Los Angeles

would up the ante. It was a
challenge every week and
an experience that was truly
perfect.
Stevie: DOES PENNSYLVANIA
OFFER ANY INCENTIVES TO
HOLLYWOOD FILMMAKERS?
JM: Pennsylvania offers a
25% tax credit to film and
television projects that
spend at least 60% of their
total production budget in
the Commonwealth. The
program has been very
successful and we look for it
to continue for a long time.
Stevie: WHAT ARE YOUR TOOLS
OF THE TRADE?
JM: First, is my camera. I
shoot with a Nikon D800. It’s
big and bulky but the images
I get are fantastic. Second,
would be a notebook and
pen. I always have a small
moleskin notebook or a 3x5
card carrier that I bring with
me everywhere to take my
notes and reminders. A good
system for taking notes is a
must.
Stevie: WHAT DO YOU LOVE
ABOUT THE JOB?
JM: I love the creative side
of the job, the beginning
days of the project, alone
in your car running up and
down every street and dirt
road looking for the perfect
location to fit the story.
I love when you come to
a road that gives no clue
what is past the tree line
and you find gold. There
is nothing more satisfying
then shooting a location and knowing from first sight that it
is perfect for the project.
Stevie: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE LMGA & HOW LONG HAVE
YOU BEEN A MEMBER?
JM: I heard about the LMGA just this past year. I was working
with Michael Burmeister on The Last Witch Hunter. I came on
the project to help scout for a few days and ended up working
the entire show. I knew he was a member so at the end of the
show, I spoke to him about it. I joined at the beginning of the
year and I am very happy I did. The LMGA provides a sense of
extended community. I appreciate the Guild’s efforts to raise
the profile of location managers.
20 • LMGA COMPASS | Fall 2015