Filming in California
The Scorpion King Receives "Rock" Solid Help From Film California First Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/30/2001
Contact: Karen Constine, Director or Karen Caesar, Information Officer
Contact Phone: 323.860.2960
Universal Pictures Reimbursed for Filming Spin-off to The Mummy Series on Public Land in California
Hollywood, CA, October 30, 2001 -- On April 19, 2002, audiences nationwide will "smell what The Rock is cooking" when Universal Pictures releases The Scorpion King, an action-packed spin-off of The Mummy series and one of many films that will be reimbursed this year by the Film California First (FCF) Program for filming on public land in California.
The only incentive program of its kind, the FCF Program is a new, three-year, multi million dollar program administered by the California Film Commission (CFC) that reimburses the costs of public labor, excluding local police, and greatly reduces location site fees when filming on public property.
According to The Scorpion King's producer, Richard Rothschild, the FCF Program will reimburse the film over $150,000 for filming on public land in California. Universal Pictures will receive rebates for filming The Scorpion King 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 entire Scorpion King film was shot solely in the state of California.
"We will definitely use the Film California First Program every chance we get," says Richard Rothschild, producer of The Scorpion King. "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."
"This is a great example of how production companies can free up production dollars that can be reinvested into future California productions," says Karen Constine, Director of the California Film Commission. "We are very excited that The Scorpion King benefited from the Film California First Program," she adds.
A spin-off of The Mummy series, this Universal Pictures release takes place in an ancient land that would one day be known as the Middle East. The film tells the story of a tyrannical ruler who is overthrown by a hero who unites a group of refugees to defeat him.
This spin-off tale is directed by Chuck Russell (Eraser, The Mask, A Nightmare on Elm Street) and stars "The Rock," Michael Clarke Duncan, Peter Facinelli, Kelly Hu, Grant Heslov, Rolf Moeller and Bernard Hill. Jonathan Hales (The Mirror Cracked, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles), Stephen Sommers, Will Osborne and David Hayter wrote the screenplay.
The FCF Program is designed to reduce production costs for production companies filming in California and has successfully processed applications submitted through its interactive Website, www.filmcafirst.com with multiple participating companies receiving reimbursement checks.
For more information on the FCF Program, visit the California Film Commission's interactive web site at www.filmcafirst.com . Production companies can obtain and submit reimbursement applications, downloadable information and program guidelines. The FCF Program has successfully processed applications submitted through its interactive Web site with many participating companies receiving reimbursement checks.
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 by dialing (323) 860-2970 directly from a fax machine.
The California Film Commission
The California Film Commission (CFC) enhances California's position as the premiere location for all motion picture and television production. A one-stop shop, the CFC issues permits for filming on state-owned property and administers several incentive programs including Film California First (www.filmcafirst.com), which helps to reduce below-the-line production costs while filming in the Golden State. For more information about the CFC, visit their 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.