Filming in California
Filming in California is "Foolproof" for Castle Rock, Thanks to the California Film Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09/10/2001
Contact: Karen R. Constine, Director or Karen Caesar, Information Officer
Contact Phone: 323.860.2960
Castle Rock Production Plus Two Summer Blockbusters Take Advantage of Multi Million Dollar Program Incentives Offered Through the California Film Commission
Hollywood, CA, September 10, 2001 -- Castle Rock Entertainment has officially wrapped its new suspense thriller Foolproof, set for release in 2002 and starring Sandra Bullock and Ben Chaplin. The film is one of many productions that will be reimbursed this year by the Film California First (FCF) Program offered through the California Film Commission.
The only incentive program of its kind, the FCF Program is a 3--year, multi-million dollar program administered by the California Film Commission (CFC). It reimburses the costs of public labor, excluding local police, and greatly reduces location site fees when filming on public property.
According to Foolproof's executive producer, Jeffrey Stott, the FCF Program will reimburse the film for approximately $150,000. Foolproof was filmed throughout the Southern California area including Alta Dena, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Ranch Palos Verdes, San Luis Obispo, Valencia, as well as West Hollywood.
"We are pleased that these feature films are 'filming California first' and shooting throughout the Golden State," said Karen Constine, Director of the California Film Commission.
The FCF Program processes applications submitted through its interactive Website, www.filmcafirst.com with multiple participating companies having received reimbursement checks.
"We are so happy to have taken advantage of this valuable program," said Stott. "Given the tight, below-the-line numbers it's always a great help when the state offers to reimburse films for filming on public land in California."
In addition, Foolproof producers will receive rebates for filming at such locations as Angeles National Forest, Malibu Creek State Park and Pasadena Water and Power.
In Foolproof, Sandra Bullock plays a police officer with a past, who is trying to solve a murder with her partner Ben Chaplin. Directed by Barbet Schroeder, the film also stars Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt.
Another film that will be reimbursed for filming on public land in California is the action-adventure thriller, Swordfish. This film's rebate is over $45,000. In June 2001, Warner Bros. released this feature-length thriller to audiences nationwide.
Some of the film's action sequences were filmed in several locations in Ventura, including a local bank. Because Swordfish was filmed on public land, the Film California First Program will essentially reimburse Warner Bros. the costs of public labor, excluding local police, as well as most of its location fees, film permit fees, public equipment fees and public employee personnel costs.
Filming in Ventura not only put money back into the film, but into the community as well. Swordfish generated nearly $1 million for the local economy due to the daily use of hotels to house the cast and crew, and purchases from local merchants of everything from gas and groceries to lumber and materials that were used on the set.
"Because we filmed several scenes on state land, amazing stunts such as this one and location shoots will be indirectly covered by the program. It was a huge undertaking to make this film and we are very grateful to have discovered the Film California First incentive program," said the film's production manager Ron Smith. "This program will help us reduce below-the-line costs which in turn will allow us to free up production dollars that we can invest back into future films and stunts," he adds.
In June 2001, another film that was released and that will be reimbursed for filming on public land in California was DreamWorks SKG's alien invasion comedy, Evolution.
"We are thrilled about this Program and that California is taking steps in the right direction to make filming in California more affordable," said the film's production executive, Steve Molen.
The film's producers applied for a $32,000 reimbursement from the FCF Program for filming at several public locations including a local university, public roads and a bus stop in Los Angeles. Evolution will receive the majority of its reimbursements for the use of personnel such as fire safety, traffic controllers and the Los Angeles County Metro Transportation Authority on public property. Evolution will also be reimbursed for various road use fees and location permits.
"We are looking forward to sharing many more Film California First success stories like these in the near future," said Constine. "These feature films are all great examples of how production companies can benefit from the Film California First Program."
For more information on the FCF Program, visit the California Film Commission's interactive web site at www.filmcafirst.com.
The California Film Commission is a Division of California Technology, Trade and Commerce.