FALL 2013

cfc logo

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 



QUOTABLES

 

Caleb Duffy

"I have been fortunate to to stay in California and work on six film projects in  just the past four years. One of the foremost benefits of working here is the strong network of agencies ready to help location managers gain access so many dynamic locations. We rely on  state and local agencies - from the California Film Commission to CalTrans - for our production success.." 

 
Caleb Duffy
Location Manager
Behind the Candelabra
Winner of the 2013 COLA for Location Professional of the Year, Independent Feature
 

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.

2014 CFC BOARD MEETINGS


January 31st*

Los Angeles

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 

April 22nd*

Sacramento 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 

July 25th*

Los Angeles 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 

November 7th*

Los Angeles 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 

*dates subject to change 

RECENT ISSUES:


PUBLISHED BY 

cfc logo 


7080 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 900

Hollywood, CA 90028

323.860.2960

800.858.4749

 

[email protected] 

www.film.ca.gov 

 

(c) 2013    

California Film Commission 

Masthead Image:

 

San Francisco's skyline.   

Introducing LOCATION CALIFORNIA...

CFC Expands Annual Film Office Directory Into Content-Rich Magazine with International Distribution 

In January, the California Film Commission will introduce LOCATION CALIFORNIA -- a unique publication that will transform our annual statewide film office directory into an expansive guide highlighting California production talent and facilities. The 2014 edition will include in-depth articles and on-location reports about projects shot in California, and the people behind them.

LOCATION CALIFORNIA will be available in print and online. Targeted international distribution will include major industry events, starting with the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.

A few advertising spots are still available. For more information, please contact Nicki Webber at [email protected]. Space needs to be reserved by December 3rd, and artwork submitted by Dec. 6th.  

Steve Dayan Elected CFC Board Chair  


The California Film Commission Board of Commissioners has elected Steve Dayan of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 399 as chair for the 2014 term.

Steve Dayan
Dayan, who has been on the Film Commission's board since 2008, will begin serving in his new post on January 1st. He replaces outgoing Chair Keith Weaver of Sony Pictures Entertainment, who will remain on the board.

Dayan has been a Teamsters member for more than 28 years. He served as Local 399's business agent and organizer before his election last month to the top leadership post of secretary-treasurer. Local 399 represents more than 4,500 drivers, location managers, animal wranglers and casting directors.

Other changes to the Film Commission's Board include the election of documentary film producer Hillary Armstrong as vice chair, and TV executive Lindy DeKoven as secretary.

"Steve is a passionate advocate who has devoted his career to helping support film and TV production jobs in California," said CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch. "He's also an exceptionally strong leader with the experience, expertise and determination to get things done."    

COLAs 2013 Wrap Up

CFC Helps Honor Location Pros and Public Officials at 19th Annual California On Location Awards 
FLICS' Finest: (from left) Debra Degraw representing Mendocino County Film Office, FLICS Chair Beverly Lewis of Placer-Lake Tahoe Film Office and Cassandra Hesseltine of Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission 

Location managers and the public officials who help them facilitate on-location production were honored November 3rd at the 19th Annual California On Location Awards (COLAs).

Roger San Juan of Caltrans 
The ceremony, which was held at the Beverly Hilton and streamed live online, recognized the vital contribution of these professionals to both the production industry and the state's economy. California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch introduced State Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra, who announced the city, county, state and federal public employee winners. The Film Commission congratulates all the winners and finalists, including Roger San Juan of Caltrans, who took home the COLA for state public employee of the year.

See the complete list of 2013 COLA winners on the COLA website.

Production Alert Reminder:

Holiday Season Restrictions In Effect For Caltrans Permits Near LAX

We send reminders every year,  but it's worth repeating that there is a holiday moratorium on permits for closures and/or rolling breaks on state freeways, freeway ramps and roads within a four mile radius of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The California Film Commission, in conjunction with Caltrans (and with support from Los Angeles World Airports), has issued a production alert effective November 22, 2013 through January 6, 2014. The goal is to minimize filming-related disruptions to passenger and cargo traffic during the busy holiday season, and to ensure freeways around LAX (especially the often-filmed 105 Freeway) remain viable for non-holiday season production.

For more information please contact the California Film Commission at (323) 860-2960.  

Featured Location:
 
Oceano Dunes in San Luis Obispo County



Take Your Production Off-Road Along this Unique Stretch of Coastline

Formerly known as Pismo Dunes, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is the only state beach in California where vehicle use is permitted. It includes more than five miles of coastline, including expansive sand dunes ideal for just about every type of off-road vehicle.

Located about three hours north of Los Angeles, Oceano Dunes has served as the backdrop for countless commercials and photo shoots, as well as feature films ranging from "The Ten Commandments" to "Pirates of the Caribbean."  

Additional info is available on the State Parks website

 

Contact:

Lauren Tognazzini, San Luis Obispo County Film Commission   

(805) 541-8000/[email protected];

Dena Bellman, Oceano Dunes District

(805) 773-7182/[email protected] 

 

Tax Credit Projects In Release

The following feature film and TV projects currently (or soon-to-be) in release are among the many produced in California with assistance from the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program:

Features:

 

"Saving Mr. Banks"

 

"Baggage Claim"

 

 "Her"

 

"Plush"

 

"Saving Mr. Banks"

 

"Walk of Fame"

 

 

TV Series:

 

 

"Pretty Little Liars"
"Justified"

"Pretty Little Liars"

"Rizzoli & Isles"

"Perception"

"Teen Wolf"



CFC In the Community 

CFC's Amy Lemisch discusses the California Film/TV Tax Credit Program at October 9th Assembly Joint Oversight Committee hearing
California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch often speaks at production industry conferences, as well as a wide range of business development and civic events. Recent appearances include:
  • Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County (EDC-VC)
  • Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association
  • Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Entertainment Industry Conference
  • Assembly Joint Oversight Hearing on CA's Tax Credit Program
  • Ease Entertainment Domestic Incentives Conference
  • Fire Safety Officer (FSO) Semi-Annual Training with L.A. Fire Dept., CAL FIRE and SAFFE 

Local Incentives
 
Santa Barbara Launches State's First Production Incentive for Unscripted TV and Commercials
Santa Barbara's picturesque (and often-filmed) harbor
Santa Barbara County has introduced its Media Production Incentive Program as the state's first incentive targeting unscripted TV, commercials and still photography, as well as feature films and other TV production.

The County now provides a cash rebate for permit fees and 50 percent of related CHP and local sheriff/police department costs (up to the maximum allowed per production). To qualify, a production must book a minimum number of hotel nights in designated areas of the county.

For more information: Film Commissioner Geoff Alexander,              (805) 966-9222 / [email protected] or visit www.filmsantabarbara.com/incentives-program.

Ventura County Establishes New Film Liaison Post
 
Karen Kelley
Ventura County is about to become even more film-friendly with the appointment of Karen Kelley as its first county-wide film liaison.

Kelly has already served as film liaison for the City of Ventura and the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau. Now, through the efforts of the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County (EDC-VC), her focus has been expanded to cover all of Ventura County.

For more information, please visit filmventura.com.

Contact: Karen Kelley, Ventura County Film Commission;
(805) 758-4071/[email protected]

In the News 

Below is a sampling of recent
news stories featuring the California Film Commission:

 

 

(10/9/13)
Los Angeles Times
"Entertainment Execs Ask Lawmakers to Bolster State Film Tax Credit"

 

(10/16/13)
Orange County Register          
"Hooray for Hollywood Tax Incentives" (Editorial) 

 

(10/26/13)
The Guardian (UK)
"Hollywood Struggles to Halt Exodus of Filmmakers"   

 

(11/7/13)
Variety
˜Star Wars London Shoot Irks California Film Commission Topper" 

 

(11/15/13)
BackStage
"Teamsters Leader Elected to Head Calif. Film Commission"