Location manager Bill Bowling will be honored with the Trailblazer Award at the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) Awards on Saturday, August 24. The annual ceremony will take place at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.
Bowling, known for his work on films such as Jupiter Ascending and Cloud Atlas, has been a trailblazer in the production industry for over five decades. His career led him on a worldwide journey to over 95 countries, finding and securing unique and challenging filming locations and creating eclectic and innovative professional opportunities wherever his assignments took him.
The Trailblazer Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art of location scouting and management. Bowling, with his extensive experience, talents and expertise, is an inspiration and mentor to countless location managers. As a founding member of the LMGI, he helped in the creation of the only organization dedicated to elevating the craft, showcasing the work, and promoting the uniqueness and importance of the role of location professionals.
“We are thrilled to present the LMGI Trailblazer Award to Bill Bowling, a true pioneer in the field,” said LMGI president John Rakich. “Bill’s dedication and vision has inspired countless professionals to push the boundaries of creativity and excellence internationally.”
Bowling’s career as a location professional began in television on the 1970’s hit Barnaby Jones. After five years and over 100 episodes, he segued to films, honing his skills on first low-budget, then high-profile projects spearheaded by some of the most prominent directors in the business. Bowling worked with Terry Gilliam on The Fisher King, Mel Brooks on Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Martin Brest on Beverly Hills Cop, Robert Redford on The Horse Whisperer, and Michael Mann on The Insider. Bowling worked with the legendary Paul Verhoeven on five films including: Starship Troopers, Hollow Man and Showgirls. Bowling was the international location consultant on the 2015 Netflix series Sense8, which filmed in eight countries in its first season.
As an enthusiastic traveler, his exposure to diverse environments, cultures and social dynamics yielded invaluable experience for his professional pursuits. Bowling worked at Warner Bros. as worldwide location executive, advising on international productions. He has worked with a myriad of Hollywood studios for over 35 years, organizing global filming. Bowling has been an advisor to the AFCI and The Location Guide and has lent his expertise to governments and film commissions in developing their film and media industries. He also played a key role in helping to unionize Los Angeles location professionals in the late 1970s.
The LMGI Awards honor the outstanding and creative contributions of location professionals in film, television, and commercials and film commissions from around the globe. The event brings together industry leaders, filmmakers and location managers to celebrate the art and craft of location scouting and management.
