Filming in California
Governor Davis Congratulates Oscar Nominees Who Filmed in Golden State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03/22/2002
Contact: Karen Constine, Director or Karen Caesar, Information Officer
Contact Phone: 323.860.2960
Training Day, Vanilla Sky and I am Sam all Utilized Film California First Incentives
LOS ANGELES -- Governor Gray Davis today congratulated the producers, casts and crew of several Oscar-nominated films not only for their stellar achievements, but for also for supporting the landmark Film California First (FCF) program, which offers rebates for filming on public property in California. Training Day (Warner Bros.), Vanilla Sky (Paramount) and I Am Sam (New Line) were the largest recipients of rebates with Oscar nods.
"These powerful films have thrilled audiences around the world," said Governor Davis, who launched FCF in January 2001. "While the themes are all very different, the films do have one thing in common: they all received reimbursements for using Film California First. I applaud these filmmakers who helped California's economy, employed local talent and crew and kept jobs here at home."
Training Day, with Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor nominations for Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke, received nearly $138,000 from FCF. While Vanilla Sky, which earned Paul McCartney a nomination for Best Song, and I Am Sam, with a Best Actor nomination for Sean Penn, received $47,000 and $44,000, respectively.
Administered by the California Film Commission, FCF offers incentives to qualified production companies including reimbursements of up to $1000 for public permit fees, up to $1500 for location fees, and $500 for equipment. The caps were raised from their original amounts in January 2002.
In addition, FCF allows reimbursements for multiple film shoots by the same production company on the same day, and also reimburses for fire department spot-checks and public notification fees associated with filming on public property.
"Film California First programs lets filmmakers know that California really appreciates their business," said Governor Davis. "We can match any location in the world. We have the best talent, crew, facilities, equipment, and of course, weather. Film California First is both the message and the program."
Some of the other Oscar-nominated films made or partially shot in California include: Memento, A.I., Pearl Harbor, The Man Who Wasn't There, Ali, Mulholland Drive, Ghost World, Shrek and Monsters Inc.
In addition to FCF, Governor Davis also launched the State Theatrical Arts Resources (STAR) partnership in November 2001. Another novel program administered by the California Film Commission, STAR unlocks State-owned surplus properties and makes them available to filmmakers at no or low cost.
For information on FCF or STAR, please visit the California Film Commission website at www.film.ca.gov.
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 or 800.858.4PIX (4749).