Sacramento Update:
CFC Becomes Part of State's New
GO-Biz Agency
 The California Film Commission is pleased to announce it is now part of the recently launched Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development - more commonly known as "GO-Biz" (www.business.ca.gov). The Commission was previously part of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which became the California State Transportation Agency effective July 1st as part of the Governor's comprehensive Reorganization Plan.
GO-Biz serves as California's office for economic development and offers a range of services to business owners. Kish Rajan, GO-Biz director, has already met with representatives from various facets of the film and TV production industry to understand what the state can do to fight runaway production and grow production-related jobs. He also attended the last CFC Board Meeting held in Sacramento.
"The entertainment industry is not only a vital part of our California economy but drives the Golden State's amazing brand worldwide," Rajan said. "I continue to meet with industry leaders to determine how we can all work together to preserve our leadership and grow jobs in this key sector."
The Film Commission appreciates the support demonstrated by Director Rajan and the entire GO-Biz team.
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CFC Accepts Record Number of Tax Credit Applications
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Tax credit hopeful: Applicants submitted a record 380 projects for inclusion in this year's tax credit lottery June 3rd.
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Monday, June 3rd was the first day applications were accepted for California's next $100 million round of film and TV tax credits. A record 380 applications were filed on the first day, representing an 18 percent increase over last year. Applicants lined up at the Film Commission office in Hollywood to ensure their projects were included in the annual tax credit lottery, which is held each year to determine at random which projects are assigned tax credits before the full $100 million is allocated. As of July 31st, credits have been reserved for 34 projects (vs. 31 projects reported initially on June 3rd). Those not selected have been placed on a waiting list. As in prior years, the Film Commission expects many projects on the waiting list to ultimately receive credits, as projects assigned credits withdraw from the program due to scheduling delays or other production-related issues.  | | CFC Board Member Steve Dayan interviewed outside the Film Commission's headquarters on lottery day. |
General information about California's Film & Television Tax Credit Program is available at http://film.ca.gov/incentives.htm. Also check out CFC's latest Progress Report, which includes data on the Program's impact on in-state spending and employment. Read the full report. Related News Stories:
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Why Does California Need a Tax Credit Lottery?
The answer is simple... demand for our tax credits far exceeds supply.
California's lottery is a unique solution to a unique problem. It is necessary because so many film and TV producers want to shoot in California. Given the state's $100 million annual cap on tax credits, the lottery assigns credits in the most fair and transparent way possible. Without the lottery, credits would be awarded on a first come, first served basis, thereby enabling one applicant with multiple projects to collect a disproportionate share of credits.
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CFC and FLICS Fight For California at International Locations Expo
 | | The home team: (from left) CFC Deputy Director Eve Honthaner, Executive Director Amy Lemisch and Tax Credit Program Director Nancy Stone. |
In what has become an annual ritual, film commissions from across the U.S. and around the world descended upon the L.A. Convention Center June 27-29 to tout their locations and tax credits.
The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Locations Expo serves as a powerful reminder of the fierce global competition. The goal for each out-of-state film office is simple... lure production jobs and spending by encouraging California-based producers to ditch the Golden State.
The good news is that California was prepared to fight back during the three-day gathering, which drew more than 100 film commissions and an estimated 2,600 attendees in search of the best deal. The California contingent was led by the California Film Commission and 20 FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide) member film offices.
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TheGrill at AFCI panel featured (from left) Brent Lang from TheWrap.com, CFC's Amy Lemisch, Katie Kotok of the British Film Commission and Franck Priot of Film France.
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In addition, CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch was featured on a panel titled "Tax Incentives Around the Globe," where she explained how California is fighting the tax credit arms race - both here in the U.S. and worldwide. The panel, which was part of TheGrill@ Locations Show series produced by TheWrap.com, also included Katie Kotok, EVP of U.S. Production for the British Film Commission, and Franck Priot, COO of Film France. It was moderated by TheWrap's Brent Lang.
You can watch video excerpts of the panel here.
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Featured Location:
Balch Park in Tulare County
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Balch Park in Tulare County.
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Think Yosemite Valley... but without the crowds.
Located within Giant Sequoia National Monument, Balch Park is a majestic, uniquely film-friendly recreational area owned and operated by Tulare County.
The 320-acre park is packed with Giant Sequoias, two large ponds and lots of unspoiled wilderness. It has doubled for Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks (both of which require federal permits for commercial filming and photography). One profound difference working in Balch Park is the small number of visitors it attracts, even in the peak summer months. Tulare County officials welcome on-location production and can even arrange to reserve part of the park for filmmakers. Where else can you get High Sierra majesty with the ease and simplicity of working with a local film commission? Contact: Tulare County Film Commissioner Eric Coyne at (559) 624-7187 / ECoyne@co.tulare.ca.us. Additional info at www.FilmTulareCounty.com.
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Tax Credit Projects 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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 | | "Bling Ring" |
Features:
"The Bling Ring"
"Lovelace"
TV Series:
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 | | "Rizzoli & Isles" |
"Justified"
"Pretty Little Liars"
"Rizzoli & Isles"
"Perception"
"Teen Wolf"
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Putting California in the Spotlight...
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles' Seeks Indie Projects for "What's Your L.A." Competition
The California Film Commission is proud to serve as a community partner for the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NMFLA) "What's Your L.A." competition.  The competition honors short independent films that highlight Los Angeles locations and celebrate the "L.A. experience."
Categories include narrative, documentary, commercial and animation. The Grand Prize is a production/post-production package valued at $50,000. The best submissions will be screened during a red carpet premiere October 19th at the AT&T Center in Downtown L.A. The event is sponsored by The City of Los Angeles and LA Weekly. The deadline for entries is September 7th. For more info, visit www.nfmla.org/onlocation.
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