California Film Commission

California Announces: "We're More than the Location, We're the Movie!" at Locations Global Expo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04/02/2002

Contact: Karen Constine, Director or Karen Caesar, Information Officer
Contact Phone:

More than 30 California in-State Film Commissions at Industry Trade Show

Santa Monica -- The California Film Commission (CFC) will focus its spotlight on the State's amazing variety of scenery and movie locations -- as well as its popular incentive programs -- at the 17th Locations Trade Show April 12-14 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

The CFC's two landmark incentive programs, Film California First (FCF) and the State Theatrical Arts Resources (STAR) Partnership, will be highlighted at the event. Governor Gray Davis launched both programs in 2001.

"California has the perfect match for any movie location, and our new displays at the Locations expo will underscore this fact," said Karen Constine, Director of the CFC. "More than 30 California representatives from regional film commissions will be on hand to share information about their locations, and we will have large, dramatic photos showcasing our landscapes and cityscapes in a very unique light. We want to demonstrate that the location is an essential character in bringing every movie story to life."

The concept for the California Pavilion, "We're more than the location, we're the movie," was created by new CFC Deputy Director, Melinda Farrell. She utilized visual script pages, which juxtapose original movie copy with the locations that tell the story. Designed by Murphy and Company, an LA based creative design firm, the large format imagery will be presented gallery-style for maximum visual impact. These "living screenplay" pages will spotlight California in all of its charm and diversity.

An innovative incentive program, FCF significantly reduces below-the-line costs for filmmakers and production companies filming on public property in California, reimbursing costs for public personnel (excluding local police), permit, location and equipment fees - up to $300,000 per production. Reimbursement caps for this program were just raised in January to $1,000 for film permit fees, $1,500 for public property use fees, and $500 for equipment.

The STAR Partnership, which has been warmly embraced by filmmakers, unlocks unused State-owned surplus properties such as hospitals, office buildings, historic homes, etc., and makes them available for filming at no or low cost.

For more information on the CFC and its many services, please stop by the California Pavilion at Locations Global Expo. You can also visit its website at www.film.ca.gov, or call 323.860.2960 or 800.858.4PIX.

The California Film Commission
Since its inception in 1985, the CFC has worked to enhance California's position as the premiere location for all motion picture and television production. A one-stop shop for filmmakers, the CFC issues permits for State-owned property and provides production and troubleshooting assistance within California.