As Hollywood makes slow but steady progress on its reopening, California Film commissioner Colleen Bell is expressing guarded optimism about production resuming — but without any exact date yet.
“I think it would be imprudent to say that we know when things will get back to normal, but I can say with confidence that there’s good reason to be optimistic,” Bell said.
All series shooting in California were shut down in March due to the pandemic, including HBO’s Bill Hader comedy “Barry,” ABC’s “The Goldbergs” and “Schooled” and America Ferrera’s NBC comedy “Superstore.”
In mid-June, Hollywood’s major unions released extensive back-to-work guidelines for resuming production amid the pandemic, with a heavy emphasis on testing as they unveiled a 36-page report, titled “The Safe Way Forward.” Around the same time, the state of California gave its blessing for film and TV production to resume, subject to approval from county public health authorities.
“I think it would be imprudent to say that we know when things will get back to normal, but I can say with confidence that there’s good reason to be optimistic,” Bell said.
All series shooting in California were shut down in March due to the pandemic, including HBO’s Bill Hader comedy “Barry,” ABC’s “The Goldbergs” and “Schooled” and America Ferrera’s NBC comedy “Superstore.”
In mid-June, Hollywood’s major unions released extensive back-to-work guidelines for resuming production amid the pandemic, with a heavy emphasis on testing as they unveiled a 36-page report, titled “The Safe Way Forward.” Around the same time, the state of California gave its blessing for film and TV production to resume, subject to approval from county public health authorities.
- 8/4/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
California Film Commission chief Colleen Bell says state officials are making progress on hammering out details for the resumption of film and TV production following industrywide shutdowns in light of the coronavirus pandemic. But they’re moving forward cautiously as the process is complicated, to say the least.
“We are having daily conversations about the protocols,” Bell told Variety on Wednesday. “We know that people are going to want to get back to work so we’re planning the re-entry period. We are handling a massive amount of inquiries.”
The commissioner emphasized that there’s no clear timetable in place yet for when stay-at-home orders will be relaxed or lifted.
“This is going to be complicated,” she said. “A lot of people who are very smart are working on figuring this out. I had seven back-to-back Zoom calls one day.”
All series shooting in California were shut down last month due to the pandemic.
“We are having daily conversations about the protocols,” Bell told Variety on Wednesday. “We know that people are going to want to get back to work so we’re planning the re-entry period. We are handling a massive amount of inquiries.”
The commissioner emphasized that there’s no clear timetable in place yet for when stay-at-home orders will be relaxed or lifted.
“This is going to be complicated,” she said. “A lot of people who are very smart are working on figuring this out. I had seven back-to-back Zoom calls one day.”
All series shooting in California were shut down last month due to the pandemic.
- 4/23/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Colleen Bell, the California Film Commission’s newly appointed director, has a mandate: Make “California for all” more than just a slogan, and her plan to accomplish that is to expand Hollywood’s film and TV business beyond Los Angeles. Next year, as part of the plan to keep pushing the commission’s program forward, it will provide a job training component for production jobs that Bell said will specifically target people in disadvantaged communities. “Right now, we’re having broad discussions about re-enforcing California’s position as the leading production location in the world,” Bell told TheWrap. “This is an evolutionary time in terms of the demand for content. We’ve become accustomed to this strong focus on L.A. and Hollywood as this zone where most production takes place, but do we know that that’s going to be the case for the next 10 years? There’s a...
- 8/9/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
California’s newly named film commissioner is thinking big.
Colleen Bell wants to expand the state’s production tax credit program beyond its current annual allocation of $330 million — which was tripled in size in 2014 to compete effectively with New York and Georgia, then extended a year ago to 2025 with a credit of up to 25% of qualified expenditures spent in California.
Feature films covered under the program have included “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Captain Marvel,” “Bumblebee,” “Space Jam 2” and “Sherlock Holmes 3.” Earlier this year, Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” became the 16th television series to relocate to California, joining “Good Girls,” “You,” “Sneaky Pete,” “Legion,” “Ballers” and “Veep.” The state ditched the lottery approach several years ago and selects projects based on a jobs-creation formula.
“We may not provide the largest incentives but we provide the most value in terms of workforce, locations, weather and progressive,...
Colleen Bell wants to expand the state’s production tax credit program beyond its current annual allocation of $330 million — which was tripled in size in 2014 to compete effectively with New York and Georgia, then extended a year ago to 2025 with a credit of up to 25% of qualified expenditures spent in California.
Feature films covered under the program have included “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Captain Marvel,” “Bumblebee,” “Space Jam 2” and “Sherlock Holmes 3.” Earlier this year, Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” became the 16th television series to relocate to California, joining “Good Girls,” “You,” “Sneaky Pete,” “Legion,” “Ballers” and “Veep.” The state ditched the lottery approach several years ago and selects projects based on a jobs-creation formula.
“We may not provide the largest incentives but we provide the most value in terms of workforce, locations, weather and progressive,...
- 8/7/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Colleen Bell, a longtime TV producer on “The Bold and the Beautiful” and former ambassador to Hungary during the Obama era, has been appointed as the Director of the California Film Commission, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.
Bell replaces Amy Lemisch in the role, who held the position for 15 years, longer than any other director in the position. Lemisch stepped down on May 10, and Bell will step into the job in the coming days.
“I am looking forward to working in partnership with someone with Ms. Bell’s experience and qualifications as we strive to maintain California’s longstanding status as the home to the motion picture and television industry,” Thom Davis, chair of the California Film Commission Board of Directors said in a statement. “Her prior experience in the entertainment industry will further strengthen the skills and expertise of the current California Film Commission staff, which includes several industry professionals.
Bell replaces Amy Lemisch in the role, who held the position for 15 years, longer than any other director in the position. Lemisch stepped down on May 10, and Bell will step into the job in the coming days.
“I am looking forward to working in partnership with someone with Ms. Bell’s experience and qualifications as we strive to maintain California’s longstanding status as the home to the motion picture and television industry,” Thom Davis, chair of the California Film Commission Board of Directors said in a statement. “Her prior experience in the entertainment industry will further strengthen the skills and expertise of the current California Film Commission staff, which includes several industry professionals.
- 5/23/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Veteran entertainment executive and ambassador Colleen Bell will replace Amy Lemisch as director of the California Film Commission.
Bell, who was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, has worked as a consultant since 2017. She was the U.S. ambassador to Hungary from 2014 to 2017. She held several positions at Bell-Phillip Television Productions, including producer from 2012 to 2014, director of special projects from 2006 to 2012, and associate producer and script supervisor from 1991 to 2003.
Bell was also a producer on “The Bold and the Beautiful” from 1991 and 2015.
The position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $170,004. Bell is a Democrat.
Lemisch left the state agency on May 10. She had been appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 and re-appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown. Prior to the appointment, Lemisch worked as a producer with Penny Marshall’s Parkway Productions.
During the latter years of Schwarzenegger’s tenure, which ended in 2011, Lemisch was part of...
Bell, who was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday, has worked as a consultant since 2017. She was the U.S. ambassador to Hungary from 2014 to 2017. She held several positions at Bell-Phillip Television Productions, including producer from 2012 to 2014, director of special projects from 2006 to 2012, and associate producer and script supervisor from 1991 to 2003.
Bell was also a producer on “The Bold and the Beautiful” from 1991 and 2015.
The position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $170,004. Bell is a Democrat.
Lemisch left the state agency on May 10. She had been appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 and re-appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown. Prior to the appointment, Lemisch worked as a producer with Penny Marshall’s Parkway Productions.
During the latter years of Schwarzenegger’s tenure, which ended in 2011, Lemisch was part of...
- 5/23/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Colleen Bell has been picked by Gov. Gavin Newsom to become the new director of the California Film Commission.
The announcement of the former The Bold and the Beautiful producer as overlord of the Golden State’s annual $330 million film and television tax incentive program comes less than a month after it was revealed that now-former executive director Amy Lemisch was exiting the job after 15 years in the job.
As well as her work over the years at Bell-Phillip Television Productions and for CBS, Democratic donor Bell was also President Barack Obama’s ambassador to Hungry from 2014-2017.
“I am looking forward to working in partnership with someone with Ms. Bell’s experience and qualifications as we strive to maintain California’s longstanding status as the home to the motion picture and television industry,” Thom Davis, chair of the Cfc’s board of directors and Iatse VP, told Deadline on...
The announcement of the former The Bold and the Beautiful producer as overlord of the Golden State’s annual $330 million film and television tax incentive program comes less than a month after it was revealed that now-former executive director Amy Lemisch was exiting the job after 15 years in the job.
As well as her work over the years at Bell-Phillip Television Productions and for CBS, Democratic donor Bell was also President Barack Obama’s ambassador to Hungry from 2014-2017.
“I am looking forward to working in partnership with someone with Ms. Bell’s experience and qualifications as we strive to maintain California’s longstanding status as the home to the motion picture and television industry,” Thom Davis, chair of the Cfc’s board of directors and Iatse VP, told Deadline on...
- 5/23/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Amy Lemisch will exit her post after 15 years on the job as the head of the California Film Commission, a corporate spokesperson confirmed to TheWrap.
Lemisch’s last day as executive director of the state agency will be May 10. Lemisch, who was the longest-serving film commissioner in state history, was first was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger back in May 2004, and re-appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Also Read: California Film Commission OKs New TV, Film Tax Credit Regulations
Under Lemisch, California boosted tax credits to combat runaway production which resulted in an annual allocation of $100 million. According to the Hollywood Reporter, in 2018, California lawmakers extended the state’s film tax incentive program to 2025, adding five years to the program. In 2016, the state raised the annual tax credit amount from $100 million to $330 million.
Prior to her work at the Film Commission, Lemisch served for more than 15 years as a producer for Penny Marshall’s Parkway Productions.
Lemisch’s last day as executive director of the state agency will be May 10. Lemisch, who was the longest-serving film commissioner in state history, was first was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger back in May 2004, and re-appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Also Read: California Film Commission OKs New TV, Film Tax Credit Regulations
Under Lemisch, California boosted tax credits to combat runaway production which resulted in an annual allocation of $100 million. According to the Hollywood Reporter, in 2018, California lawmakers extended the state’s film tax incentive program to 2025, adding five years to the program. In 2016, the state raised the annual tax credit amount from $100 million to $330 million.
Prior to her work at the Film Commission, Lemisch served for more than 15 years as a producer for Penny Marshall’s Parkway Productions.
- 5/3/2019
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Amy Lemisch is exiting her post as California Film Commissioner after 15 years on the job.
Lemisch will leave the state agency on May 10. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who took office in January after Jerry Brown was termed out, could announce her replacement soon. Newsom’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Lemisch was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 and re-appointed by Brown. Prior to the appointment, Lemisch worked as a producer with Penny Marshall’s Parkway Productions. Her credits include producer on “With Friends Like These”; co-producer on “Riding in Cars With Boys,” “The Preacher’s Wife” and “Renaissance Man”; and associate producer on “A League of Their Own,” “Awakenings” and “Calendar Girl.”
During the latter years of Schwarzenegger’s tenure, which ended in 2011, Lemisch was part of the campaign to boost tax credits in California to combat runaway production, resulting in an annual allocation of $100 million.
Lemisch will leave the state agency on May 10. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who took office in January after Jerry Brown was termed out, could announce her replacement soon. Newsom’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Lemisch was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 and re-appointed by Brown. Prior to the appointment, Lemisch worked as a producer with Penny Marshall’s Parkway Productions. Her credits include producer on “With Friends Like These”; co-producer on “Riding in Cars With Boys,” “The Preacher’s Wife” and “Renaissance Man”; and associate producer on “A League of Their Own,” “Awakenings” and “Calendar Girl.”
During the latter years of Schwarzenegger’s tenure, which ended in 2011, Lemisch was part of the campaign to boost tax credits in California to combat runaway production, resulting in an annual allocation of $100 million.
- 5/2/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The curtain is about to fall on Amy Lemisch’s 15-year tenure as California Film Commissioner. Deadline has confirmed that the long serving Executive Director will exit the post responsible for overseeing the state’s rich film and TV tax credit program on May 10.
Now Gov. Gavin Newsom is keen to install his own appointees to the Cfc, as often is the case with a new regime. Lemisch, however, was first named to her post by then-rookie Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004.
Under pressure as production fled the home of Hollywood for more tax lucrative realms like Georgia, the state introduced an incentive program in 2009 that the Cfc ran. The band-aid program was a mere $100 million, didn’t allow films with budgets over $75 million to apply and was conducted as a much criticized lottery.
Still, in a Sacramento dominated by northern Cali pols, Lemisch was re-upped by his Jerry Brown upon...
Now Gov. Gavin Newsom is keen to install his own appointees to the Cfc, as often is the case with a new regime. Lemisch, however, was first named to her post by then-rookie Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004.
Under pressure as production fled the home of Hollywood for more tax lucrative realms like Georgia, the state introduced an incentive program in 2009 that the Cfc ran. The band-aid program was a mere $100 million, didn’t allow films with budgets over $75 million to apply and was conducted as a much criticized lottery.
Still, in a Sacramento dominated by northern Cali pols, Lemisch was re-upped by his Jerry Brown upon...
- 5/2/2019
- by Erik Pedersen and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
“Akira,” produced by Leonardo DiCaprio for Warner Bros., will shoot in California and receive an $18.5 million tax credit, the California Film Commission has announced.
“Akira” was by far the biggest of the 18 tax credit allocations unveiled Tuesday under the state’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0, which include eight independent projects. The movies will generate an estimated $408 million in qualified expenditures (below-the-line wages and payments to in-state vendors) and employ 2,575 crew, 812 cast, and 29,000 extras/stand-ins over a combined 740 shoot days in California.
“Akira,” based on a manga series written and illustrated by Katsuhiro Otama and set in a post-apocalyptic 2060 Tokyo, will generate an estimated $92 million in qualified spending. This figure includes $43 million in wages to 200 below-the-line crew members and more than 5,000 extras/stand-ins. The project is scheduled to film entirely in California over the course of 71 filming days.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to shoot ‘Akira’ in California,” said Ravi Mehta,...
“Akira” was by far the biggest of the 18 tax credit allocations unveiled Tuesday under the state’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0, which include eight independent projects. The movies will generate an estimated $408 million in qualified expenditures (below-the-line wages and payments to in-state vendors) and employ 2,575 crew, 812 cast, and 29,000 extras/stand-ins over a combined 740 shoot days in California.
“Akira,” based on a manga series written and illustrated by Katsuhiro Otama and set in a post-apocalyptic 2060 Tokyo, will generate an estimated $92 million in qualified spending. This figure includes $43 million in wages to 200 below-the-line crew members and more than 5,000 extras/stand-ins. The project is scheduled to film entirely in California over the course of 71 filming days.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to shoot ‘Akira’ in California,” said Ravi Mehta,...
- 4/2/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The live-action “Akira,” which has long been kicking at Warner Bros. and from producer Leonardo DiCaprio, is one among the latest 18 projects selected for California’s film and TV tax credit program 2.0.
In all, it’s expected that the 10 non-indies and eight independent projects will generate an estimated $408 million in qualified expenditures in the state. Ten of the films are shooting outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone, and all 18 projects are combining for 740 shoot days in California.
“Akira,” which is based on the anime film by Katsuhiro Otomo and is set in Tokyo in 2060, alone will generate an estimated $92 million in qualified spending for the state. That figure includes $43 million in wages paid to 200 below-the-line crew members and more than 5,000 extras and stand-ins. With a tax credit reservation of $18.5 million, the project is scheduled to film entirely in California over the course of 71 filming days. DiCaprio is producing on behalf...
In all, it’s expected that the 10 non-indies and eight independent projects will generate an estimated $408 million in qualified expenditures in the state. Ten of the films are shooting outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone, and all 18 projects are combining for 740 shoot days in California.
“Akira,” which is based on the anime film by Katsuhiro Otomo and is set in Tokyo in 2060, alone will generate an estimated $92 million in qualified spending for the state. That figure includes $43 million in wages paid to 200 below-the-line crew members and more than 5,000 extras and stand-ins. With a tax credit reservation of $18.5 million, the project is scheduled to film entirely in California over the course of 71 filming days. DiCaprio is producing on behalf...
- 4/2/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Showtime’s upcoming “Penny Dreadful” sequel will move its production from Ireland to Los Angeles, and bag $24.7 million in tax credits from California as part of the state’s ongoing Film & TV Tax Credit 2.0 program.
The original “Penny Dreadful” was set in Victorian-era London, and filmed in Ireland. The sequel, titled “City of Angels,” will be set in 1938s Los Angeles. The series is the 16th to relocate its production to California as part of the program, and will spend an estimated $99 million on below-the-line wages and other qualified expenditures.
“Choosing where to set up production for the next chapter of the ‘Penny Dreadful’ fable was one of the most important decisions we had to make, and there were many options we looked into,” said Jana Winograde, co-president of entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. “Shooting in California obviously has many attractions, but without the state’s Film and TV tax credit it could become cost prohibitive.
The original “Penny Dreadful” was set in Victorian-era London, and filmed in Ireland. The sequel, titled “City of Angels,” will be set in 1938s Los Angeles. The series is the 16th to relocate its production to California as part of the program, and will spend an estimated $99 million on below-the-line wages and other qualified expenditures.
“Choosing where to set up production for the next chapter of the ‘Penny Dreadful’ fable was one of the most important decisions we had to make, and there were many options we looked into,” said Jana Winograde, co-president of entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. “Shooting in California obviously has many attractions, but without the state’s Film and TV tax credit it could become cost prohibitive.
- 3/11/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” has become the 16th television series to relocate to California and has been allocated $24.7 million in tax credits.
The California Film Commission made the announcement Monday that the drama-horror series will move production from Dublin to Los Angeles for its fourth season. “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” will employ more than 350 cast members, 150 crew and 10,000 extras (including stand-ins) and spend an estimated $99 million on below-the-line wages and other qualified expenditures during the upcoming season.
“With its established track record and top of the line production value, a relocating series like ‘Penny Dreadful’ brings long-term jobs and significant in-state spending,” said California Film Commission executive director Amy Lemisch. “Global competition and increasing reliance on VFX make it possible for projects set almost anywhere to film wherever they get the best value. We’re delighted that California crews and service providers will benefit directly from this project,...
The California Film Commission made the announcement Monday that the drama-horror series will move production from Dublin to Los Angeles for its fourth season. “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” will employ more than 350 cast members, 150 crew and 10,000 extras (including stand-ins) and spend an estimated $99 million on below-the-line wages and other qualified expenditures during the upcoming season.
“With its established track record and top of the line production value, a relocating series like ‘Penny Dreadful’ brings long-term jobs and significant in-state spending,” said California Film Commission executive director Amy Lemisch. “Global competition and increasing reliance on VFX make it possible for projects set almost anywhere to film wherever they get the best value. We’re delighted that California crews and service providers will benefit directly from this project,...
- 3/11/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Film and TV productions can now begin shooting in various areas affected by the November wildfires in Northern and Southern California, people knowledgeable of the situation told TheWrap.
This includes Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” which had shooting locations in the city of Vallejo in Salano County for Season 3, about 150 miles from the camp fire area. The production was shut down temporarily during the fires due to poor air quality, a California Film Commission spokesperson said. The series also had to shut down during the production of Season 2 last October for similar reasons.
“Production teams are very resourceful and know how to adapt quickly,” Amy Lemisch, California Film Commission executive director, said in a statement. “We were able to work with them to help ensure safety and find alternative sites for filming.”
The fires in Northern California began when a campfire spread in the city of Paradise, killing at least 86 people.
This includes Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” which had shooting locations in the city of Vallejo in Salano County for Season 3, about 150 miles from the camp fire area. The production was shut down temporarily during the fires due to poor air quality, a California Film Commission spokesperson said. The series also had to shut down during the production of Season 2 last October for similar reasons.
“Production teams are very resourceful and know how to adapt quickly,” Amy Lemisch, California Film Commission executive director, said in a statement. “We were able to work with them to help ensure safety and find alternative sites for filming.”
The fires in Northern California began when a campfire spread in the city of Paradise, killing at least 86 people.
- 12/17/2018
- by Omar Sanchez
- The Wrap
CBS’s new “Star Trek” series, with Patrick Stewart reprising the role of Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, will shoot in California and receive a $15.6 million production tax credit.
The California Film Commission announced Monday that the untitled “Star Trek” series and eight other TV series have been selected for the latest tax credit allocations totaling $90 million under the state’s expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0.
The other eight projects include two new series — Cooler Waters Prods.’ “Flowers of Helvetica” with a $12 million allocation and CBS’s “Why Women Kill” with an $8.5 million credit. The latter comes from Marc Cherry of “Desperate Housewives” and is described as a darkly comedic drama focused on the lives of three women living in three different decades.
Six recurring series already in the tax credit program and picked up for another season of in-state production have also been set for allocations — Fox’s third season of “The Orville” with $15.8 million,...
The California Film Commission announced Monday that the untitled “Star Trek” series and eight other TV series have been selected for the latest tax credit allocations totaling $90 million under the state’s expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0.
The other eight projects include two new series — Cooler Waters Prods.’ “Flowers of Helvetica” with a $12 million allocation and CBS’s “Why Women Kill” with an $8.5 million credit. The latter comes from Marc Cherry of “Desperate Housewives” and is described as a darkly comedic drama focused on the lives of three women living in three different decades.
Six recurring series already in the tax credit program and picked up for another season of in-state production have also been set for allocations — Fox’s third season of “The Orville” with $15.8 million,...
- 12/10/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
CBS All Access’ upcoming “Star Trek” series, which marks the return of Patrick Stewart’s Jean-Luc Picard, will be one of three new TV series to film in California as part of the state’s ongoing Film & TV Tax Credit 2.0 program.
Along with “New Star Trek Series,” the working title for the series set to debut sometime at the end of 2019, CBS All Access’ drama “Why Women Kill” and HBO’s “Flowers of Helvetica” will be produced in California. The three shows join six recurring series that are already filming in California under the program as part of its fourth year.
These three series alone will employ an estimated 1,500 cast members, 2,100 crew and 23,000 extras/stand-ins — the latter measured in “man-days” — over a combined 916 shoot days for the season.
FX’s “American Horror Story” and “Mayans, M.C.,” Freeform’s “Good Trouble,” Fox’s “The Orville,” ABC’s “The Rookie” and...
Along with “New Star Trek Series,” the working title for the series set to debut sometime at the end of 2019, CBS All Access’ drama “Why Women Kill” and HBO’s “Flowers of Helvetica” will be produced in California. The three shows join six recurring series that are already filming in California under the program as part of its fourth year.
These three series alone will employ an estimated 1,500 cast members, 2,100 crew and 23,000 extras/stand-ins — the latter measured in “man-days” — over a combined 916 shoot days for the season.
FX’s “American Horror Story” and “Mayans, M.C.,” Freeform’s “Good Trouble,” Fox’s “The Orville,” ABC’s “The Rookie” and...
- 12/10/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Warner Bros.’ “Space Jam 2,” starring LeBron James and produced by Ryan Coogler, is set to film in California.
The upcoming sequel is one of 15 film projects that have been selected for the state’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0. “Space Jam 2” received the largest conditional allocation with a $21.8 million tax credit. “Mouse Guard” scored the second-biggest cut ($10.2 million) of the new $73.3 million available in tax credits.
Others include Andy Samberg’s “Palm Springs,” Universal’s “Marry Me” and “24/7,” Lionsgate’s “Margaritaville” and 20th Century Fox’s “The Boy Who Knew Too Much.” Four of the projects will film in the San Francisco area.
“One of the goals for Program 2.0 is to bring production jobs and spending to regions across the state,
and we’re beginning to see that happen more often and on a larger scale,” said Amy Lemisch, California Film Commission’s executive director. “We’re thrilled...
The upcoming sequel is one of 15 film projects that have been selected for the state’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0. “Space Jam 2” received the largest conditional allocation with a $21.8 million tax credit. “Mouse Guard” scored the second-biggest cut ($10.2 million) of the new $73.3 million available in tax credits.
Others include Andy Samberg’s “Palm Springs,” Universal’s “Marry Me” and “24/7,” Lionsgate’s “Margaritaville” and 20th Century Fox’s “The Boy Who Knew Too Much.” Four of the projects will film in the San Francisco area.
“One of the goals for Program 2.0 is to bring production jobs and spending to regions across the state,
and we’re beginning to see that happen more often and on a larger scale,” said Amy Lemisch, California Film Commission’s executive director. “We’re thrilled...
- 11/19/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The California Film Commission on Monday released a list of 15 projects selected for the state’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0. “Space Jam 2” starring Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is among the 15 projects set to receive a total of $73.3 million in tax credits reserved for the projects.
Five of the films are indies, and five are also being shot outside of Los Angeles’s 30-Mile Zone, including near San Francisco and Palm Springs. The commission says this represents a growth from previous years as part of an effort to spread production jobs and spending statewide.
“One of the goals for Program 2.0 is to bring production jobs and spending to regions across the state, and we’re beginning to see that happen more often and on a larger scale,” said California Film Commission executive director Amy Lemisch in a statement. “We’re thrilled to see Program 2.0 have such far-reaching benefits.
Five of the films are indies, and five are also being shot outside of Los Angeles’s 30-Mile Zone, including near San Francisco and Palm Springs. The commission says this represents a growth from previous years as part of an effort to spread production jobs and spending statewide.
“One of the goals for Program 2.0 is to bring production jobs and spending to regions across the state, and we’re beginning to see that happen more often and on a larger scale,” said California Film Commission executive director Amy Lemisch in a statement. “We’re thrilled to see Program 2.0 have such far-reaching benefits.
- 11/19/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Three full years into its $330 million annual expanded tax credits program, the California Film Commission has a fair amount to brag about, but Timeless probably shouldn’t be one of them.
Having filmed in Vancouver for its first season and then rewarded with millions in relocating series incentives last year after being resurrected for a second season, the time-travel drama from Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke gets a shout-out from the Amy Lemisch-run commission in a report released today on the success of the state program. But here’s the thing: Timeless was canceled again this summer.
So the flag flying as one of two relocating series in 2017, along with Amazon’s Sneaky Pete, and a member of the 15 shows that have moved to the Golden State overall since Gov. Jerry Brown inked the massive expansion of the tepid original program in Hollywood in September 2014 is a bit of a stretch,...
Having filmed in Vancouver for its first season and then rewarded with millions in relocating series incentives last year after being resurrected for a second season, the time-travel drama from Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke gets a shout-out from the Amy Lemisch-run commission in a report released today on the success of the state program. But here’s the thing: Timeless was canceled again this summer.
So the flag flying as one of two relocating series in 2017, along with Amazon’s Sneaky Pete, and a member of the 15 shows that have moved to the Golden State overall since Gov. Jerry Brown inked the massive expansion of the tepid original program in Hollywood in September 2014 is a bit of a stretch,...
- 11/2/2018
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The California Film Commission released its third annual report on the state’s film & TV tax credit program on Friday, boasting a boost in employment hours and in-state production.
The report showed a 15.6 percent increase in hours worked by below-the-line crew members compared to 2014, when the revised tax credit program was implemented. That’s a build on a 12 percent increase in 2016 compared to the start of the program.
Also Read: California Extends Film/TV Tax Credit Program Through 2025
The report also notes that five more big-budget films — classified as a budget of $75 million or more — have received incentives through the new tax program, increasing the total to ten. The films are “Call of the Wild,” “Captain Marvel,” “Ford v. Ferrari,” “Island Plaza” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
“Today’s report shows that Program 2.0 is working over the long-term to create high-quality production jobs and increase production spending in California,...
The report showed a 15.6 percent increase in hours worked by below-the-line crew members compared to 2014, when the revised tax credit program was implemented. That’s a build on a 12 percent increase in 2016 compared to the start of the program.
Also Read: California Extends Film/TV Tax Credit Program Through 2025
The report also notes that five more big-budget films — classified as a budget of $75 million or more — have received incentives through the new tax program, increasing the total to ten. The films are “Call of the Wild,” “Captain Marvel,” “Ford v. Ferrari,” “Island Plaza” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
“Today’s report shows that Program 2.0 is working over the long-term to create high-quality production jobs and increase production spending in California,...
- 11/2/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
California’s expanded production tax incentive program has resulted in nearly $6 billion in in-state spending over the past three years, a report released Friday showed.
The California Film Commission asserted in the report that the Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0 has led to sustained growth in retaining and attracting in-state production. The $6 billion figure was generated from $815 million in tax credits. California’s credit covers up to 25% of in-state production costs, which is not as lucrative as other locations but is aimed at putting the brakes on runaway production.
The $6 billion figure includes $2.25 billion in qualified wages and $1.89 billion in qualified vendor expenditures, along with $1.85 billion in other expenditures that do not qualify for tax credits. Collectively, productions that have been allocated tax credits under Program 2.0 are on track to employ more than 18,000 cast and 29,000 crew members, according to the report.
“Today’s report shows that Program 2.0 is working over...
The California Film Commission asserted in the report that the Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0 has led to sustained growth in retaining and attracting in-state production. The $6 billion figure was generated from $815 million in tax credits. California’s credit covers up to 25% of in-state production costs, which is not as lucrative as other locations but is aimed at putting the brakes on runaway production.
The $6 billion figure includes $2.25 billion in qualified wages and $1.89 billion in qualified vendor expenditures, along with $1.85 billion in other expenditures that do not qualify for tax credits. Collectively, productions that have been allocated tax credits under Program 2.0 are on track to employ more than 18,000 cast and 29,000 crew members, according to the report.
“Today’s report shows that Program 2.0 is working over...
- 11/2/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
NBC’s sitcom “Good Girls” and Horizon Scripted Television’s “You” are relocating to California for their upcoming seasons and have been conditionally approved to receive a combined $15.4 million in tax credits.
California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 made the announcement Monday, noting that the expanded program its starting its fourth year with a total of 15 series having relocated to the Golden State, thanks to the incentive.
“Good Girls” is relocating for its second season from Atlanta and is due a $9.3 million credit. “You” is moving for its second season from New York City and will receive a $6.1 million credit.
“Year-four of California’s expanded tax credit program is off to a great start with a pair of relocating TV series and last week’s passage of legislation to extend the program for another five years,” said California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch. “We’re bringing long-term,...
California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 made the announcement Monday, noting that the expanded program its starting its fourth year with a total of 15 series having relocated to the Golden State, thanks to the incentive.
“Good Girls” is relocating for its second season from Atlanta and is due a $9.3 million credit. “You” is moving for its second season from New York City and will receive a $6.1 million credit.
“Year-four of California’s expanded tax credit program is off to a great start with a pair of relocating TV series and last week’s passage of legislation to extend the program for another five years,” said California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch. “We’re bringing long-term,...
- 7/2/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
NBC’s “Good Girls” and Lifetime’s “You” are the latest series to relocate productions to California to capitalize on the state’s film and television tax credit initiative, the California Film Commission announced Monday.
“Good Girls” is moving its production from Georgia to the Golden State, where it will receive an estimated $9.3 million in tax credits, while Lifetime’s upcoming psychological thriller “You,” produced by Horizon Scripted Television, will get $6.1 million in tax incentives to move from New York.
California Governor Jerry Brown last week approved an extension of the program through 2025.
Also Read: 'Sneaky Pete' Relocates Production to California to Receive $9.2 Million Tax Credit
“We’re excited to bring ‘Good Girls’ to California and employ hundreds of California workers on an important series for NBC and Universal Television,” said Jerry Dicanio, Evp of production operations for Universal Television. “We look forward to many years of continued...
“Good Girls” is moving its production from Georgia to the Golden State, where it will receive an estimated $9.3 million in tax credits, while Lifetime’s upcoming psychological thriller “You,” produced by Horizon Scripted Television, will get $6.1 million in tax incentives to move from New York.
California Governor Jerry Brown last week approved an extension of the program through 2025.
Also Read: 'Sneaky Pete' Relocates Production to California to Receive $9.2 Million Tax Credit
“We’re excited to bring ‘Good Girls’ to California and employ hundreds of California workers on an important series for NBC and Universal Television,” said Jerry Dicanio, Evp of production operations for Universal Television. “We look forward to many years of continued...
- 7/2/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Production insiders gathered on Saturday for the Film in California Conference.
The annual confab, held at Los Angeles Center Studios this year, drew the likes of studio executives, location managers and film commissioners. The conference gives the latter the opportunity to remind production pros of the state's built-in perks — namely, diverse landscapes, robust crews and near-perfect weather — and specifically what their local regions offer.
At the top of the daylong event, California Film Commissioner Amy Lemisch kicked things off with a few opening remarks she gave alongside Film Liaisons In California Statewide president Cassandra Hesseltine. Lemisch’s ...
The annual confab, held at Los Angeles Center Studios this year, drew the likes of studio executives, location managers and film commissioners. The conference gives the latter the opportunity to remind production pros of the state's built-in perks — namely, diverse landscapes, robust crews and near-perfect weather — and specifically what their local regions offer.
At the top of the daylong event, California Film Commissioner Amy Lemisch kicked things off with a few opening remarks she gave alongside Film Liaisons In California Statewide president Cassandra Hesseltine. Lemisch’s ...
The California Film Commission has selected two relatively big-budget films — “Ford v. Ferrari” and “Coming 2 America” — as recipients of the state’s production tax credit.
The credit, which covers up to 25% of a film’s budget, was announced on Monday. The program was expanded in 2015 to include movies with total budgets exceeding $75 million, including “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Bumblebee,” “Call of the Wild,” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Fox’s action-drama “Ford v. Ferrari” from James Mangold is on track to spend more than $78 million in California on qualified expenditures (defined as wages to below-the-line workers and payments for equipment/vendors). A total of 67 shooting days are planned in-state, with well over half in regions outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone, including Kern, Orange, Santa Rosa, and San Bernardino counties. California will double for locales such as Florida, Michigan, England, and France.
Paramount’s sequel “Coming 2 America,...
The credit, which covers up to 25% of a film’s budget, was announced on Monday. The program was expanded in 2015 to include movies with total budgets exceeding $75 million, including “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Bumblebee,” “Call of the Wild,” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Fox’s action-drama “Ford v. Ferrari” from James Mangold is on track to spend more than $78 million in California on qualified expenditures (defined as wages to below-the-line workers and payments for equipment/vendors). A total of 67 shooting days are planned in-state, with well over half in regions outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone, including Kern, Orange, Santa Rosa, and San Bernardino counties. California will double for locales such as Florida, Michigan, England, and France.
Paramount’s sequel “Coming 2 America,...
- 4/9/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
20th Century Fox’s Ford vs. Ferrari directed by James Mangold, the Eddie Murphy-starring sequel to Coming to America and Antoine Fuqua’s reimagining of Scarface are among the big-budget feature films to score allocations in the latest California Film and Television tax credit drawings. Jordan Peele’s new film and HBO’s Deadwood movie also scored conditional funding slots in the latest round unveiled today.
The round totals nine projects, including seven studio-based films led by Ford Vs. Ferrari, which was awarded $16.956 million in credits — the highest amount of the group. The production is expected to spend more than $78 million in California on qualified expenditures alone, with a total of 67 shooting days planned in-state half of which our outside Los Angeles’ 30-mile zone.
In all, the California Film Commission doled out a total of $55.5M this round, the third and final for the third fiscal year of the program.
The round totals nine projects, including seven studio-based films led by Ford Vs. Ferrari, which was awarded $16.956 million in credits — the highest amount of the group. The production is expected to spend more than $78 million in California on qualified expenditures alone, with a total of 67 shooting days planned in-state half of which our outside Los Angeles’ 30-mile zone.
In all, the California Film Commission doled out a total of $55.5M this round, the third and final for the third fiscal year of the program.
- 4/9/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Joseph Baxter Apr 22, 2019
Amazon’s Sneaky Pete will return for more scheming and conning for a third season in May.
Sneaky Pete Season 3 is officially coming to Amazon Prime. However, it marks a change, since the series made a coastal crossing from its production home of New York to California, taking advantage of a $9.2 million tax credit (with plans to spend $53 million in qualified expenditures); a substantial gain for a series of this scope.
The California Film Commission announced the Sneaky Pete relocation, revealing the series as the thirteenth to become California-bound in the aftermath of a tax credit, joining notables such as Showtime’s The Affair and Netflix’s The Oa. The move was a major U-Haul task for Sneaky Pete’s nearly 250 cast, 220 crew and 2,510 extras (including stand-ins measured in man-days). While the credit, selected by the amount of jobs the productions will bring, is for 20%, the migrating...
Amazon’s Sneaky Pete will return for more scheming and conning for a third season in May.
Sneaky Pete Season 3 is officially coming to Amazon Prime. However, it marks a change, since the series made a coastal crossing from its production home of New York to California, taking advantage of a $9.2 million tax credit (with plans to spend $53 million in qualified expenditures); a substantial gain for a series of this scope.
The California Film Commission announced the Sneaky Pete relocation, revealing the series as the thirteenth to become California-bound in the aftermath of a tax credit, joining notables such as Showtime’s The Affair and Netflix’s The Oa. The move was a major U-Haul task for Sneaky Pete’s nearly 250 cast, 220 crew and 2,510 extras (including stand-ins measured in man-days). While the credit, selected by the amount of jobs the productions will bring, is for 20%, the migrating...
- 3/19/2018
- Den of Geek
The Golden State is shining a bit brighter following a pledge from Netflix to spend more of its $6 billion content budget in California. Leadership as high as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the head of the California Film Commission have praised comments made by Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, in an exclusive interview with TheWrap published on Monday. “It shows their commitment to working with these skilled crews, and the talent they know they can attract. It’s going to lead to others following suit,” said Amy Lemisch, Executive Director at the Cfc. Also Read: 'Netflix My Ass' Aftermath: Ted Sarandos.
- 4/13/2017
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Paulist Productions, the Catholic production company which last month announced an upcoming mini-series The Innocence of Joan Little, is building its Board of Advisors as it expands acquisition, development and production slates. Chris Donahue, Paulist’s Productions President, said today that new board members will include Rich Hull (Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Pongalo), Amy Lemisch (Executive Director of the California Film Commission), Lisa Niedenthal (eOne…...
- 3/8/2017
- Deadline
Paulist Productions, the Catholic production company which last month announced an upcoming mini-series The Innocence of Joan Little, is building its Board of Advisors as it expands acquisition, development and production slates. Chris Donahue, Paulist’s Productions President, said today that new board members will include Rich Hull (Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Pongalo), Amy Lemisch (Executive Director of the California Film Commission), Lisa Niedenthal (eOne…...
- 3/8/2017
- Deadline TV
African-Americans got only 4% of the below-the-line jobs created during the first phase of California's film tax incentives program, and women only got 29% of those jobs, according Amy Lemisch, executive director of the California Film Commission. In testimony at a hearing today before two committees of the state Legislature, she noted that Hispanics fared considerably better, landing 11% of the below-the-line jobs. Asian-Americans got only 2% of the below-the-line jobs…...
- 2/24/2017
- Deadline
Location movie shoots in L.A. County tumbled 4.5 percent in 2015, and the numbers would have been worse if the effects of California’s expanded tax incentive plan weren’t starting to kick in. A number of tax-credit TV projects have already started shooting however, and that helped that sector post a 9.5 percent gain, leaving overall production in the L.A. region up just 1.5 percent from 2014, according figures released Tuesday by FilmLA. “The network TV shows have to shoot in July and August to be ready for fall, so we see the boost there immediately,” Amy Lemisch, head of the California.
- 1/19/2016
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
California Gov. Jerry Brown will be in Los Angeles on Thursday morning for an official signing ceremony of the recently passed film/TV tax incentive bill that provides $330 million a year in tax credits for five years beginning in July 2015. Mayor Eric Garcetti along with other government leaders, as well as members of the guilds, unions and businesses who supported the legislation are expected to attend. A number of state legislative leaders also are expected to be on hand, as is Amy Lemisch, head of the California Film Commission. The governor is expected to use special pens to
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- 9/15/2014
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Labor leader Steve Dayan is the new head of the California Film Commission Board of Commissioners, replacing outgoing Chairman Keith Weaver of Sony Pictures Entertainment, who will remain on the board. Dayan's election to the chairmanship was announced at a board meeting last Friday. Dayan, of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 399, who has been on the board since 1999, will begin serving as 2014 chairman on Jan. 1. "Steve is a passionate advocate who has devoted his career to helping support film and TV production jobs in California," Amy Lemisch, executive director of the California Film Commission, said in a statement. "He's also an exceptionally strong leader with the experience, expertise and determination to get things done." A Teamsters Local 399 member for more than 28 years, Dayan served as business agent and organizer for the union before his election last month to the top leadership post of secretary-treasurer. Local 399 represents more than 4,500 drivers, location managers,...
- 11/15/2013
- backstage.com
Sacramento is mulling changes to California’s entertainment tax incentives that could keep more television production in the Golden State—just not necessarily in Los Angeles. Despite some states turning away from offering film and television tax incentives, momentum is growing in California to expand the state’s existing $100 million California Film & TV Tax Credit Program. Just last year lawmakers were battling to simply extend the program through 2017. Now they want to expand it to include network television. “I believe network TV has to be part of our new consideration,” Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation, told Backstage. “You have filming nine months out of the year. There’s a lot of economic investment. Some of these shows are around for five years. If you really look at it, there’s a huge multiplier effect into the economy. These are good-paying jobs.” The state...
- 10/16/2013
- backstage.com
New York is successfully luring one-hour network TV series away from California and there's not much the state can do about it. That's because hour-long network series aren't eligible for California's $100-million tax credit. Together New York and California play host to 35 of the some 55 network one-hour series, but the Empire State's share has steadily increased since 2010. "We have lost market share everywhere," Amy Lemisch, executive director of the California Film Commission said Wednesday at a special hearing in Los Angles of the state Assembly committees that oversee the Film and Television Tax Credit Program. "The most dramatic was network. I pointed that out specifically because network is not an eligible type of production in the program." Lemisch said halting runaway television production -- which is usually more rooted that film -- isn't as easy as tweaking the incentive program. "How many TV series can we even accommodate in...
- 10/10/2013
- backstage.com
Big changes could be coming to California’s annual $100 million film and TV tax credit program next year. “Entertainment is important to the state, it is billions of dollars of revenue to the state but the reason we do a state tax credit is jobs”, said state Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media chair Ian Calderon this morning during an oversight hearing at SAG-aftra headquarters. “We took a baby step, we need to take a larger step — we are California and we are losing our signature industry,” the Democrat added of the program first introduced in 2009 to stop runaway production. That larger step could see the next bill placed before the Legislature in Sacramento with millions in additional funding, I’m told. There is also talk in political circles of extending the program for five years instead of the usual two. Perhaps most significantly, the committees...
- 10/9/2013
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
California offers filmmakers the best weather, the best crews and the full history of Hollywood, but there's one thing it doesn't offer: the best tax incentives. Ever since other states began offering incentives to lure film and TV productions, California has fought hard to keep up, Amy Lemisch, executive director of the California Film Commission, said on stage Friday at TheWrap's TheGrill @Locations Show. "There is such high demand." And it's not just other states that are the problem anymore. Lemisch spoke on the panel "Tax Incentives Around the Globe," that also included Kattie...
- 6/28/2013
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
After receiving a record number of applications, the California Film Commission announced Tuesday it has awarded tax credits to 14 features, 14 TV series—including two that have relocated to the state—and three movies of the week. The projects, which received credits through a lottery system, are expected to employ some 3,000 cast members. "The record number of applications this year serves as affirmation that the production industry wants to stay at home in California," said California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch. "But tax credits now drive much of the decision making process, and sadly many projects that weren't selected to receive California credits will be shot elsewhere." The $100-million incentive program, which was designed to stop runaway production, has lured the TNT series "King & Maxwell," which follows a pair of private detectives, to California from Vancouver, British Columbia. MTV's "Teen Wolf," which had shot in Atlanta, Ga., also received credits...
- 6/4/2013
- backstage.com
On June 3 the California State Film Commission will once again accept applications from movie and TV producers to share the $100 million in tax credits made available each year to keep production in the state -- and by June 4 it will all be gone. The many projects that apply but don’t get funding immediately will be placed on a waiting list, where they'll qualify if others ahead of them drop out. That was the main message Amy Lemisch, executive director of the California Film commission, delivered at the eighth annual California Locations Breakfast held Friday at the London Hotel
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- 4/19/2013
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After YouTube clips of his amateurish, green-screen-heavy film "The Innocence of Muslims" or "Muslim Innocence" were translated into Arabic and led to riots in Egypt and Libya this week, Sam Bacile has become the most famous independent filmmaker in the world, despite the fact that nothing is known about his past, his roots or how he actually funded his project.
Bacile had no internet presence and was a member of no social media networks prior to this incident. There are no early casting calls or production notices for the film. Nor does the film have a page on IMDb, the film database. No actors or crew members have been named or identified, and only a couple of the film's apparent backers -- fringe figures like pastor Terry Jones, Morris Sadek of the Coptic Church and Steve Klein, a "consultant" on the film who self-released an anti-Islamic book in 2010 -- have come forward to reveal themselves.
Bacile had no internet presence and was a member of no social media networks prior to this incident. There are no early casting calls or production notices for the film. Nor does the film have a page on IMDb, the film database. No actors or crew members have been named or identified, and only a couple of the film's apparent backers -- fringe figures like pastor Terry Jones, Morris Sadek of the Coptic Church and Steve Klein, a "consultant" on the film who self-released an anti-Islamic book in 2010 -- have come forward to reveal themselves.
- 9/12/2012
- by Lucas Kavner
- Huffington Post
The California Film Commission received a record 322 applications Friday for a share of the $100 million or more in funding available annually through the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, of which 28 have been selected to receive tax credits. Last year the commission received 176, of which 27 received funding. Ultimately, 74 projects received credits from last year’s allocation. “The increase was due to the large number of smaller independent projects that moved form the waiting list to receive credits as larger projects withdrew form the program,” says Amy Lemisch, executive director of the California Film
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- 6/2/2012
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actors attached to projects that have applied to California's Film & Television Tax Credit Program could know by Friday night whether they'll be working in the Golden State or will need to start packing a suitcase.The window for the California Film Commission's incentive program opened Friday morning and applications began flooding in early in the day, officials said. By Friday evening, applicants will receive an email notice whether they've been granted a conditional tax credit or been waitlisted. But those that don't get the credit on the first try shouldn't despair, Amy Lemisch, executive director of the California Film Commission, told Back Stage. "We do clear a lot of projects off the waitlist throughout the year," she said, "because projects fall out or don't spend as much as they thought."A tax credit of 20 percent is available for films budgeted at $1 to $75 million, movies of the week or...
- 6/1/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Sean J. Miller)
- backstage.com
The lottery for tax credits awarded by the California Film Commission will take place next month amid speculation the program may not be renewed.The state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which was extended last year through July 2013, was designed to incentivize production in California for film and TV programs that were based out of state. In other words, to halt so-called "runaway production."In fact, one of the most generous credits is available for television series that filmed all of its prior seasons outside of California. Among the program's success stories is ABC's "Body of Proof," which was lured to Los Angeles from Rhode Island for its second season by the tax credit program, Amy Lemisch, Cfc's executive director, recently told Back Stage. Applications for next year's credits, which total $100 million, will be accepted by the Cfc starting June 1. A tax credit of 20 percent is available...
- 5/8/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Sean J. Miller)
- backstage.com
If Hollywood stopped being home to the movie business, where would all the actors live?Thanks to the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which offers tax credits to California-based productions and fights the dreaded idea of "runaway production," it's a question that might not need answering.The tax incentive, instituted in 2009 and extended last year, has benefited 165 projects, resulted in $2.9 billion in direct production spending, and created more than 30,000 jobs in California, according to California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch. Among those projects is ABC's "Body of Proof," lured from Rhode Island to L.A. for its second season by the tax credit program.Thanks to the extended bill, July 1, 2013, is the last date credits will be offered (redeemable when production is completed), leaving California with less of a competitive edge over New York, Toronto, and other filmmaking hubs when it comes to enticing production....
- 5/2/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Adam Rathe)
- backstage.com
The California Film Commission held its 7th annual California Locations Breakfast at the London hotel in West Hollywood on Friday. The event was short and sweet, lasting only two hours and focusing on the state’s incentives and tax credit overview.The Film Commission’s Executive Director, Amy Lemisch, started the program by discussing California’s targeted efforts to curb “runaway production,” or film and television production outside of the state. She reiterated the state’s potential for simulating many faraway places, and reviewed the technical process for applying for tax credits and receiving filmmakers’ incentives.Lemisch specifically boasted the Commission’s $2.9 billion in-state spending this past fiscal year, as well as the 30,000 crew, 8,000 cast and 100,000 background jobs it created for Californians as a result.“We pride ourselves in being able to contribute this way to California’s economy,” she said, “and know the full potential of the state to continue to create more jobs.
- 4/30/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Ana-Sophia Guerreiro)
- backstage.com
WB Doubles Netflix, Redbox Wait For DVD Rental To 56 Days Warner Bros has had second thoughts about making new DVDs available to Netflix, Redbox and Blockbuster just 28 days after retail release. The studio is doubling the time the trio of rental services must wait to 56 days to give regular retailers a longer shot at sell-through. According to the Wall Street Journal’s AllThingsD blog, it’s part of WB’s continuing effort to shore up DVD sales. Deals establishing the 28-day delay were struck in 2010 and included VOD streaming incentives for Netflix. The new, longer window doesn’t include those incentives. Sony Evp Keith Weaver New Board Chairman, Calif. Film Commission Sony Pictures executive Keith Weaver has been elected chairman of the board of the California Film Commission. Weaver is Sony’s Evp worldwide government affairs. He has served on the commission board since 2008. Commission executive director Amy Lemisch said of Weaver in a statement,...
- 1/6/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Keith Weaver has been elected as chairman of the California Film Commission for its 2012 term. He replaces Iatse official Michael F. Miller, Jr., who continues as a board member. Weaver’s day job is executive vp of worldwide government affairs for Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he has worked for over a decade. He has been on the board of the film commission since 2008. "Keith brings a powerful blend of public affairs and entertainment industry experience that will help advance our mission of increasing production and creating jobs in California," says Amy Lemisch, executive director of the California Film Commission. "He's as
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- 1/5/2012
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After several years of co-productions and joint investment, the two most prominent global film industries have come together for the signing of an historic declaration between the city of Los Angeles and the Indian film industry at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood, CA. As part of the declaration, the city of Los Angeles and the Indian film industry, represented by the Film and Television Producers Guild of India and the Film Federation of India, agree to develop and strengthen motion picture production, distribution, technology, content protection and commercial cooperation between the two filmmaking communities. The two parties also support the creation of the Los Angeles-India Film Council to increase Indian film production in Los Angeles. Speaking at the event, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said: "This declaration reinforces our city's commitment to attracting international production. In the past year, we have already seen Hindi movies such as My Name is Khan...
- 11/11/2010
- by Taran Adarsh
- BollywoodHungama
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