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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
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QUOTABLES

"Working in California is always a first-rate experience in my book. With 'The Hangover Part III,' we had some challenging scenes to shoot, and the Film Commission was invaluable in the execution. This industry's core is in California, which offers the best crews, locations, equipment, and communities available to filmmakers. Plus, filming a significant portion of the movie in Southern California enabled so many of our crew members to work close to home."
Dan Goldberg, Producer The Hangover Part III
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"Regardless of great new talent popping up in front of, and behind the cameras all over the world, California remains the heartbeat, where filmmakers can still rely on the most skilled and talented technicians, and ultra-diversified equipment to bring their vision to reality. Remember, the best cheese comes from California cows."
David Siegel,
Co-Producer The Hangover Part III
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NO PERMIT FEES ON STATE-OWNED PROPERTY!
| The California Film Commission offers FREE permits for filming on state property. State-owned properties generally assess a fee only to recover out-of-pocket costs such as monitoring services and parking. There are so many state-owned locations to choose from, so keep us in mind as your low-cost location option.
Visit CFC's website for more info.
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2013 CFC BOARD MEETINGS
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May 14th* Sacramento 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Augutst 9th* Los Angeles 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm November 8th* Los Angeles 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm *dates subject to change |
PUBLISHED BY
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2012 Year-in-Review:
Most Popular State-Owned Locations
During 2012, the California Film Commission permitted a total of 2,987 filming days on state-owned property. Locations included parks and beaches (71% of all permitted filming days), freeways and highways (24%) and state buildings such as prisons, museums and offices (5%).
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Filmmakers flock to El Matador at Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach - a serene yet rugged strech of coastline between Malibu and Point Dume.
| The Top 10:
- El Matador State Beach (138 shoot days)
- Malibu Creek State Park (124 shoot days)
- Leo Carillo State Beach (110 days)
- Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu (100 days)
- Sycamore Cove State Beach (65 days)
- Department of Corrections-various facilities (53 days)
- Dept. of Water Resources/Tejon Ranch (48 days)
- 110 Freeway/6th St. Offramp in Downtown L.A.; Angeles Crest Highway 2 (31 days each)
- Caltrans META Training Facility in South L.A. (30 days)
- California Science Center/Exposition Park (29 days)
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All of these locations, and many more, are available for filming without any permit fees (see left column section titled "No Permit Fees on State-Owned Property" for more info).
Recent projects shot on state-owned property include "Gangster Squad," "This is 40,"
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Malibu Creek State Park
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"The Hive," "Body of Proof," "Take 2," "Southland," "90210," "The Mentalist" and "Real Housewives of Orange County."
Visit the Film Commission's website and select the "Search Locations" tab for a complete list of state-owned properties available for filming.
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Nelles Youth Correctional Facility Reopens for Filming
 While we're on the topic of state-owned locations, be advised that the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility in Whittier will re-open to filming next month after a year-long moratorium. The film-friendly 90-acre facility offers a wide range of sets including dormitory-style living units, dining room, chapel, infirmary, gymnasium, showers, auditorium, classrooms, high security detention center and industrial laundry. It also has ample base camp space within a secured perimeter fence. For photos and contact information: http://ca.reel-scout.com/loc_detail.aspx?id=6414&g=&cid=50
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Thank You and Retirement Wishes,
Jim Fitzpatrick
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Jim Fitzpatrick
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CFC Deputy Director Retires After Long and Distinguished Career Jim Fitzpatrick, CFC's incredibly knowledgeable and well-connected deputy director, has retired after a film industry career that spanned more than 30 years.
When he arrived at the Film Commission in 2006, he brought a remarkable mental rolodex with personal connections at just about every federal agency.
Jim's depth of knowledge and ability to deal with a wide range of production issues was unsurpassed. He always brought tenacity and commitment to solving even the most complicated production scenarios.
Prior to joining the CFC, Jim served as director of government and production affairs for the Motion Picture Association of America. He was also a freelance 1st assistant director and location manager who loved filming in California's desert and mountain regions.
All of us at the Film Commission wish Jim the best in this next chapter of life. Just as his work has been long and satisfying, may he have a long and satisfying retirement!
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Production Alert:
New Insurance Documentation Requirement
As of January 1st, production companies are required to provide two additional insurance documents in order to film on state-owned or controlled property. These documents - a standard endorsement form and proof of workers comp (or workers comp waiver) - are routine.
More information, including sample documents, is available at:
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Did You Know?
CFC Website Offers Valuable
Production Tools and Information
an entire section
 | The "30 Mile Zone" |
devoted to
helping you navigate production issues ranging from work permits and license verification to on-set safety and security.
Simply select the "Production" tab on the menu bar to access this treasure chest of tools and information. You'll find links and contact info for relevant government agencies, industry associations, guilds/unions, production directories, entertainment job listings and more. This one stop shop even includes charts for weather, sunrise/sunset times and the 30-mile zone.
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California Makes a Splash at Sundance
 California was well represented at Sundance this year, with several high profile films shot principally in the Golden State. The California Film Commission congratulates the following independent films: - "Afternoon Delight" (Bay Area)
Winner - Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic - "Big Sur" (San Francisco and Big Sur)
- "Fruitvale" (Oakland, San Francisco & San Quentin)
Winner - U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic - "Google and the Wild Brain" (Bay Area)
- "Inequality for All" (Berkeley)
Winner - U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award - "Interior. Leather Bar" (Los Angeles)
- "jOBS" (Los Angeles & Palo Alto)
- "Lovelace" (Los Angeles)
- "Kink" (San Francisco)
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Featured Location:
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
A popular filming location since the 1930s, the Imperial Sand Dunes have doubled for the Middle East and distant imaginary planets.
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Scenes from Lawrence of Arabia were shot there... 'nuff said! Known among off-road enthusiasts as the "sand sport capital of the world," the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) stretches more than 40 miles along California's southernmost border with Arizona. The dunes rise 400-plus feet above the surrounding desert floor, and comprise the largest sand dune system in North America. Stretches near Glamis (off Highway 78 east of the City of Brawley) and Buttercup Valley (along I-8 east of El Centro) include large paved parking areas for base camp and camp grounds. There are also privately-owned sections open for intense pyrotechnics and set building. In addition to pick-up shots for "Laurence of Arabia," the dunes were used to film parts of "Road to Morocco," "Flight of the Phoenix," "Stargate," "Return of the Jedi," and John Ford's "The Lost Patrol."
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Tax Credit Projects Currently In Release
The following feature film and TV projects currently (or soon-to-be) in release were produced in California with assistance from the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program:
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"A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III"
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Features:
"Argo"
"Gangster Squad"
"This is 40"
"Knife Fight"
"Stand Up Guys"
"A Glimpse in the Mind of Charles Swan III"
"Dark Skies"
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"Switched at Birth"
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Television:
"Justified"
"Body of Proof"
"Switched at Birth"
"Pretty Little Liars"
"Franklin & Bash"
"Bunheads"
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In the News
Below is a sampling of recent news stories featuring the California Film Commission:
(12/12/12)
Los Angeles Times
'Teen Wolf' Transforms Into an L.A. Production
(11/19/12)
KCRW-FM/"Which Way L.A."
(11/13/12)
TheWrap/Yahoo Movies
With TV and Film Production Heading Overseas, Should Uncle Sam Get Into Showbiz?
(10/18/12)
Los Angeles Times
California Lost $3 Billion in Film Crew Wages from 2004 to 2011, Report Says
(10/12/12)
Markee 2.0
Spotlight: California Film Commission
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