The very first UK Location Managers Awards celebrated the unsung heroes who shape the visual identity of film, TV and commercials at a sold-out ceremony at St George’s Hall, Liverpool. Hosted by award-winning comedian and podcaster Adam Rowe, the evening honoured outstanding achievements by location professionals and teams across the UK screen industry.
• Michael Harm Supervising Location Manager Award, Sponsored by Location Collective & OMA Studio Group
Winner: Christian McWilliams
Presented by: Philippa Naughten & Asha Sharman
For exemplary leadership balancing creative vision with logistics, budget and on-set problem-solving.
• Andrew Bainbridge Rising Star Award, Sponsored by CrewHQ & Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Winner: Emily Turnbull
Presented by: Rico Sinclair-Johnson
Spotlighting outstanding emerging talent in locations.
• Neil Grigson Studio Unit Manager Award, Sponsored by Inkerman London
Winner: Simon Crook
Presented by: Mally Chung
Celebrating behind-the-scenes leaders who keep productions running safely and smoothly.
• Liverpool Film Office Location Department Award, Sponsored by Boomerang Carnet MEDIA
Winner: Ian Pollington & Team — Slow Horses
Recognising a department that exemplifies excellence and collaboration.
Presented by: Lady Derby
• Andre St John Unit Manager Award, Sponsored by Location Secure & Fstop Location Secure
Winner: Martin Walker
Presented by: Richy Ruck
• Fred Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by PHOLEX POWER
Winner: John Friend Newman
Presented by: Sue Quinn
Georgette Turner, Producer and Volunteer Event Chair: "Our aim was to shine a light on the extraordinary contribution of location professionals — the ones who turn creative vision into reality. The response from across the industry has been overwhelming, and the award winners reflect the depth of talent, innovation and passion driving UK production forward. We cannot wait to get started on organising next year’s event.”
Lynn Saunders, Head of Liverpool Film Office, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Liverpool was chosen to host the inaugural Location Managers Awards UK. Our city has been the backdrop to some of the world’s biggest productions, and the event celebrated the people who make that possible — the location managers and teams whose creativity and dedication turn every corner of the UK into a film set.”
A landmark night for UK location professionals, founded by a volunteer committee to elevate the profile of the UK’s location community, the UK Location Managers Awards celebrate location managers, scouts, studio managers and unit managers—the people who turn creative visions into real, filmable worlds. The inaugural ceremony took place at the historic St George’s Hall, a Grade I listed venue that has itself starred in productions from Peaky Blinders to The Batman.