California Film Commission

Governor Davis Announces Film California First Success Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/30/2002

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

Kill Bill, The Italian Job, and other Films take Advantage of California Film at Home Incentive Programs

HOLLYWOOD -- Governor Gray Davis today announced that a growing number of films currently in production -- from Paramount's The Italian Job to Miramax's Kill Bill to Warner Bros.' Torque - are taking advantage of services and special programs offered by the California Film Commission (CFC).

"California is the world capitol of film production, and I plan on making sure it stays that way," said Gov. Davis. "It's critical that California keep enhancing and improving opportunities for filmmakers. This $32.3 billion industry is absolutely vital to our economy, and we are glad to see so many productions filming at home, staying at home and benefiting from our programs."

Governor Davis launched two landmark film incentive programs in 2001 that have gained attention and enhanced California's filmmaking climate. Both programs, administered by the CFC, were recently expanded. The flagship program, Film California First (FCF), rebates filmmakers up to $300,000 for public labor and other costs when filming on public property. The STAR (State Theatrical Arts Resources) partnership makes State-owned surplus properties available to filmmakers at low or no cost. Together, FCF and STAR help California to aggressively attract and retain more production.

According to CFC permit records from January through September 2002, filming on State property is up 48 percent over the same period last year, from 1,830 to 2,712 film days - and over 300 of these production days are attributed to STAR properties. In fact, feature production on State property during this time has more than doubled, from 344 to 772.

For the film Kill Bill, Quentin Tarantino's next feature, STAR provided a Los Angeles house owned by CalTrans that could be treated as a blank canvas. The production renovated the property, transforming it from a house in disrepair to a distinctive showcase. Originally, the production was looking to film this sequence out of state. "The STAR program was a very helpful factor for shooting in California," said Lawrence Bender, producer of Kill Bill. "It gave us a unique creative opportunity by allowing our artistic team to pursue their vision. An added value of using the STAR program is the ability to take advantage of novel locations that enhance the look of the film. Plus, with the reimbursements from the Film California First program and the location provided by STAR, the film will save important production dollars."

Jim Dyer, producer of The Italian Job, an action feature now filming around Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and Pasadena, said that filming elaborate traffic scenes in the heart of Hollywood was an exceptional challenge, mandating that the production company and state and local government representatives work cooperatively - starting as early as possible. "I would certainly shoot another movie in Los Angeles. It was a very positive experience," Dyer noted, adding that he definitely plans to take advantage of the Film California First program to reimburse a number of specific production costs.

The CFC and CalTrans also worked closely with Torque to provide access to a completed but not yet open segment of the 210 Freeway for a tricky action stunt. "The ability to have control of a portion of the 210 Freeway for our action sequence was incredible," said Mike Rachmil, executive producer of Big Wheel Production's Torque. "This is a great example of how California is working hard to keep production, and the jobs associated with it, here at home."

The benefits of filming are felt throughout the State. The Ridgecrest Regional Film Commission estimates that the 70-day filming schedule of Green Lakes Productions' feature Holes generated approximately $3.2 million in disposable income to the Ridgecrest area. The film also received an FCF rebate of nearly $90,000.

"The State is leading by example," said Governor Gray Davis. "Film California First and STAR, together, send a strong message to filmmakers that we want their business here." Other recent films utilizing State property include:

    Hollywood Homicide
    Malibu's Most Wanted
    Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle
    House of Sand and Fog
    Matchstick Men
    Envy
    Blackout
    Dickey Roberts: Former Child Star
    Daddy Day Care
    Catch Me if You Can
    Holes
    The Hulk
    Looney Tunes -- The Movie
    Biker Boyz
    Happily Even After

For more information on the CFC, the Film California First and STAR programs, visit www.film.ca.gov, or call 323/860-2960.