WINTER 2015

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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 



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!

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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.

UPCOMING CFC BOARD MEETINGS*

 

May 2015 (TBD)

Sacramento  

 

July 31, 2015

Los Angeles 

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

 

November 6, 2015

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) 2015     

California Film Commission 

Mathead Image: 

 

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge looking north toward Marin County.  

 

Photo courtesy of Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau


Tax Credit Update... 
Out with the Old; In with the New! 
California Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0


 

CA flag The California Film Commission is currently awaiting Sacramento approval for regulations that will guide how the state's newly expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 will be administered. 
 
The new program increases funding from $100 million to $330 million annually and expands eligibility to several types of projects previously excluded (including films with budgets exceeding $75 million, and 1-hr TV series for any distribution outlet). In addition, a five percent uplift applies to spending outside the 30-mile zone, in-state music scoring and in-state visual effects. 
 
The new program also replaces the prior lottery system with a "jobs ratio" selection protocol based on job creation and other criteria. 
 
Another key feature of the new program is that tax credits will be allocated in separate "buckets" so different types of productions (TV, indie film, studio film, etc.) compete directly against comparable projects. 

Note that the application process for the new program will be entirely online.
 
Here are a few key dates as we transition from the old program to California Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0
 
April 1, 2015 - Old Program: FINAL APPLICATION VIA LOTTERY. OPEN ONLY TO INDEPENDENT FILM PROJECTS. Applications will be accepted at the CFC office 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
 
May 11-17, 2015 - New Program: FIRST APPLICATION PERIOD FOR TV PROJECTS ONLY (on-line application)
 
July 13 - 26, 2015 - New Program: FIRST APPLICATION PERIOD FOR FEATURE FILMS and INDEPENDENT PROJECTS (on-line app)

Please visit www.film.ca.gov/incentives for more information.

AFCI 2015
 
CFC's Amy Lemisch and Nancy Rae Stone Headline International Conference     
  
California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch (left) and Program Director Nancy Rae Stone kicked off AFCI 2015 with an overview of the state's new film/TV tax credit program.

The Association of Film Commissions International (AFCI) returned to L.A.'s Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel March 5-7 for its annual Locations Show, which kicked off with a much anticipated presentation by CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch and Program Director Nancy Rae Stone. 

Their presentation, titled "A Preview of California's Newly Expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0," drew a standing-room only crowd and helped shift the tone of this year's conference from the usual focus on global competition to how California is fighting back and poised to regain film and TV production. 

Standing room only... the presentation by CFC's Lemisch and Stone drew a huge crowd and generated significant buzz among attendees.

Presentation topics included program funding, eligibility, application protocols/deadlines and all the myriad ways California is fighting runaway production. 

The California Film Commission team also led this year's contingent of in-state film commissions at the conference, and shared an exhibit hall booth with FilmL.A. and the Santa Clarita Film Office. 

Also representing California was Deputy State Fire Marshal Ramiro Rodriguez, who participated in a very timely panel on film set safety. 

Save the Date - June 13, 2015
 
8th Annual Film in California Conference 

Newly expanded and renamed for 2015, the 8th Annual Film in California Conference will be held Saturday, June 13 at CBS/Radford Studio Center.

What started in 2008 as a locations trade show and wine reception has grown to become an expansive day-long conference with panels and workshops covering a wide range of production issues. 

The name has also evolved from "The California Locations Conference" to the current "Film in California Conference" to better reflect the event's expanded scope, mission and target audience. It's now the largest conference of its kind focused expressly on California production.

This year's conference is expected to attract 500-600 attendees - from location managers, directors and production designers to producers, UPMs and studio executives.

CFC's Amy Lemisch with Danny De Vito at last year's conference.

The conference is hosted by the California Film Commission and Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), a network of 40-plus film commissioners from across the state. Past speakers have included Danny De Vito, Matthew Modine and Sharon Lawrence. As is tradition, this year's conference will wrap with a wine-tasting reception featuring food and regional wines from across the state. 

Mark your calendar for June 13 and stay tuned for more info! 
 
James Valdez Appointed State Parks Filming Coordinator for Angeles District  

  

Welcome James Valdez! 
California State Parks has announced that veteran Peace Officer/Ranger James Valdez has been appointed to serve as acting filming coordinator for the Angeles District. 

In his new post, James coordinates all filming activity at state parks and beaches stretching from Pt. Mugu to L.A. State Historic Park in Downtown L.A. His responsibilities include fielding inquiries, advising productions on rules and regulations and assigning rangers and lifeguards to monitor productions and protect the incredible natural and cultural resources entrusted to California State Parks. 
 
James replaces outgoing Film Coordinator Tony Hoffman, who now serves as the district's acting public safety superintendent. Among his new duties, Tony will coordinate law enforcement and emergency medical service training and work with allied parks and safety agencies.

Please join the CFC in welcoming James to his new post and thanking Tony for all of his assistance as film coordinator over the past eight-plus years.

Featured Location: 
El Centro Milk Distribution Plant in the Heart of Imperial County 
El Centro Milk Distribution Center -- long abandoned but ready for action.

Locked and Loaded -- This location doubled for Fallujah in the climax of 'American Sniper.'

This old milk and ice distribution plant in El Centro was built at a time when refrigeration in the desert was a big deal. Non-operational for decades, it's currently available for all types of production. 

The building features massive storerooms, loading docks and a solid roof with easy access. It has a desolate, post-apocalyptic vibe that's perfect for desert warfare scenes. Most recently, it doubled for a Fallujah date factory engulfed in a sandstorm for the climactic firefight in "American Sniper." It was also featured in the 2012 war film "Act of Valor." 

An interior perfect for any industrial or mayhem-related scene you can conjure up.

For information contact Charla Teeters, Imperial County Film Commission (760-337-4155) / filmhere@sbcglobal.net.
CFC In the Community
  
As part of its effort to promote in-state production, the California Film Commission participates in and lends its support to a wide range of industry and civic events.  
 
- Palm Springs Women in Film and Television - "State of the Industry Panel" January 17 in Rancho Mirage. CFC's Amy Lemisch discussed California's newly expanded film and TV tax credit program. 

- Location Managers Guild of America (LMGA) Awards - March 7 in Beverly Hills. CFC's Amy Lemisch joined Deputy Director Eve Honthaner and Location Specialist Lisa Mosher attended the 2nd Annual LMGA awards. Congratulations to Tasha Day and her team from the Long Beach Film Office for taking home the "Outstanding Film Commission" award.

- UCLA Anderson Forecast - March 12 in Culver City. CFC's Amy Lemisch will be featured on a panel titled "Returning Home - What Can L.A. and the Region Do to Remain Competitive?" 

In the News 

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

 

 

(02/13/15)

Los Angeles Times

L.A. Plans Campaign to Promote New Film Tax Credits 

 

(02/13/15)

American City Business Journals

New Film Tax Credit Program Takes Big Step Toward Implementation

 

(02/12/15)

Variety

'American Sniper' Producers Tout California as Shooting Location

 

(02/12/15)

Variety

California Film Commission Unveils Details of How Tax Credits Will be Awarded 

 

(10/22/14)

Deadline.com 

California Film Commission Appointments: IATSE VP & PMK*BNC Boss Added