IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE LIVERPOOL FILM OFFICE
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE LIVERPOOL FILM OFFICE
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LIVERPOOL, UK —Winners Announced at the Inaugural Location Managers Awards UK 2025
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.
2025 WINNERS
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 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 turns 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.
About Location Managers Awards UK
The Location Managers Awards UK is a non-profit initiative recognising excellence across the UK locations sector and the suppliers, film offices, commissions and agencies that support them. The inaugural ceremony was held on Saturday 4 October 2025 in Liverpool. For media materials and background, visit the Press page.
NOTES TO EDITORS

The UK Location Managers Awards honours the best Location professionals in the entertainment industry.
This non-profit event run by volunteers aims to raise the profile of Location Managers, their teams and the suppliers, film offices, film commissions and location agencies that support them and the exceptional work they do.

The Liverpool Film Office is working alongside Georgette Turner, Jacqui Rafferty, Rich Ruck and Ian Pearce to bring you the first UK Location Awards!
We have been blown away by the loyalty and support to honour location professionals, production companies, and public employees whose work makes the UK the best location in the world for filming.

The UK Location Managers awards will take place at the prestigious St Georges Hall, Liverpool on Saturday 4th October 2025.
St Georges Hall has hosted a variety of productions, of all sizes, from Peaky Blinders to The Batman. Opened in 1854, This Neoclassical Grade 1 building is the perfect setting to host the first UK based location managers award ceremony.

Producer & Board Member PGGB
Georgette Turner is a highly regarded Unit Production Manager and Line Producer with over 15 years of experience in the film and television industry. She is known for her exceptional ability to manage complex logistics and her innovative approach to sustainable production practices.
Georgette's career includes key roles in major productions such as Wonder Woman 1984, The Little Mermaid, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, The Boys in the Boat, and Edge of Tomorrow. Her work spans various genres and international locations, showcasing her versatility and expertise in location management
Beyond her technical skills, Georgette is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability within the industry. She has developed innovative solutions to promote eco-friendly practices on set, including solar-powered facilities and the repurposing of props and costumes. Her efforts have earned her recognition as a role model and a source of inspiration for colleagues. In addition to her professional achievements, Georgette is committed to mentoring the next generation of Location Managers. She leads Location Bootcamps to equip emerging talent with the skills needed to succeed in the industry. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment has made her a respected figure among her peers.
Georgette recently won the Inspiration Award at the Production Guild of Great Britain Awards, celebrating her outstanding contributions to the industry and her unwavering commitment to excellence, and received a nomination for the Production Guild Duke of Edinburgh Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Georgette is currently working as a Producer on the upcoming feature film ”Fortitude” directed by Simon West ( Con Air, Tomb Raider Expendables 2)

Director, Liverpool Film Office
Lynn has had a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, dedicated to advancing the creative industries in Liverpool and the North West. She has served as the Director of Liverpool Film Office since 1999 and is also Managing Director of The Depot —a pivotal role in developing the city's production infrastructure
Over the past decade, her leadership has helped attract over £100 million worth of television and film production to the region, including major projects like The Batman, Peaky Blinders, and BAFTA-nominated dramas such as Time and Help.
Film & TV Tax Advocacy
Under her guidance, Liverpool Film Office has championed strategic initiatives like the LCR Production Fund, The Depot, and the development of the Littlewoods Studio Campus. She’s been vocal in industry discussions, particularly around the new UK Independent Film Tax Credit, which she believes will be transformative for indie film.
Industry Awards
Lynn was honoured with the Mercury Business Award at the Women in Film & TV UK Awards—a testament to her ongoing commitment to skills development and creating a more inclusive screen industry

Business Development & Projects Director,
Supply 2 Location Group
After working 27 years in the Music industry, Ian made a right turn and is now in his 26th year in the Film & TV industry. Ian began as a guest presenter on HSN (Home Shopping Network), using his years of live stage experience to manage the stresses of live TV presentation. He then began taking on crew contract roles when the TV channel moved into Europe. From early Unit Managing on the pilot of the FOYLES WAR series in 2001, Ian went on to work in all the key location department roles, including Security, Traffic Manager, Unit Manager, and Assistant Location Manager.
From The King's Speech to Foyles War to ITV’s Lewis to Scorcese’s Hugo he worked his way through it all when finally, as UK Film Unit Manager on SENSE8, he found himself in the Scottish Highlands with no kit, no service and no local suppliers, so he decided to make the move into the supply and support side of the industry.
Currently serving as Business Development & Projects Director at Supply 2 Location Group, the UK’s premier Film & TV location services and logistics provider, Ian is known for a can-do approach and innovative problem-solving ideas which make complex and prestigious filming projects possible.
Ian has now provided advice, support and a range of key services on many blockbuster productions filmed in Scotland, including Avengers: Infinity War, Outlaw King, Succession, Fast & Furious 6 & 9, No Time To Die, Andor, Peaky Blinders, Jurassic World, The Batman, and The Secret Garden.
Previously as Managing Director – Regions, at Supply 2 Location, Ian spearheaded the businesses expansion into regional hubs, including northern England, Merseyside, Wales and the South-West, Birmingham, and Scotland — optimising service efficiency, sustainability initiatives, and training programmes, and is known for establishing strong relationships with local authorities, film agencies and land owners.

Event Manager
Jacqui Rafferty is one of the key driving forces behind this year’s Location Managers Awards, bringing together her expertise, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail to deliver one of the industry's most exciting and anticipated inaugural celebrations.
With a background in managing everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events within the UK’s creative and production sectors, Jacqui is known for transforming complex logistics into seamless, memorable experiences.
From concept to execution, she is playing a pivotal role in delivering this first-of-its-kind event in the UK — ensuring every detail reflects the excellence and spirit of the remarkable locations community. Her collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to quality made her the natural choice to help bring this celebration to life.
Her experience is not only shaping what promises to be an unforgettable evening, but also helping shine a long-overdue spotlight on the unsung heroes of the film and TV industry — those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to set the stage for the stories we see on screen.

Operations & Liaison Manager, Liverpool Film Office
Kevin Bell is a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s booming film and television industry. As Operations & Liaison Manager at the Liverpool Film Office — a role in which he oversees daily logistical coordination, facility management, and industry partnerships — he plays a key part in transforming Liverpool into one of the UK’s most filmed cities outside London.
Partnering with the team on major infrastructure initiatives, Kevin was instrumental in the opening and promotion of The Depot, featuring two 20,000 ft² soundproof units designed to retain large-scale productions in the region. Aiming to nurture a creative hub, The Depot has significantly boosted local crew employment and fostered professional growth within the Liverpool City Region.
Kevin helps to coordinate Liverpool’s crew and facilities database, which merged with Creative England’s to streamline production placements and promote them regionally. From supporting TV dramas like Time, Help, The Responder, and blockbusters including The Batman, he has helped drive major inward investment—estimated at over £168 million over five years—and created thousands of jobs.
Under Kevin’s coordination, the Liverpool Film Office has prioritised local crew hiring and skills development. His efforts align with the combined authority’s push for apprenticeships and regional job growth—ensuring that productions are not just filmed in Liverpool, but rooted in its communities
A long-standing member of the lean, dedicated Film Office team (which once consisted of just three members, including Kevin), he was already calling 2025 “one of, if not the most successful years ever” for film shooting in Liverpool. His career reflects a steady rise in industry activity around Liverpool, bolstered by his operational leadership and engagement with stakeholders at all levels.

Unit Manager & Director Supply 2 Location Wales and West
Richard Ruck is a seasoned industry professional with over 15 years of extensive experience in the locations department across the film and television industry. His work covers a variety of high-profile productions, demonstrating his expertise in managing on-location logistics and coordinating complex shoots.
After serving in the Welsh Guards, he was also a pro Boxer and given he has the kindest nature with the hardest work ethic, Rich was genuinely unfazed by pretty much all that this line of work could throw at him and he quickly became one of the most in demand unit managers in the UK business.
Working in many countries on the Bond Franchise, Succession, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them, The Discovery of Witches and many more along the way, he's often the main behind the scenes backbone on any filming location.
As a serving soldier abroad, Rich received the Queens Award for Bravery. He has a big bold character and a limitless sense of humour and the faintest of Welsh accents so you know where he calls home.