Jun
82025
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Rik Nagel
Photoville, MOME and Local 817 present a special conversation about creating space, location scouts in-conversation about NYC iconic backdrops and Made in NY Productions.
Presenters: John Accardo Malaika Johnson Rik Nagel
Moderators: Kwame Amoaku
Location: St. Ann’s Warehouse
Presented by:
Photoville, MOME and Local 817 present a special conversation about creating space, location scouts in-conversation about NYC iconic backdrops and Made in NY Productions.
John Accardo (Location Scout for film and television) is a New York-based photographer and location scout with a passion for storytelling through images. Born and raised in Brooklyn, his journey with photography began as a child when he first picked up his father’s Minolta SLR, sparking a lifelong fascination with capturing the world through a lens. That passion led him to earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic art at Queens College.
His work is defined by a keen eye for composition and a belief that beauty can be found in anything—from the unexpected to the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Whether scouting locations or taking portraits, he strives to tell compelling visual stories that resonate with viewers.
An active member of Theatrical Teamsters Local 817, John helped to organize the film and television production Locations Department workers to join one of the leading unions in the industry, advocating for fair labor rights and industry standards.
As an avid traveler, John finds inspiration in new places and cultures, always seeking fresh perspectives for his work. He lives with his family, dog, and two cats on Long Island.
Instagram: @AccardoProductions
Malaika Johnson, (Location Scout for film and television) was born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens. She graduated from Queens College with a BA in Media Studies and a minor in Music Theory. She has worked in film and television in the tri-state area as a location scout and assistant location manager for over 20 years, with credits including Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and Boardwalk Empire, among others. She has a passion for the art of filmmaking and loves to share it with people.
Rik Nagel, (Commercial Location Manager and Scout) photographer and location scout, has navigated New York City’s contradictions—from glittering penthouses to shadowed subway tunnels—uncovering beauty in its layers for over two decades. His work has framed scenes for the likes of Beyoncé and Martin Scorsese, but his personal photography thrives in the unscripted: a fleeting shaft of light in an alley, the quiet choreography of everyday New Yorkers. His images don’t capture the postcard version of NYC; they reveal the city’s pulse, the moments most people hurry past in the hustle and noise. For his current project, America Hindsight 2020, Rik traveled to all lower 48 states during the 2020 pandemic, photographing and interviewing people as history unfolded. The goal was to be the one person to witness it all firsthand. Educated at Carnegie Mellon University, he moved to the East Village in 1993 and fell in love with NYC.
Website: riknagel.com | Instagram: @riktree | Tiktok: @riknagel
NYC Deputy Film Commissioner
Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.
In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.
By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.
Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.
For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment’s mission is to support and strengthen New York City’s creative economy and make it accessible to all. In 2019, the creative industries accounted for more than 500,000 local jobs and have an economic impact of $150 billion annually. MOME comprises five divisions: the Film Office, which coordinates on location production throughout the five boroughs; NYC Media, the city’s official broadcast network and production group; the Office of Nightlife, which supports the city’s nighttime economy; the Press Credentials Office, which issues press cards; and Programs and Initiatives to advance industry and workforce development across NYC’s creative sectors.
Theatrical Teamsters Local 817 doesn’t just proudly represent transportation workers, but also casting professionals, as well as commercial location managers and scouts since 2011, and television/film location department members since 2017.
Originally chartered in 1926 with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, we’ve been keeping film and television productions moving in New York for over 90 years. Our jurisdiction now covers: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Eastern Pennsylvania.
As dedicated members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, we remain committed to upholding the high work standards that IBT stands for.
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