California Film Commission

"Film California First" to be Theme of California Pavilion at Locations Global Expo 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02/21/2001

Contact: Karen Constine
Contact Phone: (323)860-2960

California Film Commission will promote new $45 million incentive program to strengthen California's competitive edge

HOLLYWOOD -- The California Film Commission (CFC) today announced it will promote its new three-year, $45 million incentive program, Film California First (FCF) at the Locations Global Expo show, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, February 23-24, 2001. The only program of its kind in the nation, the FCF Program will significantly reduce production costs for filmmakers and production companies filming on public property in California.

We want everyone attending this location trade show to know that Film California First makes California an even more attractive filming option, said CFC Director, Karen R. Constine. "Filmmakers participating in the Film California First Program will be able to utilize local, state and federal employees and be reimbursed for those costs, as well as receive significant reductions in location fees when filming on public property anywhere in California."

Launched in January 2001, the FCF Program will reimburse certain film costs incurred by qualified production companies when filming on public property including:

  • State employee costs, including California Highway Patrol, State Park Rangers, University of California and California State University.
  • Federal employee costs.
  • Federal, State, University of California and California State University film permits and public property use fees.
  • Local public entity costs for fire and non-police public safety.
  • Local public property use fees.
  • Public equipment mandated and owned by a public agency.

In the California Pavilion, the CFC will partner with more than 36 regional film commissions or FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide) from throughout the State to promote the unmatched geography, climate, talent, resources and support that California has to offer.

Since its inception in 1985, the CFC has worked to enhance California's position as the premiere location for all motion picture and television production. A one-stop shop for filmmakers, the CFC permits for state owned property and provides production and troubleshooting assistance within California. The State of California offers free permits for California state properties and has no location fees for properties it permits.