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January 24
1888 - Acton post office established; Richard E. Nickel, postmaster [story]
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TAX CREDIT PROGRESS REPORT 
 

CFC Annual Report Shows First-Year Impact of Expanded Program 2.0 

On October 27, the California Film Commission released its latest annual Progress Report on the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Programs, with the first in-depth data on the expanded Program 2.0 launched in 2015.
Among the highlights in the 31-page report is previously unreleased California employment data from the major production industry guilds and unions.
This very encouraging third-party data for below-the-line workers shows an overall 12.45 percent increase for the first quarter of 2016, compared to the same period last year. Teamsters 399 noted that its members are working at “full employment” for the first time since 2007, while IATSE Local 44 reported its largest membership growth (4.9 percent) since the mid-1990s. In addition, SAG-AFTRA background actors marked a 19.7 percent increase in daily employment.
Such increases bode well for Program 2.0, which will access its full $330 million in funding for fiscal 2016/2017 (vs. the $230 million allocated for year-one of the program). Even with the reduced funding, film and TV projects selected in the first fiscal year are on track to generate $1.5 billion in direct in-state spending, including $600 million in below-the-line wages.
Read the full report on the CFC’s website.
Related News Coverage:
The Hollywood Reporter 
Deadline.com
California On Location Awards to Honor 

CFC’s Amy Lemisch 

Now in its 22nd year, the California On Location Awards™ (COLAs) honor location managers, public employees and other professionals who help facilitate on location production across the Golden State.
This year’s ceremony on November 13 at The Beverly Hilton will be held amid a spirit of growing optimism over the expanded tax credit program and its progress in reaffirming California’s status as the world’s production capital.
COLA Signature Award recipient Amy Lemisch

We’re very proud to announce that CFC Executive Director Amy Lemisch will be presented with the special Signature Award, which is given only when an individual or group demonstrates extraordinary determination, spirit and success in keeping production in California. It was last awarded in 2014 to members of the California Film and Television Alliance for their efforts to facilitate passage of legislation to expand the state’s tax credit program.

“No one has been a better partner and champion for filming in California than Amy Lemisch,” said COLA Co-Chair and Imperial County Film Commissioner Charla Teeters. “Amy has worked tirelessly to ensure California remains competitive, and she somehow manages to blend fierce tenacity with heartfelt kindness. She’s California’s best weapon in the fight against runaway production.”The CFC also congratulates our three partner liaisons named finalists in the State Public Employee category. They include Roger San Juan (Caltrans’ Statewide Film Permit Coordinator), James Valdez (California State Parks’ Film Coordinator for the Angeles District) and Kristi Cardoza (CHP Statewide Film Media Relations Officer).

State Partners (from left) Roger San Juan of Caltrans, James Valez of State Parks and Kristi Cardoza of CHP

The COLAs are produced by Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS). More than 500 attendees are expected at this year’s invitation-only awards ceremony.

For more information, including the complete list of 2016 nominees and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.californiaonlocationawards.com.

DRONE

ZONE
 
Permanent Regulations Announced for UAS Filming  

On August 29, the FAA announced permanent regulations for the commercial operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS or drones) under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), Part 107.

Among the requirements, UAS operators involved in filming activity must possess a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate and secure a waiver to fly over people (if applicable), including cast and crew.
Drone operators who have been working under FAA 333 exemptions (see CFC

Fall 2014 newsletter) may continue to do so, as the exemptions remains valid until they expire. Note however, that exempted drone operators may not “mix and match” 333 guidelines with Part 107 rules.

The California Film Commission will continue to accept applications and all associated documentation from productions using 333 exempted operators. Applications from those operating under Part 107 will be reviewed and passed on to CFC’s applicable State partners (Caltrans, State Parks, etc.), where they will be evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis. Applications for the use of drone activities under Part 107 may take longer to process. Also, please note that the CFC will soon be posting an application that must be completed for all drone requests.

For more information please visit the CFC’s website. The drone filming application is also available online.
Welcome New CFC Staff Members 
New CFC staff members (from left) Adrienne Behunin, Tyler Algozzino,
Brenda Blair and Eric Klosterman.

The California Film Commission team continues to grow in order to handle the rise in production due to the expanded tax credit program. Please join us in welcoming our newest staff members:

Adrienne Behunin. Tax Credit Program Assistant
Originally from Sacramento, Adrienne comes to us from the Department of Consumer Affairs, where she had worked since 2008. She has a degree in Theatre and produces low-budget films in her spare time. She’s also co-producing a new horror film festival, which will be held in the NoHo Arts District in early November.
Tyler Algozzino, Administrative Assistant
You’re likely to hear Tyler’s friendly and enthusiastic voice when you call our Hollywood office. He earned a degree in Advertising & Public Relations (with a minor in Business) from the University of Nevada and worked in marketing/media planning before arriving at the CFC.
Brenda Blair, Tax Credit Program Analyst
Brenda is another industry veteran who joins the CFC with vast experience, knowledge and expertise. Her background – which includes producing and line producing a variety of projects – makes her a very valuable addition to our growing tax credit department.
Eric Klosterman, Senior Permit Coordinator
After a 30-year career as a location manager, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge and problem-solving skills to his new job at the CFC. He’s a true industry veteran, having worked on countless large-scale projects nationwide. He also serves as 2016/17 president of the Location Managers Guild International.
FEATURED LOCATION:  
.

Riverside’s Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 

Breathtaking! The Mission Inn has served as the backdrop for many film and TV projects.
Filmmakers flock to this one-of-a-kind backdrop in SoCal’s Inland Empire
The historic Mission Inn in downtown Riverside is the largest Spanish Mission Revival building in the U.S. An eclectic blend of design themes and periods, the sprawling property includes a medieval clock, a five-story rotunda, castle towers, a Cloister Wing (with catacombs) and Mediterranean domes. It has hosted at least 10 presidents and countless celebrities, as well as a long list of productions drawn to its unique architecture and ambiance. Film and TV credits range from “Idiots Delight” with Clark Gable to “What’s the Worst that Could Happen,” “The Sword and the Sorcerer,” “Real Genius,” “Vibes,” “Nixon” and “The Man in the Mask”.
The Mission Inn is located in the heart of Riverside County, which spans from Corona to Temecula wine country, and Palm Springs to the Arizona border. The landscape ranges from desert floor to mountain peaks, and just about everything in between. With its close proximity to Los Angeles, Riverside County is a popular production backdrop.
For more information, contact Jason Maciel, Mission Inn Marketing Manager:
(951) 784-0300 x 5098 / jmaciel@missioninn.com
QUOTABLE:
“It was important to shoot in an area that would serve as an idyllic yet relatable hometown for characters of different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences. The rich locations and landscapes of the Bay Area simply couldn’t be found elsewhere. We have fallen in love with Northern California, from our sets and stages in Vallejo and Mare Island to the small town feel of San Rafael and Sebastopol. Our characters get to live in a world that is both cinematic and reflective of our diverse audience.” 
Joy Gorman Wettels
Executive Producer, “13 Reasons Why”
No Permit Fees on State Owned Property!
The California Film Commission offers FREE permits for filming on state property. State-owned properties generally assess a fee only to recover out-of-pocket costs such as monitoring services and parking. There are so many state-owned locations to choose from, so keep us in mind as your low-cost location option.

Visit CFC’s website for more info.

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