Latest Progress Report Shows Encouraging Long-Term Results   

The latest annual Progress Report on California's expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 shows significant long-term gains in below-the-line employment, as well as a growing volume of production in regions outside the Los Angeles 30-Mile Zone. 

In its first two years, Program 2.0 attracted or retained more than 100 film and television projects generating an estimated $3.7 billion in direct in-state spending, including $1.4 billion in below-the-line wages. 

Independent third-party data from the major guilds and unions affirms the good news regarding employment. Members covered under the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans have benefitted from a sustained 12 percent increase in hours worked since Program 2.0 went into effect. 

"Last year's positive short-term results for Program 2.0 have evolved into sustained and very encouraging long-term results in this year's report," said CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch. "The expanded tax credit program is working as intended and having a real impact." 

See the full 38-page report.

More Tax Credit Video Tutorials Added to CFC Website

The CFC produces an ongoing series of step-by-step tutorials on various aspects of the tax credit program. Topics include:

• Program orientation
• Application tips and procedures
• Budget tagging best practices 

All the videos, along with other helpful resources, are available online at http://film.ca.gov/tax-credit/faqs/. 

December 17 Ceremony to Honor Industry Pros and Public Employees Who Support In-State Production

Tw o esteemed members of the CFC support te am - Deputy State Fire Marshal Ra miro Rodriguez and C altrans Fil m Liaison Roger San Juan - have been named finalists for the 23rd California On-Location Awards (COLAs), which will be presented Sunday, December 17th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. 

Both are nominated in the State Public Employee Category for their dedication, collaborative spirit and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to solve problems. 

	COLA Nominees: Deputy State Fire MarshalRamiro Rodriguez (left) and Caltrans Film Liaison Roger San Juan

The COLAs recognize location managers and public employees who help facilitate on-location production across the Golden State. This year's awards will be presented amid a spirit of rising optimism as the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 helps reaffirm California's status as the world's production capital. More than 500 attendees are expected at this year's invitation-only awards ceremony. 

The awards program is produced by Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), a professional organization of film offices from across California that promote and facilitate in-state filming. 

 
The CFC congratulates all of this year's COLA nominees. 

For more information, visit www.californiaonlocationawards.com.

	CFC 2018 Board Chair Michael Nyman

The California Film Commission's Board of Directors has elected Michael Nyman, chairman and CEO of entertainment PR firm PMK*BNC, to serve as CFC chair for the 2018 term. He will replace long-time Chair Steve Dayan of Teamsters Local 399, who will remain on the board. 

Nyman was appointed to serve on the CFC board in 2014 by Governor Jerry Brown. He is regarded as an authority when it comes to bridging the worlds of entertainment and brands. Highlights of his nearly 30-year career include leading the 2009 merger of his prior firm - Bragman Nyman Cafarelli (BNC) with entertainment publicity powerhouse PMK. Today, he is responsible for operating the 250-person firm serving a roster of more than 800 entertainment and Fortune 500 clients. 

Other changes to the Film Commission's Board include the election of IATSE 2nd International Vice President and Local 80 Business Manager Thom Davis as vice chair, and DeKoven Entertainment President Lindy DeKoven as secretary. 

T eam members from th e California Film Commission, FilmL.A. and several regional film offices from across the state will be available to an swer questions and make connections at the American Film Market (AFM) Location Expo, November 1  - 8 at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica. Make sure to visit the CALIFORNIA booth. 

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Before joining the CFC nearly five years ago, Deputy Director Eve Honthaner had a long career in film production. She has also been teaching a popular summer course at USC's School of Cinematic Arts and has authored two books widely used by industry professionals and film students worldwide. Her first book - The Complete Film Production Handbook - is currently in its fourth edition, while the other -- HOLLYWOOD DRIVE: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry - has just been released in its second edition by Routledge Books. 

	CFC Deputy Director  Eve Honthaner

Based on Eve's USC class, Hollywood Drive provides a guide to starting a career and succeeding in the entertainment industry. The completely updated edition features new interviews with industry professionals, information about the changing social media landscape, new paths to diversity and more. It's for those seeking to "break in," as well as working professionals who want to advance their careers to the next level.