SUMMER 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 



QUOTABLE  

Joe Mantegna

We [here in California] still make movies and TV bigger and better than anybody else on this planet. 

If you want to do it right, do it where the professionals are.  This is where they are. This is where they live. This is where they work.  And I'm proud to be among them.

Joe Mantegna
Actor/Producer/Writer/Director

Connect with the CFC on Facebook! 

The CFC has a nifty 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

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*

 

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: 

 

Wave hopping dolphins off the Ventura County coast.    

 

Photo via Ventura County Film Commission. Photo by Latitudes Fine Art Gallery - Steve Munch & Stephanie Hogue Photography.  


Tax Credit Program 2.0 Update 

CA flag
California's newly-expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 launched without a hitch last month with the first application period for television projects. 

 

A total of 11 projects were selected to receive $55.2 million in first-round credits available for new TV series, miniseries, movies of the week and pilots. An additional $27.6 million was allocated for series relocating to California from out-of-state. The selected projects include six new TV series, one pilot and four relocating series (from Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland and North Carolina). 

Based on data provided with each application, the 11 projects will generate an estimated $544 million in direct in-state spending, including $216 million in wages for below-the-line crew members.

SAVE THE DATE -
JULY 13-25 APPLICATION PERIOD FOR NON-INDIE FEATURES & INDEPENDENT PROJECTS

The next application window - geared specifically for non-independent feature films and independent projects - is scheduled for July 13-25. This second round of credits will include $48.3 million for non-independent features and $6.9 million for independent projects.  
 
Please visit www.film.ca.gov/incentives for more information.

8th Annual Film in California Conference
 
Spirits Run High Amid Excitement Over State's Newly Expanded Incentive    
  
More than 500 entertainment industry professionals descended on CBS Radford Studios June 13 for the 8th Annual Film in California Conference (formerly called the California Locations Tradeshow). It was a day filled with panels, presentations and networking - all set against a tidal wave of optimism over the state's newly-expanded tax credit incentive.

Actor/producer/writer/director Joe Montagna delivers keynote address.

Produced jointly by the California Film Commission and FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide), this year's conference kicked off with inspiring keynote addresses by Joe Montagna and Kevin James (L.A.'s chief film liaison).

Panel discussions focused on topics ranging from drones and the latest production technology to California's tax credit program 2.0.

Opening session titled "California: The Gold Standard" moderated by KPCC's John Horn (left) with all-star panelists Gregg Fienberg,
Jim Kleverweis, Betsy Megel, Marcy Patterson and Michael Zakin.

Held in the same soundstage that was home to "Seinfeld" for nine seasons, the conference wrapped with a wine tasting reception featuring regional wines selected by film commissioners statewide.

Joe Montagna (left) with CFC Director Amy Lemisch and L.A. Film Liaison Kevin James.

"Our goal for the conference is to ensure that industry decision makers understand how to leverage California's vast production resources -- from our expanded tax credit to our infrastructure and incredibly diverse locations," said CFC Executive Director Amy Lemsich. "It's also an opportunity for attendees to connect with film commissioners from across the state, as well as colleagues and vendors who can help make their next project a success."

Special thanks to Entertainment Partners for serving as this year's primary conference sponsor.

10th Annual CFC Breakfast  
 
This year's California Film Commission Breakfast served up a plateful of good news to the more than 200 industry movers and shakers who packed the Sofitel Hotel ballroom in Los Angeles on April 29th.

"Nightcrawler" team David Lancaster (left), Dan Gilroy and Jennifer Fox.
The program began with an update from Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch regarding the state's newly-expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.0. Next up was a panel discussion with the creative team behind the critically-acclaimed feature "Nightcrawler" starring Jake Gyllenhaal, which filmed in Los Angeles after scoring  a tax credit under the state's first generation incentive program. Writer/director Dan Gilroy and producers David Lancaster and Jennifer Fox discussed the importance of incentives for keeping production in-state. They also highlighted the many benefits of filming here at home.

Deputy State Fire Marshall Ramiro Rodriguez (left) with Antelope Valley Film Liaison Pauline East and Teamsters Local 399 Business
Agent Ed Duffy.

The annual breakfast event provides a once-a-year opportunity for production executives, labor leaders, regional film commissioners and others involved in California's fight against runaway production to connect, share ideas and celebrate the Golden State.

Welcome Aboard! 

Please join us in welcoming the following regional film office representatives, all of whom started their current post within the past year:


Bill Bartels, Film Liaison
Ventura County Film Commission
(805) 384-1800 / Bill.Bartels@venturacountyfilm.com

Felicia Cook, Film Liaison
Kern County Board of Trade &
Film Commission
(661) 868-7097
felicia@filmkern.com

Michelle Garrett, Film Commissioner
Pasadena Film Office
(626) 744-7355 / mgarrett@cityofpasadena.net

Noe Sacoco, Jr., PR Manager
Team San Jose
(408) 792-4101 / nsacoco@sanjose.org

Evan Thomason, Economic Development Associate
Santa Clarita Film Office
(661) 284-1425 / film@santa-clarita.com

Drone Zone

  

The CFC maintains a list of operators who have been granted an exemption by the FAA for filming with drones (i.e, unmanned aerial systems or UAS).  The updated list is available on the CFC website.

The Film Commission started maintaining the list last September, when the FAA exempted the first seven drone operators. As the FAA continues to grant exemptions at a faster rate, it's difficult for the CFC to keep the list current. Therefore, if you're looking for a specific drone operator who's not on the list, please check its exemption status by visiting the FAA's website directly. 

Note that operators may be granted an exemption to operate drones for motion picture, television and new media filming, as well as still photography. Some may also be approved for "aerial cinematography." Make sure to verify the exemption is for commercial filming, vs. other purposes (e.g., aerial surveillance of pipelines, crops, real estate, etc.).

L.A. Courthouse Filming Update
The old Long Beach Courthouse

The CFC provides ongoing information regarding vacant L.A.-area Superior courthouses available for filming. Access may change quickly as unused facilities are sold or repurposed. Here's a brief  update:
  • The old Long Beach courthouse is available for filming until it becomes the site of the new Port of Long Beach Building and Long Beach City Hall. Redevelopment is expected to start in a couple of years. Until then, contact the Long Beach Office of Special Events & Filming, 562-570-5333.
  • The closed West Los Angeles and Whittier courthouses are no longer available for filming.
  • The closed Malibu courthouse (23525 Civic Center Way) and San Pedro courthouse (505 S. Centre St.) are still available. Contact Theresa Dunn, Administrative Office of the Courts,  818-558-1245/theresa.dunn@jud.ca.gov.
  • The closed San Pedro Municipal Building courthouse and the Lynwood courthouse also remain available. Contact FilmL.A., 213-977-8600.  
Note that filming is permitted on a limited basis (exteriors/after business hours) at some working courthouses as well. For more information, contact Henry Hernandez, Director of Facilities Services at Los Angeles Superior Court, HZHernandez@lacourt.org /213- 633-1055, or Lucila Thielen, Facilities Administrator LThielen@LASuperiorCourt.org/213-633-1051.  

 

4-Story Pasadena Building Ready for SFX

  

You can have a blast, but you'll have to move fast to film at this mid-century structure.

As part of a planned, multi-year redevelopment of the former Ambassador College campus in Pasadena, the old Hall of Administration building is scheduled for controlled demolition between July and September.  

Permission for cinematic demolition: The Hall of Adminstration at Pasadena's former Ambassador College.

Requests for filming will be approved on a case-by-case basis during preparation and throughout the demolition process. Don't miss this unique opportunity to film scenes with explosive pyrotechnics, controlled burns, interior simulated gunfire, vehicle crashes, rooftop assault by helicopter, demolition and/or other types of SFX mayhem!     

For more information contact Ambassador Filming, 424-235-7660/ ambassadorfilming@gmail.com.

Call for Submissions

  

Enter NewFilmmakers Los Angeles  
"What's Your LA?" Competition

For the third year, the California Film Commission is proud to serve as a community partner for NewFilmmakers Los Angeles' "What's Your LA?" competition - a community outreach program that celebrates what local filmmakers call "their L.A."

Participants have an opportunity to win more than $55,000 in prizes by submitting a story in narrative, documentary, commercial or animation format that highlights Los Angeles in a positive way to the rest of the world.  The goal is to create original, branded entertainment with Los Angeles as the experience.

The best submissions will be screened at a premiere event on Sunday, October 10th at Hollywood Center Studios. The deadline for entries is August 28th. 

For more info, visit www.nfmla.org/onlocation.

Featured Location: 
Bodie State Historic Park in Mono County

Capture the Old West at this Authentic Ghost Town

Bodie ghost town: It looks legit because it's the real deal.

Bodie State Historic Park in Mono County is home to the west's largest unrestored ghost town, which has served as the quintessential site for western films since the early 1930s. Located about 12 miles off US 395 near Bridgeport, the town is wonderfully preserved in what's described by park officials as a state of "arrested decay." Its authentic buildings and landscape have been featured in countless films, TV shows, music videos, commercials, and still shoots, as well as documentaries. In fact, its featured on the cover of this year's Location International publication.

Filming permits are granted through State Parks between the Labor Day and Memorial Day holidays. If timing is an issue, the nearby Chemung Mine (not part of the State Park) may be permitted during other times of year via the Bureau of Land Management.

For more information, contact Mono County Film Commissioner Alicia Vennos, 760-924-1743/avennos@mono.ca.gov

In the News 

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

 

(05/12/15)

KCRW-FM ("Which Way L.A.?")

"Keeping Hollywood in Hollywood: California's New Production Tax Credit Program Aims to Keep and Create Jobs"  

 

(06/02/15)

Sacramento Business Journal 

(06/03/15)

KABC-TV  

"TV, Film Tax Credits to Bring Back California's Runaway Productions"  

 

06/20/15)

The Economist

"The Empire Strikes Back: California Bets on More Generous Tax Credits to Keep its Cameras Rolling"