California Film Commission

Governor Davis Applauds TV Pilots for Using "Film California First" Incentive Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08/01/2002

Contact: Karen R. Constine, Director or Karen Caesar, Information Officer
Contact Phone: 323.860.2960

Fall Pilots Fastlane, Firefly, Boomtown, and Push, Nevada, Join Hit Series CSI, The X-Files, Alias and 23-Times Emmy Nominated Six Feet Under as Program Participants

LOS ANGELES -- Governor Gray Davis today announced a broad assortment of 2002-2003 television pilots that have benefited from the state's one-of-a-kind "Film California First" (FCF) rebate incentive program. Fall pilots "Fastlane" (WB), "Firefly" (FOX), "Boomtown" (NBC) and "Push, Nevada" (ABC) have all applied for their production rebates.

"Film California First incentives continue to provide California with a competitive edge in attracting new television shows," said Gov. Davis. "We are pleased that so many new episodic television series choose to make their home here."

Administered by the California Film Commission, Film California First was established in 2001 as part of Governor Davis' efforts to keep production in the Golden State. A unique multi-million dollar incentive program, FCF will reimburse certain film costs incurred by a qualified production company when filming on public property, up to $300,000 per project. The program rebates the cost of public labor, excluding local police, and greatly reduces location site fees for filming on public property.

This year's new fall pilots, ranging from sitcoms to sci-fi to drama, have benefited significantly from the FCF program. In addition to these pilots, some new shows that have applied for rebates from FCF also include Miracles, Mister Sterling, Septuplets, Zero Effect, The Oath, War, A. U.S.A., and Rush. Combined, FCF rebates for new pilots thus far total nearly $235,000.

"Film California First has not only saved our production money for shooting in California, but the operation of the program itself has been efficient and effective in ensuring a quick rebate," said Michael Walbrecht, Vice President of Studio and Production Affairs for Warner Bros. "Considering the amount of location work on a fast-paced show like 'Fastlane,' it makes the Film California First program that much more valuable to us."

Returning series on this season's line-up that benefited from FCF include: "The Guardian" (CBS), "24" (FOX), "Alias" (ABC), "The District" (CBS), "Bernie Mac" (FOX), "CSI" (CBS), "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (UPN), "Six Feet Under" (HBO) and "Charmed" (WB) among others.

"It's very gratifying that Film California First can help television producers both film in California and invest in their project," said Gov. Davis. "Film production that stays at home benefits California, benefits the production and keeps our economy humming."

"I think it's great that, even though California is an industry leader in film and television production, they still work to offer incentives such as the Film California First program to productions shooting in the state," added Sam Strangis, executive producer of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

Last year "CSI" received $24,000 in rebates from FCF, primarily for fire safety and transportation services. "The X-Files" was also a consistent and enthusiastic user of FCF, receiving approximately $170,000 in rebates.

For more information on the FCF program, visit the California Film Commission's interactive web site at www.filmcafirst.com. Here, production companies can obtain and submit reimbursement applications. Additionally, the California Film Commission has implemented a "Documents by Fax" system to ensure FCF program information is also readily available by fax to potential applicants 24 hours a day. Materials are sent automatically from a fax machine by dialing 323/860-2970.

The California Film Commission (CFC) enhances California's position as the premiere location for all motion picture and television production. The CFC is a one-stop shop, issuing permits for filming on state-owned property and administering several incentive programs including "Film California First," which helps reduce below-the-line production costs while filming in the Golden State. For more information about the CFC, visit its website at www.film.ca.gov or call 323/860-2960 or 800/858-4PIX (4749).