Outstanding Contribution to Craft: Lloret MacKenna Dunn

Words by Toby Weidmann

Few people know the Scottish landscape, modern architecture, ancient landmarks and city back alleys as well as supervising location manager Lloret MacKenna Dunn. In a career spanning more than 30 years scouting diverse locations for an array of film and TV productions, her reference library of
photographs must be extensive, almost overwhelming. All that experience and knowledge, has been put to good use by the likes of Stephen Frears, Mike Newell and Guillermo del Toro. So it is fitting that she is now being honoured for her work with a BAFTA Scotland Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Craft (in memory of Robert McCann).

Studio sets are an essential part of most screen productions, but nothing compares to filming on location. Locations provide atmosphere, authenticity and visual excitement – just picture Edinburgh’s Old Town, Loch Sloy Dam or Glen Kinglas, some of Lloret’s favourite locations. They tell a story in their own right and are as much a character as the performers exploring that space. They often prompt new creative direction once a crew has assembled and seen what a location can offer. From Gary: Tank Commander to Frankenstein, from Mary & George to T2 Trainspotting and the forthcoming The Great Beyond, Lloret has helped bring the perfect locations to life to stimulate both filmmakers and audiences alike.

Lloret hails from Oban, the beautiful seaport in the heart of Argyll, which has more than its fair share of stunning and inspirational locations nearby. Surprisingly, her first step into the industry was front of camera, having trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the RSAMD) in Glasgow and landing roles in theatre and TV, including the much-loved Taggart. That said, she was always fascinated with what was happening behind the scenes and it was while working as a runner, shadowing a location manager, that she discovered her true calling.

A good visual eye and an appreciation of storytelling are clearly a huge advantage in her work, but just as essential are a strong head for organisation, budget management and great people skills. After scouting a location to ensure that all departments’ needs are met, Lloret must then convince the location owners that the inevitable disruption will be an exciting change to normal operations. Along with her inexhaustible team, she makes sure everything runs smoothly during production, managing communication between the production and the owners, and is also on clean-up duty when wrap is called.

Somewhere in her spare time, she helps inspire the next generation as lead tutor on the NFTS’s location courses in Scotland, and regularly provides mentorship to new location entrants across the UK. Lloret says she’s honoured to receive this special award, the first time the work of the location department has been recognised in this way: “What an unexpected honour. Thank you, BAFTA Scotland. I feel so proud that the work of the location department is being recognised, and hope that this award will prove to be an inspiration for the next generation entering our incredible industry.”