Universal Studios Florida Production Group (USFPG) has provided Below the Line with the following spotlight interview with Location Manager/Scout Stacey McGillis.
Born in Alberta, Canada, Stacey grew up in Central Florida and attended Tulane University, where she earned her degree in Psychology. Invited into the film and television industry by a close family friend, over the past 14 years, she has built an amazing track record, establishing herself as one of Florida’s most accomplished location managers. A member of Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) as well as Teamsters Local 385, and currently the Location Manager for season two of Warner Bros. Television’s critically acclaimed series David Makes Man which is currently based at Universal Studios Florida, Stacey has earned vast credits on feature films, and on episodic series including Disney’s Tomorrowland and the Disney+ series The Right Stuff. Notably, she has also location managed Super Bowl commercials for Budweiser and The Daytona 500, and more high-profile spots for Ram Trucks, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss, to name but a few. In 2018, Stacey was nominated for LMGI’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Film for her work on the multi-award-winning “The Florida Project.”
Q: What do you feel is the biggest value for productions that shoot with us?
Stacey: Productions that shoot with USFPG can expect an unparalleled level of support, professionalism and understanding of the needs of the production. The USFPG team is experienced with the smallest and largest productions and is able to assist creatively and logistically. And as we know with any production, things change. USFPG understands this and consistently adapts and assists productions in last minute changes and needs.
Q: What is the very first production you were involved with here, and what is the most recent?
Stacey: The first production I worked with USFPG on was “Ace Ventura Pet Detective, Jr.” That project filmed on the stages, at CityWalk, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, as well as in many locations all over Central Florida. I am currently working on is “David Makes Man” season two. Through USFPG, “David Makes Man” has also been able to utilize a variety of locations on property. Shooting at Universal in a variety of locations and through USFPG’s close relationship with Loews Hotels, we were able to film at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Aventura Hotel and Sapphire Falls Resort.
Q: Which of our locations or stages have you worked on the most?
Stacey: I would say I have worked on Stage 19 and the “San Francisco” and “New York” areas of the Universal Studios backlot the most. The variety of looks one can find in “San Francisco” and “New York” are endless. USFPG is able to assist with filming inside the park both while it is open and while it is closed. While the park is open, USFPG has the staff to assist in managing park operations as well as the many other things productions may request assistance with such as defeating music/sounds. I also like shooting at Celebrity Circle: It can be shot in so many different ways!
Q: Any other major benefits for productions to shoot with us?
Stacey: I can’t say enough about the support that is given to productions shooting at USFPG. You just don’t find that at other places.
Q: Can you think of any USFPG resource which “saved the day” on one of your projects?
Stacey: Jackie Maness, Jr., Senior Manager, Production with USFPG, has saved the day more times than I can count on my fingers and toes. He is one of the greatest resources at USFPG, and he’s also an amazing human being!
To learn more about USFPG’s offerings, including its extensive support services, please visit UniversalStudios.com.
location image 1, Stage 25 (Courtesy: Stacey McGillis)
