Lori Balton (USA)
Lori Balton is a pioneering location professional and the first to be invited into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Production Design Branch. With decades of experience collaborating with top directors and designers, she has helped shape the visual storytelling of numerous iconic films. Balton is co-founder and former president of the LMGI, co-editor of Compass magazine, and a regular speaker at international industry events. Her career spans global productions, mentorship, and the creation of Location Lounge—an inclusive platform connecting film commissions and service companies worldwide. She is known for her commitment to craft, advocacy for film-friendly practices, and deep belief in the narrative power of locations.
Markus Bensch (GER)
Markus Bensch has been working in the film industry since 1992 as a location manager and supervising location manager and became a production executive in charge of locations at Studio Babelsberg . He oversaw the scouting and location management for films like Enemy at The Gates, The Bourne Supremacy/ The Bourne Ultimatum , V for Vendetta , Hanna, The Monuments Men, Bridge of Spies, A Hidden Life. Markus has been nominated 3 times for an LMGI award for outstanding location work, in 2016 for Steven Spielberg film "Bridge of Spies“ , in 2020 for Terrence Malicks „ A hidden life“ and in 2023 for his contribution to the Netflix series „ Inventing Anna. In 2020 Markus was accepted into the production design branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
Solveig S. Ræstad (NOR)
Solveig Sigmond Ræstad is a Norwegian film commissioner and the head of Midgard Film Commission Norway.. With a background in film science and media production, she has worked as a screenwriter, producer, and editor for over a decade before assuming her current role in 2019. Under her leadership, Midgard Film Commission has been instrumental in promoting Trøndelag County as a film-friendly destination, notably contributing to the success of Netflix's Billionaire Island filmed on Frøya Island. This effort led to Frøya being awarded the EUFCN Location Award in 2024, recognizing it as Europe's best filming location. Ræstad also serves as the president of the Nordic Film Commissions network, reflecting her commitment to fostering sustainable film production across the Nordic region.
Torgrim Ødegård (NOR)
Torgrim Ødegård is a Norwegian location manager with extensive experience in film, documentary, and commercial production. He specializes in scouting, securing, and managing filming locations, and conducting research to support visual storytelling. Ødegård's notable credits include serving as the location manager for the Netflix fantasy film Troll (2022), the action-comedy Børning (2014), and the crime series Special Unit. His contributions have been instrumental in bringing diverse Norwegian landscapes to the screen & enhancing visual impact of these productions.
Jaan Kronberg (EST)
Jaan Kronberg is an Estonian drone cinematographer and founder of Skycam.ee, a company specializing in aerial filming. With over a decade of experience, he has contributed to productions across Europe and Asia, including Estonia's Eia’s Christmas at Phantom Owl Farm, Goodbye, USSR & Bollywood film Kedarnath, which involved drone work in the Himalayas. Kronberg is known for integrating drone technology into cinematic storytelling. His work reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in aerial cinematography.
Mark Harald Männik (EST)
Mark Harald Männik is an Estonian location manager and product developer specializing in digital solutions for film production. With a background in location management, he has contributed to various international productions, including the feature film O2, where he served as a location manager. Currently, Männik is focused on developing an AI-powered location management platform aimed at streamlining the scouting and coordination process for film crews. He is affiliated with Location Unit, a leading location services company in Estonia.
MODERATORS
Kristofer Piir (EST)
Kristofer Piir is a location scout and line producer who began his film career in 2012. After several years as a freelancer, he joined Allfilm in 2019. His credits include Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” (2020), AJ Annila’s “The Eternal Road”, and Tanel Toom’s “Truth and Justice”. He has also collaborated closely with director Eeva Mägi on projects such as the documentary “From Mari with Love” and the short film “3rd Octave F”.
Sander Lebreht (EST)
Sander Lebreht is a young and film producer, who doesn't say no to any challenges - big or small. He was educated at Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media, Arts and Communication School (BFM). He has been involved with many different film productions including Tenet (2020), Omerta 6/12 (2021), but so far the most successful is his student film „My dear corpses“ that won the Oscar at the Student Academy Awards 2020.
Kalev Smidt (EST)
Kalev Smidt is an Estonian location manager and scout with extensive experience in both commercial and narrative film production. He is a key member of Location Unit, a leading location services company in Estonia, where he has contributed to a wide range of international projects. Kalev Smidt is known for Mask (2013), Maria paradiis (2019) and Apteeker Melchior (2022).