ANNOUNCING THE ART & LOCATIONS DEPARTMENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The locations department services the needs and requirements of all other departments during the creation of a film project and works in symbiosis with the art department. When a location is transformed into the scripted world in front of the camera, clear and transparent communication is essential to ensure that the art team receives the support they require to achieve their design vision, and that once filming is complete, the location is returned to the owners in a pleasing condition.
When Fiona Donovan, Vice President of the Australian Production Design Guild (APDG,) suggested the idea of developing a code of conduct to the ALMG committee and Lisa Scope, the Oceana Regional Director of Location Managers Guild International (LMGI,) it was encouraging to learn that APDG also values the preservation of Australian film locations and the importance of keeping them viable for future filming. This responsibility often falls to location crew by maintaining connection and accountability to government agencies, businesses and the general public.
ALMG President Elizabeth Sarsfield welcomes the collaboration and states “Improving work methods between our departments and sharing the responsibility of protecting our locations, will both elevate our creative work and instil trust and enthusiasm from the public that assist our industry.”
“Collaborating closely with the APDG and ALMG is crucial in developing a code of practice between the Art Department and the Locations Department. This initiative aims to establish streamlined workflows and provide new team members in both departments with a clear understanding of each other’s roles, enabling us to work efficiently and effectively together,” Lisa Scope from LMGI added.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the ALMG and LMGI to establish a code of conduct to protect film locations around Australia. Working together, we can create worlds, advance industry practices and above all, give respect to the traditional custodians of the lands, by safeguarding the lands on which we work,” APDG Vice President Fiona Donovan said.
When the powers of the art and locations department combine! Pictured above: Five Bedrooms Season 3, © Hoodlum Entertainment. Photographer Sarah Enticknap.
A working group for the set of standards was formed in September and a survey sent to all guild members requesting input for the ideal rules of engagement between the two departments. The member feedback is currently being processed and the document is expected to be completed in early 2025, followed by a series of workshops and industry panels.
