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SPRING 2011

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The California Film Commission (CFC) enhances California's status as the leader in motion picture, television and commercial production.

 

A one-stop office for filmmakers, the Commission supports productions of all sizes and budgets. In addition to managing the Film & Television Tax Credit program,  services include an extensive digital location library, free online permitting, low cost use of state properties as shooting locations, and production assistance.

 

www.film.ca.gov 



UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS

May 10  

Sacramento  

State Capitol  

Room 113 

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

 

July 29  

Los Angeles  

5757 Wilshire Blvd.

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 

November 4  

Los Angeles

5757 Wilshire Blvd. 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 


QUOTABLES

Lisa Bruce

Lisa Bruce

"Everyone and everything you need to make a quality film can be found in abundance right here in California. This means you don't have to waste part of your incentive on things like transportation, housing and living expenses."
 

Lisa Bruce

Veteran Line Producer

Speaking at CFC's 6th Annual Locations Breakfast


PUBLISHED BY 

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7080 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 900

Hollywood, CA 90028

323.860.2960

800.858.4749

 

filmca@film.ca.gov 

www.film.ca.gov 

 

(c) 2011  

California Film Commission 

CFC Reprises Matchmaker Role for
6th Annual Locations Breakfast

 
CFC Breakfast 1

Borrowing a technique used by time-strapped singles looking for romance, the California Film Commission's 6th Annual Locations Breakfast on April 1st included a speed dating session to match producers with representatives from 20-plus film offices from across the state.

 

CFC Breakfast Crowd

More than 150 feature film, television and commercial producers attended the event at the Sofitel Los Angeles (which happens to be located at the nexus of the "30-mile zone").

 

Also on the agenda was an update from CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch on California's Film & Television Tax Credit incentive. Other speakers included Lisa Bruce, a veteran line producer who added first-hand industry perspective on the effectiveness of the incentive. Ms. Bruce recounted how the tax credit enabled her most recent project ("No Strings Attached" starring Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman) to shoot in California.

 

 

Gearing Up for the Next Round of Tax Credits


Applications Accepted Starting June 1st

 

The California Film Commission will begin accepting applications on Wednesday, June 1st for the next $100 million round of funding provided annually by the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program.

 

While applications will continue to be accepted after the June 1 start date, everyone is encouraged to prepare in advance and submit on the first day given overwhelming demand.

 

Since the program was launched in July 2009, the CFC has granted $300 million in tax credits to 116 projects. In total, these projects are estimated to be responsible for $2.2 billion in direct in-state spending, including $728 million in wages paid to "below-the-line" crew.  

water for elephants poster

Water for Elephants is one of 116 projects to shoot in California thus far due to the tax credit incentive.

  

 CFC Production Alert - Tax Credit Application Procedures  

 
CFC Director Makes Rounds at Legislative Hearings
  

 

Amy Lemish KABC 2In recent weeks, CFC Executive Director  

Amy Lemisch has testified at a series of legislative hearings focused on the state's efforts to fight runaway film and television production.  

 

She was the lead presenter in Pasadena on March 18th at a hearing led by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) and attended by members of the Select Committee on the Preservation of California's Entertainment Industry.

On March 21st, Ms. Lemisch was in Sacramento to give an in-depth update on the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program before a joint hearing of the Assembly Committee on Arts & Entertainment and the Revenue & Taxation Committee.

 

View 3/21/11 Assembly Hearing Proceedings

(via CalChannel.com)  

 

New CHP Liaison Joins Location Permitting Team 

Officer Luevano
California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Luevano has joined the CFC team as the new coordinator for filming on state-managed freeways, highways and roads. He replaces Officer Cheyenne Quesada, who served as liaison for four years and earned widespread respect and gratitude for his hard work.    

 

FLICSCFC & FLICS
Host 4th Annual California Locations Tradeshow
 
For the fourth consecutive year, the California Film Commission partnered with FLICS (Film Liaisons In California Statewide) to host the annual California Locations Reception & Tradeshow, which was held Saturday, April 2nd in Century City.

More than 30 film offices from across the state were on hand to showcase their incredibly diverse locations. The theme of this year's event was "Why in the World Film Anywhere Else... when the whole world is in California?" 

Amy Lemish at FLICSFLICS is a network of regional

film offices and commissions that work cooperatively with the California Film Commission to attract and facilitate film, television, commercial and print media production statewide. In addition to helping stage the California Locations Tradeshow, FLICS also produces the annual California On Location Awards (COLA) ceremony.   

 

Welcome New CFC Board Members
CFC Board
Members of the California Film Commission 2011 Board of Directors Present at January 28th Board Meeting
During its January 28th board meeting, the California Film Commission welcomed four newly appointed board members: Hilary Armstrong, President of Fire of Life Films; Fred Baron, Executive Vice President of Feature Production at 20th Century Fox; Lindy DeKoven, President of DeKoven Entertainment; and Aaron McLear, Former Press Secretary for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Also new to the board is California Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada/Flintridge).  

Please visit CFC's website for a complete list of 2011 Board members.

 

In the News 

A sampling of recent news stories featuring the California Film Commission:
LA BizJournal
4/25 LA Business Journal cover story on CA's Film & TV Tax Credit Program

 

(4/25/11)  

L.A. Business Journal

"California Looks for Hollywood Comeback: TV and film tax credits gain on rivals"  

 

(4/1/11)

Variety

"California Incentive Applications Due June 1"

 

(4/1/11)

The Hollywood Reporter

"In One Day, $100 Million to be Handed Out by California Film Commission"

 

(3/22/11) 

Los Angeles Times

"On Location: State Film Tax Credits are Saving Grace..."  

 

(3/19/11) The Hollywood Reporter

"California Film Tax Credit Hearing Draws Supporters"  

 

(3/18/11) KABC-TV (Los Angeles)

"Producers Praise Tax Incentives for Film/TV"  

   

(3/18/11) Los Angeles Times 

"California Film Tax Credit Program Has Generated $2.2 Billion in Spending"