SUMMER 2014

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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 



QUOTABLE

 

Caroline James

 

There's no better place than California to produce quality television. It doesn't take a math genius to understand that quality crews plus quality locations plus quality equipment and facilities equals quality television, and that's what California provides. 

 

I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced the best that television production has to offer in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. TNT's Murder in the First simply could not have been produced as beautifully and successfully anywhere else.
 

Caroline James
Producer, 
TNT's "Murder in the First" 

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.

UPCOMING CFC BOARD MEETINGS

 

November 7th*

Los Angeles 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 

*dates subject to change 

RECENT ISSUES:

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) 2014     

California Film Commission 

Mathead Image: 

Malibu lifeguard station by 

Mark Indig. 

markindigphotography.com


Legislative Update  
CA flag

  

Assembly Bill 1839, the California Film & Television Job Retention and Promotion Act, cleared the state Senate with broad bi-partisan support on August 29th.


Co-authored by Assemblymembers Mike Gatto and Raul Bocanegra, the bill proposes a new five-year film and TV tax credit program beginning in fiscal year 2015/16 with expanded eligibility to include big budget feature films, 1-hr TV series for any distribution outlet and TV pilots. The bill would also provide an added incentive for productions that film outside of the 30-mile zone and for visual effects and music scoring/recording performed in state. Funding for the new program would be $330 million per fiscal year. This legislation will replace the current lottery system with a jobs-based ranking system.

If AB 1839 is signed into law, California Film Commission staff will develop regulations, program guidelines and other administrative procedures over the next several months. Please check the CFC website's Incentives section periodically for program updates and information. Also review the Governor's press release.
 

Latest CFC Progress Report Analyzes Impact of California's Tax Credit Program 

 

On July 23, the California Film Commission released its latest annual Progress Report on the state's Film and Television Tax Credit Program. 

 
The report shows the program is on track to yield $5.39 billion in total direct spending from $700 million in credits allocated since 2009. The spending includes $1.72 billion in below-the-line wages. 
 
For the first time, the report includes an analysis of the fate of eligible projects that applied for tax credits but were denied due to limited funding. It turns out the overwhelming majority of such projects opt to shoot in other states or nations where tax credits are available.  
 
The report received widespread media coverage and serves as a primary source for data and factual analysis of the state's tax credit program.

The complete report is available on the CFC website.  
 
CFC and FLICS Bring 7th Annual California Locations Conference to Hollywood
 
Celebrity Keynotes, Panels and Networking Highlight Expanded Conference Schedule
   
This year's California Locations Conference was the biggest and best yet, as nearly 400 film, TV, commercial and new media production professionals packed the Hollywood Museum on Saturday, June 28th for the day-long event. 
(from left) FLICS President/Orange County Film Commissioner Janice Arrington, CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch and Danny DeVito following keynote address. 
The 7th annual conference kicked off with some star power as Danny DeVito and Matthew Modine, along with L.A. Councilmember Felipe Fuentes, addressed the crowd to lend support for expanding California's film and TV tax credit program.

(from left) Panel moderator Sharon Lawrence with panelists Bonnie Curtis, Andy Given, Mark Indig and Janet Knutsen during the opening session titled "Cost vs. Value: Why There's Still No Substitute for Shooting in California."
Celebrity moderators Sharon Lawrence, Joe Spano and Dash Mihok guided panel discussions on issues ranging from on-location safety to the many advantages of filming in the Golden state. Sessions also included a commercial production workshop and a behind-the-scenes case study of the world's first 24-hour interactive music video based on Pharrell Williams' Oscar-nominated song "Happy." 

Some of the nearly 400 industry professionals who attended the day-long conference.
Attendees also enjoyed museum tours, giveaway prizes and a wine tasting reception featuring regional wines selected by film commissioners statewide. 

The California Locations Conference is produced by the California Film Commission and FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide). Special thanks goes to the following community partners for supporting this year's conference: Location Managers Guild of America (LMGA), NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, Film Independent, FilmBreak, the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and Women in Film. 
CFC Processes Another Record Number of Tax Credit Applications
 
26 Projects Make the Initial Cut for Latest $100 Million Allocation

Deputy State Fire Marshal Ramiro Rodriguez selecting application numbers during this year's tax credit lottery.
On July 1, the California Film Commission announced the preliminary list of new projects selected for the state's Film and Television Tax Credit Program. 
 
The list of 26 projects was determined via a lottery held June 2nd - the first day of the application period for the latest $100 million in credits. On that day, the CFC processed a record 497 project applications -- a 30 percent increase over last year.  
 
It is estimated that those selected for credits will generate an additional $802 million in direct in-state spending, including $293 million in wages for below-the-line crew members.  
 
As in past years, the Film Commission expects some of the selected projects to withdraw from the program due to scheduling delays or other production-related issues. When this occurs, their tax credits will be reassigned to the next project on the wait list. 

Read the official CFC post-lottery news release.

Like the CFC on Facebook! 

The CFC has a new Facebook page where you can get the latest info and links regarding production updates, industry events, tax credit news, etc. You'll also find spectacular photos of California locations - from the iconic to the downright obscure.

Please give us a like and stay connected with the CFC!

Like us on Facebook
Featured Location: 
City of Hemet 

 


The historic Hemet Theater - recently renovated and ready for action.

 

Have a blast (literally) in this very film-friendly locale!  

 

Diamond Valley Lake

In an effort to attract more production, the City of Hemet in Riverside County is rolling out the red carpet with free film permits, no-cost city-owned locations, expedited approvals and concierge services for film, TV and digital media production.

 

The city also boasts unique locations including the Diamond Valley Reservoir, the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater, Simpson Park Wilderness Area and the Western Science Center & Paleontology Museum - complete with an active archeological dig site! 

 

Another distinctive location currently available for filming is the city-owned Potato Shed, an abandoned agricultural packing warehouse ideal for demolition and any gritty industrial or mayhem-related scenes you can conjure up.

 


Have a blast: Hemet's city-owned Potato Shed is available for demolition.

 

For more information or to schedule a fam tour, contact John Hasons, City of Hemet: filminhemet@cityofhemet.org / 951-765-2308. 

CFC In the Community
  
As part of its effort to promote in-state production, the California Film Commission lends its support to a wide range of industry and civic events. 

 
 
FLICS members with CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch (front) showed up in force in Sacramento for CFC's board meeting and to support filming in California.

The California Film Commission was proud to support the 2nd Annual Made-in-Hollywood Honors program, which paid tribute August 7 to Emmy-nominated projects produced in California.
 
Call for Submissions

Deadline August 29 for NewFilmmakers Los Angeles "What is Your LA?" Competition

For the second year, the California Film Commission is proud to serve as a community partner for the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles' ON LOCATION: The Los Angeles Video Project "What's Your L.A." competition - a community outreach program that celebrates what local filmmakers call "their L.A." 

Participants have an opportunity to win more than $50,000 in prizes by submitting a story in narrative, documentary, commercial or animation format that highlights Los Angeles positively to the rest of the world. The objective is to create original, branded entertainment with Los Angeles as the experience.

The best submissions will be screened during a red carpet premiere October 11th 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 August 29th. For more info, visit www.nfmla.org/onlocation.
In the News 

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

 

(8/23/14) 

Sacramento Bee

"Tax Perk Bills Abound in Legislature's Final Week"

 

(8/13/14)

FOX11 (Los Angeles)

"Mayors Unite for Tax Credit Program Expansion"

 

(7/24/14)

Reuters 

"Tax Credit Shortfall Costs California TV, Movie Production Revenues"
 

(7/24/14)

The Washington Post 

"California's Film Subsidies Brought in More Than $1 Billion in Spending in the Past Year, Study Finds"

 
(7/23/14) 

Los Angeles Daily News

"Film, TV Productions Follow the Money - Away from California, Says Report"

 

(7/01/14)

Los Angeles Times (Op-Ed)
"To Keep 'Hollywood' in Hollywood, Tax Incentives are Key"
 

(6/24/14) 

KPCC-FM

"What Does California Get in Return for $100 Million in Film and TV Tax Credits"