Filming in California
California Film Commission Announces Enhanced Services to Keep Film Production in California
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05/09/2002
Contact: Karen R. Constine, Director or Karen Caesar, Information Officer
Contact Phone: 323.860.2960
The revamped Web site provides more dynamic access for its Film California First program to reimburse production companies for filming in the state
Hollywood -- The California Film Commission announced today that rebates offered by the state's Film California First program are now easier than ever to access through the California Film Commission's Web site, www.filmcafirst.com. Starting today, qualified production companies will find a redesigned and improved online application form to request reimbursements for filming on public property in California.
The California Film Commission (CFC) administers the Film California First (FCF) program, which was launched by Governor Gray Davis in 2000. The only one of its kind in the nation, this multi-million dollar program rebates filmmakers and production companies for filming in the Golden State. Film California First reimburses qualified production companies up to $300,000 per production for the cost of public labor (excluding local police), and greatly reduces the location, film permit and public equipment fees incurred when filming on public property in California.
"Film California First's enhanced Internet service is a perfect example of how the Governor's e-government initiative empowers people to use technology to bring state services easily into their own offices, 24/7," said Karen Constine, Director of the Film Commission. "Now qualified production companies are just a few clicks away from getting substantial rebates for filming in the Golden State. Film California First is both the program and the message!"
The FCF program has helped more than 1,200 production companies save millions of dollars. The Scorpion King's producer Richard Rothschild said the FCF program reimbursed Universal Pictures nearly $160,000 for filming at such Southern California locations as Malibu Creek State Park, Bronson Canyon, Rocky Peak Park, Buttercup Valley and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. In fact, The Scorpion King was filmed entirely in California.
"We will definitely use the Film California First Program every chance we get," said Rothschild. "This program is a positive step in the right direction of keeping motion picture production at home. It will serve to benefit not only people in the motion picture industry, but the entire economy of the state as well."
"The enhancements to the Film California First website will also make it easier for commercial and television productions to utilize the program," added CFC Director Constine. "With a click or two, episodic television producers can utilize and copy previous production applications they have submitted. This will save the user valuable time."
In January 2002, Governor Davis announced another enhancement to the FCF program that would increase the overall reimbursement caps for location fees for public properties from $500 to $1,500. In addition, in an effort to halt the exodus of film industry jobs from California to Canada and other states, the Governor announced his support for a 15 percent tax credit on the cost of wages for employees working on motion pictures filmed in California. Legislation is required to implement the tax credit, which would take effect July 1, 2004.
The FCF program is one of several offered through the California Film Commission. The Commission is a one-stop shop for filmmakers, issuing permits for filming on state-owned property and managing incentive programs for filming in California. The Commission also oversees the State Theatrical Arts Resources (STAR) partnership, which, like FCF, increases California's competitive edge by attracting and retaining film projects in the state. The CFC also created CinemaScout®, a fully interactive Internet site that helps producers and location scouts find a wide range of California locations available for filming.
California is the undisputed leader in the global entertainment industry, which fosters widespread economic prosperity at both the state and local levels. California's $32.3 billion annual film industry sustains nearly 300,000 jobs for Californians and benefits the state with payroll and vendor expenditures, personal income and sales taxes. Local communities also benefit through job creation and a positive economic impact generated by location filming.
For more information on the FCF program, visit the California Film Commission's interactive website at www.filmcafirst.com. Production companies can access this site to obtain and submit reimbursement applications along with downloadable information and program guidelines.
For more information about the CFC, visit its website at www.film.ca.gov or call 323.860.2960 / 800.858.4PIX (4749).
The California Film Commission is a division of the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency.