Location Manager Spotlight Courtesy of Universal Studios Florida Production Group: Laura M. Blair data-src=https://creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/avatars/263018/5fa08c562aaf4-bpthumb.jpg data-srcset=https://creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/avatars/263018/5fa08c561c0e7-bpfull.jpg 2x class=lazyload avatar avatar-80 photo height=80 width=80 />
Brie Clayton February 9, 2021
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The following interview with Line Producer and Location Manager Laura M. Blair was conducted by the Universal Studios Florida Production Group (USFPG).
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Laura's high school introduction to TV production put her on the path to success in show business. After earning her B.A. in Film and Media Arts at the University of Tampa, she landed her first job on writer/director Laurie Collyer's feature Sunlight Jr. and she has never looked back. Diligently working in the art and location departments on numerous film, TV and commercial productions between Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville, she is now focused on locations and line producing from her Central Florida home base. Currently the Assistant Locations Manager for season two of Warner Bros. Television's critically acclaimed series David Makes Man based at Universal Studios Florida, Laura's TV credits in locations management also include The Right Stuff, One Strange Rock and Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park. Her growing credentials as a producer and production manager span features, TV series and commercials.
data-src=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184742/Blair2_1200-1024x768.jpg alt= class=lazyload wp-image-2403269 data-srcset=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184742/Blair2_1200-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184742/Blair2_1200-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184742/Blair2_1200-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184742/Blair2_1200-624x468.jpg 624w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184742/Blair2_1200.jpg 1200w data-sizes=(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px />Q: What do you feel is the biggest value for productions that shoot with us?
Laura: The convenience. Universal Studios Florida is the largest option for sound stage space in Central Florida that includes full service amenities upon request. And it's situated close to dozens of hotels to accommodate any traveling cast, crew, and clients. It's simple to get quotes, take tours, and work out terms. The staff is amazing and knows every inch of all the properties along with what can be accomplished. Sometimes they know the answers to questions I haven't even asked yet.
data-src=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184753/Blair3_1200-1024x768.jpg alt= class=lazyload wp-image-2403270 data-srcset=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184753/Blair3_1200-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184753/Blair3_1200-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184753/Blair3_1200-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184753/Blair3_1200-624x468.jpg 624w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184753/Blair3_1200.jpg 1200w data-sizes=(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px />Q: What is the very first production you were involved with here, and what is the most recent?
Laura: The first project I was on which took full advantage of the Universal backlots and sound stages was season one of David Make Man. The company based its whole local production office in the dozens of available office spaces on the backlot. We built our sets in various sound stages and even popped into the theme parks on occasion. The USFPG team worked with us, navigating around their events and other productions happening at the same time and it always worked out seamlessly. After that show, I have worked on several big and small productions on the Universal property, including season one of The Right Stuff, a few commercials, and currently, season two of David Makes Man.
data-src=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184806/Blair4_1200-1024x768.jpg alt= class=lazyload wp-image-2403271 data-srcset=https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184806/Blair4_1200-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184806/Blair4_1200-300x225.jpg 300w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184806/Blair4_1200-768x576.jpg 768w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184806/Blair4_1200-624x468.jpg 624w, https://gcs.creativecow.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09184806/Blair4_1200.jpg 1200w data-sizes=(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px />Q: Which of our locations or stages have you worked on the most?
Laura: Mostly stages 19-22, all of which have their specific advantages. But I always think it's great when we get to pop into the theme park. I may just be saying that because the Universal support team, especially when filming in the guest areas, takes on a lot of the hard work I would normally be doing out at a location elsewhere. They make everything safe and controlled, and it's fun to see people walk by and get excited by what's going on.
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