LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

California's Film & TV Tax Credit Extended to 2025 
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Program 3.0 Will Retain $330 Million Annual Funding and Add New Provisions

Affirming California's long-term commitment to fighting runaway protection, Governor Brown recently signed legislation to extend the state's Film and TV Tax Credit Program an additional five years through June 2025. It builds upon the current tax credit program (dubbed Program 2.0) which launched in 2015 and expanded funding from $100 million to $330 million annually.

The newly-extended program (Program 3.0) will retain current funding but add several new provisions including: 
  • Creation of a pilot program to train residents from under-served communities for skilled craft jobs in motion picture and television production. The existing Career Readiness requirement, which requires tax credit projects to provide career training opportunities such as paid internships and in-class workshops, will remain intact.
  • An increase in tax credits allocated to independent film projects from 5% to 8% of annual program funding. Indie film funding will also be split into two categories (under $10 million and over $10 million) to improve access for lower budget projects.
  • An extension of the deadline (from 180 days to 240 days) for big-budget films to begin principal photography after tax credits have been reserved.
  • A requirement that all tax credit projects maintain a written policy against unlawful harassment and have initiatives in place to increase representation of minorities and women in job classifications (e.g., directors, writers, producers and actors) that are excluded from "qualified wages."

Related News: 

 Los Angeles Times

NEW PRODUCTION RESOURCE

CFC Introduces Interactive 30-Mile Studio Zone and Secondary Zone Map

It's easier than ever to get (and stay) in the zone... 

The California Film Commission recently introduced a new interactive map of the 30-Mile Studio Zone (aka "30-Mile Zone" or "TMZ") and the Secondary Zone expansion. 

The new map helps streamline the process of determining if a location is within the primary or secondary zone. It's super-easy to use and packed with advanced interactive features. Along with the new map are two new zone charts with contacts, lead times, fees and other permit-related information for more than 100 in-zone jurisdictions. 

You can check out the new interactive map and zone charts on the CFC website.   

Related CFC Production Alert. 

2018 Film in California Conference Celebrates Robust In-State Production
This year's edition of the annual Film in California Conference brought together more than 400 production industry professionals and two dozen regional film commissions for a day filled with celebration, learning and discussion.

The day-long conference on May 5th was held amid a renewed sense of optimism generated by the state's expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0. The new conference venue (the theater within the Los Angeles Center Studios campus) reinforced the "good news" narrative, as the soundstage at another L.A.-area studio that had hosted the previous three conferences was booked to capacity.  

"The Making of the Amazon Series Bosch" panel featuring (from left) Madison Lintz ("Maddie Bosch"), Paul Schreiber (Supervising Location Manager), Michael Connelly (Author/EP), Titus Welliver ("Harry Bosch"/Producer), Henrik Bastin (EP) and moderator Elvis Mitchell (KCRW's "The Treatment")

The day kicked off with a rousing keynote address by award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance. Sessions included "The Making of the Amazon Series Bosch" featuring best-selling author and executive producer Michael Connelly, lead actor Titus Welliver and other members of the creative team, with moderator Elvis Mitchell of KCRW's "The Treatment." Additional panels covered "Women Behind the Scenes," moderated by Paramount Television SVP of Production Debra Bergman; "Film Festivals - A Primer," moderated by ABC7 Entertainment Reporter George Pennacchio; and "The Magic of Visual Effects," moderated by award-winning VFX producer Joyce Cox.

The conference concluded with the presentation of the 3rd Annual California Golden Slate Award to NCIS Executive Producer Mark Horowitz for his long history of production in-state. Under his leadership, NCIS (now the seventh longest-running scripted primetime series in U.S. TV history) has been produced in California for the past 15 seasons. The award was presented by actor Wilmer Valderrama, who plays special agent Nick Torres on NCIS (also known for his role as Fez in the sitcom That '70s Show).

(Clockwise) California Golden Slate Award Honoree Mark Hortwitz (right) with presenter Wilmer Valderrama; "Women Behind the Scenes" panelists Millicent Shelton (left) and Rachel Shane; CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch with keynote speaker Courtney B. Vance; "Film Festivals: A Primer" panel moderator George Pennacchio.

Attendees at this year's conference also got to cast their votes for the first-ever Film in California Photography Contest, which featured breathtaking photos of California locations.

The Film in California Conference is co-produced by the California Film Commission and FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide) - a network of 40-plus film commissions from across the state. Special thanks to all of this year's conference sponsors, exhibitors, community partners and volunteers.

See video of conference panels on YouTube.

FEATURED LOCATION:  Siskiyou County   
Snow-capped peak of Mt. Shasta towers over one of the many surrounding lakes.
Its name may be difficult to pronounce, but this Northern California Coun   ty makes it easy to capture the American West!

Long renowned for its pristine natural beauty, Siskiyou County is home to 14,162-foot-high Mount Shasta, numerous scenic rivers and the dramatic Castle Crags rock formation (named for its castle-like granite spires, domes and walls). 

Located near the Oregon border, most of Siskiyou County's popular filming locations can be reached conveniently from nearby Interstate 5 and via two regional airports (Medford and Redding). 

It offers an array of American West settings, from dense Alpine forests to high desert plateaus, and everything in between. You'll find high mountain lakes, lava beds, abandoned mines from the Gold Rush Era, classic main streets and historic homes. 

With great weather and a film-friendly mindset, Siskiyou County is ready to meet your filmmaking needs.

For more information contact Larry Alexander, Siskiyou County Film Commissioner, at 530-468-2888 / [email protected]; 
CFC In the Community 

As part of its effort to promote in-state production, the California Film Commission lends its time, resources and support to a wide range of industry/civic events and organizations. CFC team members are active in the community bringing citizens statewide up-to-speed on issues ranging from tax credits to expanding career opportunities. 

CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch accepts the Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation's Heroes of Hollywood Award for her many years of work to keep film and TV production in the Golden State.

Recent CFC appearances and community outreach include: 
  • California Alliance for the Arts' Student Voices Conference (Oakland) 
  • Arts/Media/Entertainment Leadership Institute 2018 (San Diego) 
  • CTE (Career Technical Education) Advisory Committee Meeting (Culver City)
  • Hollywood Chamber of Commerce TEAM (The Entertainment, Arts & Media) Committee (Hollywood) 
  • LAEDC's Digital Media & Entertainment Council (Santa Monica) 
  • DGA Production Planning Workshop (Los Angeles) 
  • FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide) Meeting (San Francisco)  
  • Venice Arts Career Day (Venice)
CFC Tax Credit Program Director Nancy Rae Stone (far right) with crew members from the Netflix series  13 Reasons Why following their career readiness panel at the California Alliance for the Arts Conference in Oakland.

The CFC also hosted recent meetings with several international film delegations regarding opportunities to connect foreign film, TV, commercial and new media producers with California-based production resources.   

Watch for These California Projects in Release Soon

Feature Films: 



New TV Series: 

Quotable


"I'm proud to be a part of the California Film Commission's movement to turn "runaway production" into "just come on back home production."



Mark Horowitz
Executive Producer, NCIS
2018 California Golden Slate Award Recipient
CFC In the News

Visit our online news digest ( http://bit.ly/CFCnewslinks )  for recent news stories featuring the California Film Commission and/or the state's Film & TV Tax Credit Program.
No Permit Fees on State-Owned Property!
The California Film Commission offers FREE permits for filming on state property. Charges are assessed to recover out-of-pocket costs such as review and monitor fees, as well as parking. There are many state-owned locations to choose from, so keep us in mind when you're looking for a low-cost location option.

Visit CFC's website for more info.
  Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter! 
  
The California Film Commission has a nifty Facebook page, Instagram feed and Twitter stream for you to get the latest info and links plus spectacular photos of California locations - from the iconic to the downright obscure.
  
Please give us a like/follow and stay connected!

Upcoming CFC

Board Meeting:

 

November 2, 2018

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Los Angeles

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Winter 2018

 

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 About the California Film Commission
  
The California Film Commission (CFC) enhances California's status as the leader in motion picture, television and commercial production.
  
A one-stop office for filmmakers, the Commission supports productions of all sizes and budgets. In addition to managing the Film & Television Tax Credit program, services include an extensive digital location library, free online permitting, low cost use of state properties as shooting locations, and production assistance.
  
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