and hard work of location managers across the country, and we couldn’t be prouder to host it in our city. Liverpool’s vibrant film industry and iconic locations make it the perfect backdrop for celebrating the art of location management, and we look forward to showcasing the city’s dynamic cultural scene to the wider industry in one the City’s best event settings."
The judging panel who shortlisted the nominees consists of leading industry figures - Georgette Turner (Event Chair), Kevin Bell, Richard Ruck, Ian Pearce, Asha Sharma, John Rakich, Angus Macdonald, Spike Davies, Iggy Ellis and Joel Cockrill.
The intention is for this to be an annual event to take place in a different town/city each year.
The nominees for the inaugural event are…
Michael Harm Supervising Location Manager Award – Honouring the leader who balances creative vision with logistical and budgetary demands.
Nominees: Dan Connolly | Gladstone | David Kellick | Harriet Lawrence |
Alex Gladstone | Helene Lenszner | Christian McWilliams |
Terry Blyther Location Department Award – For a location department or studio team that exemplifies excellence and collaboration.
Nominees:
Gary Pickering & team - Mr Bates, The Post Office
Tony Hood & team - Bridgerton
Ian Pollington & team - Slow Horses
Andrew Bainbridge’s/Mark Valentine & team – Funny Women, World on Fire
Neil Grigson Studio Unit Manager Award – Celebrating the behind-the-scenes hero who keeps productions running smoothly, from logistics to safety.
Nominees; Simon Crook | Drew Payne | Duncan Newland | Dean Sinocola
Liverpool Film Office Rising Star Award – A jury-selected award recognising emerging talent in the locations world.
Nominees: Alex Tridmas | Laura Wilkinson| Emily Turnball
Andre St John Unit Manager Award - This award goes to someone who is the heart of any production, truly first in and last out usually slightly smelling of diesel. This person keeps every production going tirelessly, thanklessly and effortlessly.
WINNER - MARTIN WALKER - Kingsman Secret Service, World War Z, Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocketman, The Little Drummer Girl.
Fred Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award – Paying tribute to a career of outstanding contribution to the locations industry. The winner has been chosen by the jury will be announced on the night.
