THE ART & FUTURE OF LOCATION WORK
thursday, 7 August
Registration & Coffee
Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Signe Somelar-Erikson / Külli Hansen (Tartu Film Fund)
- Sander Lebreht (producer, event moderator, EST). Brief overview of the day.
Opening Panel: The Art of Location Scouting
Moderator: Kristofer Piir (Allfilm/Local, EST)
Panelists:
- Lori Balton (USA)
- Markus Bensch (GER)
A wide-ranging conversation on the evolving role of location scouts and managers, cooperation with creative teams, working globally, technology, and personal resilience in the industry.
Discussion: Scout & Production Designer Cooperation
Moderator: Kalev Smidt (Location Unit, EST)
Panelists:
- Markus Bensch (GER)
- Lori Balton (USA)
- Matis Mäesalu (EST)
- German Golub (EST)
This panel focuses on the collaboration between location scouts, production designers, and directors in shaping the visual world of a film. The discussion will also address productions where designers take on the role of scouts—examining the benefits, challenges, and implications of combining these roles.
Case Studies & Discussion: Film Friendliness in Practice
Moderator: Sander Lebreht (EST)
Panelists:
- Torgrim Ødegård (NOR)
- Solveig S. Raestad (NOR)
- Jurate Pazikaite (LT)
- Tuuliki Oberschneider, Markus Langi (EST)
Case study on Netflix’s Billionaire Island shot in Frøya, Norway & other productions in challenging areas. We talk also wider about film friendliness in practice, skills to handle production–community tension, on-the-ground problem-solving & building trust and long-term relations.
Lunch & Networking
Presentations / Q&A: Innovation in Location Work
Speakers:
- Mark Harald Männik (EST)
Modern location management case study featuring Locus Pro digital tools
- Jaan Kronberg (EST)
Jaan Kronberg explores how drone-based 3D models of real environments can streamline location scouting, planning, and even virtual production – making film prep faster, cheaper, and more flexible.
- Lori Balton (USA)
Lori will present Location Lounge: tool designed to preserve and enhance the vital relationships between location professionals and film commissions.
Panelists:
- Markus Bensch (GER)
- Torgrim Ødegård (NOR)
- Kristofer Piir (EST)
- Kaur Kallas (EST)
This closing panel explores the future of location scouting in the context of rapid technological change. As virtual production, 3D environments, and AI-assisted tools become more common, what will be the role of the location scout in 2030?
Speakers: Tartu Film Fund + Moderator
Summary, main insights, and invitation to evening networking.
Informal Evening Networking at Kalevi 15 – drinks and light bites, creative chats welcome!
Friday, 8 August
11:00 – 14:00
18:00 – 22:00
Tartu FAM tour: a guided look at the city’s most film-ready interiors
Evening Surprise at Antonius Courtyard. Expect live music, good conversations, and a relaxed vibe as we wrap up the Location Session with a touch of summer magic.
Details to be revealed soon – trust us, you’ll want to be there!