newsMonday, November 2, 2026·3 min read

Lexington FilmLEX Partners with Location Managers Guild for Two-Day Workforce Development Workshop

FilmLEX teams up with the Location Managers Guild International to host a two‑day workshop for students and crew, boosting Kentucky’s production talent pipeline.

Lexington’s FilmLEX office has taken a bold step to nurture homegrown talent by teaming up with the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI). The two‑day workshop, "From Page to Place: The Art of Location Management," runs Nov. 6‑7 and welcomes students, emerging crew and local professionals. Industry veterans such as Andrea Keener, Todd Christensen, Mike Fantasia and Dennis Muscari will lead sessions on scouting, logistics and on‑set problem solving. Over 200 participants from eight Kentucky colleges, universities and area high schools are slated to attend. The initiative aims to cement Lexington as a production‑ready hub and create a pipeline for future jobs.

What happened

The Lexington Film Office, operating as FilmLEX, announced a partnership with the Location Managers Guild International to deliver a workforce development program titled "From Page to Place: The Art of Location Management." The two‑day event is scheduled for Nov. 6‑7 at the FilmLEX headquarters. The curriculum features hands‑on training, mentorship and networking, with LMGI professionals Andrea Keener (Killers of the Flower Moon, Captain America: Brave New World), Todd Christensen (The Hunger Games, Sicario), Mike Fantasia (Top Gun: Maverick, Killers of the Flower Moon) and Dennis Muscari (Oppenheimer, Breaking Bad) leading the sessions. Students from eight regional colleges—including the University of Kentucky, Asbury University and Transylvania University—along with area high schools will take part. Lisa Brin, head of FilmLEX, called the partnership a “tremendous privilege” and a first step toward strengthening the local production workforce. Danny Finn, president of LMGI, added that investing in the next generation is essential for the industry’s future.

Why it matters

By giving aspiring location managers direct access to seasoned professionals, Lexington is cultivating a talent pipeline that can reduce reliance on out‑of‑state crews and lower production costs. A stronger local workforce makes the city more attractive to film and TV projects, which can generate jobs, tax revenue and cultural visibility. The initiative also signals to other mid‑size markets that targeted training can be a catalyst for sustainable industry growth.

+ Pros

Creates a pool of locally trained location talent.
Boosts Lexington’s appeal to national productions.
Provides networking and mentorship opportunities for students.

– Cons

Limited seats may exclude many interested participants.
A two‑day format cannot cover every skill gap.
Relies on volunteer industry professionals, which may vary year to year.

How to think about it

If you are a student, treat the workshop as both a learning experience and a credential—follow up with mentors and seek internships. Local producers should monitor the alumni list and consider hiring workshop graduates for entry‑level location roles, saving on travel and housing costs for out‑of‑state crews. Film offices in other regions can replicate this model by partnering with guilds to create short, intensive training that aligns with local production needs.

FAQ

When and where is the workshop held?+

The workshop runs on November 6‑7 at FilmLEX’s headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky.

Who is eligible to attend?+

College and high‑school students from the eight listed Kentucky institutions, emerging talent and local crew members can apply.

How can local producers benefit from the initiative?+

Producers gain access to a vetted pool of newly trained location professionals, reducing hiring costs and fostering community partnerships.

Sources

#lexington #filmlex #location-managers #workforce-development #film-industry

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