AFCI Earns Trailblazer Award for 50 Years of Shaping Global Filmmaking

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – July 20, 2026 – The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) has announced it will bestow its prestigious Trailblazer Award upon the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), honoring the organization’s 50-year legacy of global production leadership. The award will be presented at the 13th annual LMGI Awards on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California.

The LMGI Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose visionary leadership has expanded opportunities, inspired innovation, and created a lasting impact on the film and television industry. This year, the honor celebrates AFCI's five decades of service in advancing the film commission profession, strengthening collaboration across the screen industry, and building the essential partnerships that allow productions to flourish in communities worldwide.

A Half-Century of Building Bridges

Founded in 1975, the Association of Film Commissioners International has evolved from a nascent network into the preeminent global organization for film commissions. Today, it represents over 300 commissions across 45 countries on six continents, acting as the central nervous system for a sector that facilitates billions of dollars in on-location production activity annually. A report endorsed by the organization highlighted that global screen production contributed an estimated $414 billion to the global economy in 2019 alone, a testament to the infrastructure AFCI has helped build.

For 50 years, the nonprofit has been the architect of a system that connects storytellers with the world. Its core mission—centered on advocacy, connectivity, and education—has empowered film commissions to become powerful engines for economic growth. Through initiatives like AFCI University, which offers the only professional certification for film commissioners, the organization has standardized best practices and equipped professionals with the skills to market their regions, design effective incentive programs, and manage the complex logistics of modern productions. Tools like the Global Production Network Tool have become indispensable, directly connecting producers, location managers, and studios with member commissions, streamlining the often-daunting process of finding the perfect location and navigating local regulations.

“Location managers know that every successful production depends on collaboration,” said Nancy Haecker, LMGI Awards chair. “Throughout our careers, location managers have benefited from the expertise of film commissions, which help connect productions with communities, build local partnerships, and navigate production complexities. AFCI has played a vital role in strengthening that global network of film commissions, helping them become even stronger partners for location professionals and the production teams they serve. We are honored to recognize the Association of Film Commissioners International with the 2026 LMGI Trailblazer Award for its lasting contribution to the global production community.”

The Unseen Synergy: Locations and Commissions

The relationship between a location manager and a film commission is one of the most critical, yet often unseen, partnerships in filmmaking. While directors create the vision and actors bring it to life, it is this collaborative duo that makes the vision physically possible. Film commissions serve as the on-the-ground liaison, providing invaluable intelligence on everything from securing permits for city-stopping action sequences to finding local crew and vendors who understand the unique terrain. This support is a lifeline for productions of all sizes, from independent features to blockbuster franchises.

According to one industry veteran, “The film commission is your first and most important call. They are the central component in a successful production, offering a level of support that goes far beyond just tax incentives. They are the problem-solvers and the facilitators.” This synergy is precisely what the LMGI seeks to honor with the Trailblazer Award. By professionalizing and connecting film commissions globally, AFCI has elevated the partnership, ensuring that when a location manager arrives in a new territory, they are met with a knowledgeable and capable ally ready to help bring the script to the screen.

Celebrating a Constellation of Industry Stars

The 13th annual LMGI Awards will also recognize other key figures whose contributions have profoundly shaped the industry. Legendary location manager Mike Fantasia will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. A founding member of the LMGI and a veteran of nearly 40 feature films, Fantasia’s work on iconic projects like Top Gun: Maverick, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Spider-Man: Homecoming has set a standard for excellence. His three California On Location Awards (COLAs) and nine years of service on the LMGI board underscore a career dedicated to his craft and his community.

The Humanitarian Award will be presented to the Environmental Media Association (EMA) for its pioneering leadership in promoting sustainable production. Led by CEO Debbie Levin, the EMA has been at the forefront of the green production movement, developing programs and advocating for practices that reduce the environmental footprint of filmmaking. This honor reflects the industry’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility, a cause that aligns with the forward-looking strategies of organizations like AFCI.

Charting the Future of Global Production

While the Trailblazer Award celebrates a 50-year history, AFCI’s focus remains firmly on the future. The organization’s strategic plan for 2024-2026 addresses the most pressing trends and challenges facing the industry, including sustainability, technology, and the rise of new production hubs. AFCI is actively leading conversations around carbon-neutral filmmaking and supporting its members in adopting green practices.

Simultaneously, the organization is helping the industry navigate the disruptive potential of technologies like AI-driven virtual production while continuing its mission to foster growth in emerging markets. Strategic expansion into Latin America and Africa is a key priority, aiming to support developing film commissions and unlock new creative possibilities for filmmakers. Furthermore, recognizing the powerful impact of film on local economies beyond production, AFCI recently launched a “Best Practice Guide in Screen Tourism” to help communities leverage their on-screen fame into sustainable tourism strategies. This holistic and forward-thinking approach ensures that as the landscape of global production continues to evolve, AFCI and its network of film commissions will remain at the very heart of the industry.