Filming in California
Star Program Expands Resources to Help California's Economy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04/01/2003
Contact: Karen Constine, Director
Contact Phone: 323.860.2960
Eight "Creative Canvases" Added to State's Gallery Available for Filmmakers
LOS ANGELES -- The California Film Commission's (CFC) State Theatrical Arts Resources (STAR) partnership has added eight distinctive filming locations in Antelope Valley, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego to its gallery of locations available to filmmakers.
Launched in 2001 by Governor Gray Davis, STAR is a state program that fights runaway production by offering filmmakers access to surplus or vacant state-owned properties for filming at no or low cost. Many of these properties are in transition, or awaiting demolition, sale or renovation.
"The $33 billion film industry is a vital economic engine for our state," said Governor Davis. "The STAR program puts our underutilized assets to work for California's economy by helping generate additional film industry interest in California."
As with other state properties in the program, there are no permit fees or location fees charged for using STAR locations. Production companies must pay for film monitors, which are required for STAR properties. State costs associated with the STAR program are nominal, and primarily consist of CFC staff time to identify new properties and help facilitate filming on STAR locations.
The STAR program benefits the film industry artistically and also assists productions in lowering below-the-line costs. In 2002, there were more than 400 days of filming on STAR properties, including 260 days of feature film production.
"In addition to saving filmmakers meaningful dollars, STAR properties can also be used as a creative white canvas," added Gov. Davis. "The STAR program works very closely with other state agencies to identify new prospects that can be added to the ever-changing inventory of available STAR sites."
Many high-profile film and television productions in 2002 utilized the program, providing locations for director Quentin Tarantino and producers Lawrence Bender, Michael Bay and Frank Marshall, among others. Some of the movie titles that took advantage of the STAR program were Signs, The Ring, Red Dragon and Kill Bill. Television shows enjoying the benefits of STAR include Judging Amy and CSI.
The STAR program now includes the following properties:
ANTELOPE VALLEY
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
This vast space includes numerous buildings, a dirt racetrack/arena, restaurant and concession areas, Western-style facades, lots of open areas, barns, stables, livestock holding facilities with pens, a maintenance yard, large multi-purpose areas, office space, etc. Trucks and other equipment on the Fairgrounds are available for use.
BAKERSFIELD
Employment Development Division Building
Located in a Bakersfield business district, this empty, one-story former government building is about 14,000 square feet and features vast office spaces including conference rooms, open areas, and smaller enclosed areas that could serve as production offices.
LOS ANGELES
Maycrest Avenue, Los Angeles
Located in northeast LA., these eight small, older, one-bedroom houses are owned by Caltrans but are now available. Most houses have hardwood floors and built-in shelves.
SACRAMENTO
Cafeteria on P Street
This vacant site has a kitchen with all the appliances, offices in back and a large eating area. It is street-level with floor-to-ceiling windows.
On the Capitol Mall
Originally part of the California Department of Education, this entire nine-story office building is vacant. The modern decor could represent any type of corporate or government setting.
SAN DIEGO
Front Street, Third Floor, West Wing
This multi-story office building houses several state agencies and has windows and tile floors. Approximately 3,000 square feet of vacant space is available on the building's third floor and could easily be used to double as a police station, hospital, government office, etc.
State Street
This two-story office building, which previously housed state agencies, has approximately 15,000 square feet of available space and is now totally vacant. It could serve as a bank, post office, school, hospital, etc.
West Ash Street
This single-story garage has several thousand square feet of available space. It could double as a warehouse, car dealership or similar locale.
For information on how to utilize STAR properties, please contact the STAR program at 323/860-2960 x 133. To see STAR locations, please visit CinemaScout, the CFC's online, interactive database at www.cinemascout.com. Just do a key word search and type in STAR program to obtain a list of STAR sites. To learn more about CFC programs, visit www.film.ca.gov or call 323/860-2960.