WINTER 2016

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

RESOURCE LINKS

Film & TV Tax Credits

News & Production Alerts

State Film Permits

Green Filmmaking

Location Search

Internship Opportunities

List of Regional Film Offices

QUOTABLE

Llewellyn Wells

"Working with the California Film Commission is one of the many advantages to filming here at home. On our latest pilot shoot we confronted a range of issues that would have been difficult to resolve without the timely and professional support of the CFC.

In addition, the expanded tax credit program has reestablished California as the first and best choice for production. The crews, vendors and facilities have always been the best worldwide, and producers can now employ all of those resources to deliver the highest quality product at a competitive price."

Llewellyn Wells

Producer of the new TNT series "Animal Kingdom"

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!

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 MEETING

March 16, 2016

10:00 am - 11:00 am

(via conference line)

July 29, 2016

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Los Angeles

RECENT ISSUES:

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www.film.ca.gov

California Film Commission

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Downtown Los Angeles skyline wtih snow-capped San Gabriel mountains in the distance.

Tax Credit Program 2.0 Update

We're two-thirds of the way through the 2015/2016 fiscal year, and California's newly expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0 is off to a great start. It's working precisely as intended to make California more competitive and generate production jobs and spending statewide.

Thus far, the California Film Commission has completed all five tax credit application periods for the year - three for TV projects and two for independent and non-independent films. The fifth and final application period was held February 15-22 (for TV projects), and the corresponding list of tax credit recipients will be announced soon.

The tax credit program has brought all sorts of productions to California, including four TV series that relocated from other states. They include "VEEP" (Maryland), "American Horror Story" (Louisiana),"Secrets & Lies" (North Carolina) and "Mistresses" (Vancouver). Also of note is an increase in production outside the traditional Los Angeles 30-Mile Zone.

In aggregate, projects selected for the first four allocations of the expanded program are on-track to generate more than $1.37 billion in direct spending across the state, including $538 million in wages for below-the-line crew members

Fiscal 2016/2017 promises to be even more impactful, as the new tax credit program gets its full $330 million in funding. Note the first application period for fiscal 2016/2017 is May 20-27 for TV projects.

More information about California's Film and TV Tax Credit Program 2.0, including application procedures, eligibility and program guidelines, is available at http://film.ca.gov/incentives.

Save the Date - Saturday, May 21

The 9th Annual Film in California Conference

Fortified with momentum from the state's expanded tax credit program, the 9th Annual Film in California Conference will return to CBS Studio Center (Radford) on Saturday, May 21.

The one-of-a-kind conference is designed to help industry professionals make the most of California's vast production resources. Hosted by the California Film Commission and FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide), the conference continues to grow each year. Last year's edition drew more than 500 attendees representing all facets of film, TV, commercial and digital media production.

This year's conference will be the biggest and best yet, with The Hollywood Reporter on board as media partner. We'll have an all-star lineup of speakers and panelists ready to provide information and insights to help ensure your next project is a success. And for the first time, we will present the California Golden SLATE Award to an individual who has made an extraordinary effort to champion filming in the Golden State.

The inaugural award will be presented to Executive Producer/Writer/ Director Ryan Murphy, who has created a large body of work produced in California. Shows such as "American Crime Story" ("The People v. O.J. Simpson"), "American Horror Story" (which relocated from Louisiana to California), "Glee," "Nip/Tuck" and others have generated thousands of production jobs and contributed greatly to California's economy.

Get ready for a day filled with information, networking and fun!

2015 Film in California Conference Producers Panel (from left) Moderator John Horn (KPCC's "The Frame") with panelists Gregg Fienberg, Jim Kleverweis, Betsy Megel, Marcy Patterson and Michael Zakin

Welcome Aboard!

New CFC Board Members Fiona Ma, Ayuko Babu and Bob Nelson.

Please join the California Film Commission in welcoming our new board members appointed by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins.

Fiona Ma represents the second district on the California Board of Equalization. She previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and in the California State Assembly. She's also a member of SAG-AFTRA.

Ayuko Babu is an international cultural, political and legal consultant specializing in African affairs. He has served as executive director of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival since 1992, and is a permanent jury member for the annual Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

Bob Nelson is founder of BNA Communications and a member of the Unified Port of San Diego Commission. He previously served as chair of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation Board of Directors, and as secretary-treasurer of San Diego Theatres, Inc.

See full CFC Board Roster.

Visit CFC @ AFCI 2016

The California Film Commission will once again lead a contingent of regional film offices from across the state at the AFCI (Association of Film Commissioners International) Locations & Global Finance Show, which will be held April 21-23 at the Burbank Marriott.

Stop by our exhibit (Booth #406) to say hi and show your support for keeping production in-state. This year we're exhibiting alongside the Santa Barbara County Film Commission.

FLICS BOARD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

Film Liaisons In California Statewide (FLICS) held its quarterly meeting in San Mateo County on Friday, February 26th, which included the election of 2016 Board Officers. The new leadership team members are:

President: Cassandra Hesseltine, Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commissioner
Vice-President: Geoff Alexander, Santa Barbara County Film Commissioner
Secretary: Alicia Vennos, Mono County Film Commissioner
Treasurer: Tasha Day, Long Beach Film Commissioner
Immediate Past President: Janice Arrington, Orange County Film Commissioner

From left - Janice Arrington (outgoing FLICS President), Geoff Alexander (Vice-president), Cassandra Hesseltine (President) and Tasha Day (Treasurer)

Welcome New CFC Staff Members

New CFC staffers Rhiannon Montgomery and Adam Graddick

The California Film Commission team continues to grow in order to handle the much-welcome rise in production due to the state's expanded tax credit program. Please join us in welcoming our newest members:

Rhiannon Montgomery - Administrative Assistant

Rhiannon recently moved to L.A. from California's Central Coast. She brings a degree in journalism and a background in communications and customer service.

Adam Graddick - Tax Credit Program Coordinator

Adam brings a wealth of expertise in tax issues and financial analysis, having worked previously for the California State Board of Equalization and the Michigan Department of Treasury.

We're still looking for qualified candidates. To learn more, please visit the CFC's website.

Featured Location:

San Mateo County/Silicon Valley -

The Filoli Country Estate

The famed Filoli Country House in Woodside.

From rugged coastline to tech industry epicenter, this place has serious range!

San Mateo County covers most of the San Francisco Peninsula, from Silicon Valley northward to San Francisco International Airport. It offers an amazingly diverse range of locations - from beautifully rugged coastline to the headquarters of high-tech icons such as Facebook, Oracle and the big investment firms that line Menlo Park.

Less than 30 miles south of San Francisco is the famed Filoli Country House in Woodside. This magnificent early 20th century estate has 16 acres of formal gardens within a 654-acre parklike setting. Over the years it has hosted many films including "Rent," "The Wedding Planner,"

"Stigmata," "What Dreams May Come," "The Game," "The Joy Luck Club" and "Lolita," as well as TV series such as "Dynasty" and countless commercials and still photo shoots.

For more information, contact San Mateo Film Commissioner Brena Bailey: (650) 348-7600 / Brena@smccvb.com .

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.

February 4th Made in Hollywood Honors presenters included (from left) Kevin James (L.A. Mayor's Office of Film & TV Production), Steve Dayan (Teamsters Local 399), Jane Austin (SAG-AFTRA), Amy Lemisch (California Film Commission), Esai Morales (Host/SAG-AFTRA), Kim Roberts Hedgpeth (Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund) and Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell (L.A. City Council). Photo by Riley Jamison courtesy of 1600 VINE.

Other recent/upcoming appearances by the CFC include:

State of the Entertainment Industry Conference/Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (11/13/15)
Visit San Luis Obispo Educational Seminar (2/3/16)
Santa Clarity Valley Economic Corp - 2016 Economic Outlook Conference (3/10/16)

In the News

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

2/10/16

Variety

"California Film Tax Credits Go to Bradley Cooper's 'A Star is Born,' 'It,' 'Annabelle'"

1/27/15

Los Angeles Times
"A California film tax credit helped 'Grease: Live!' dance in L.A."

12/21/15

Los Angeles Business Journal

"More TV Shows Keen on California Tax Credits"

12/18/15

Sacramento Business Journal
"Movie-Making Pays Off for Sacramento Region"

12/10/15

AMP/Marketplace

"High Stakes and High Drama in Hollywood"

11/1/15

U.S. News and World Report /AP

"Film tax credits, New Media Outlets Help Revive Entertainment Economy in Los Angeles"