Tax Credit Program 2.0 Update
California’s newly-expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 launched without a hitch last month with the first application period for television projects.
A total of 11 projects were selected to receive $55.2 million in first-round credits available for new TV series, miniseries, movies of the week and pilots. An additional $27.6 million was allocated for series relocating to California from out-of-state. The selected projects include six new TV series, one pilot and four relocating series (from Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland and North Carolina).
Based on data provided with each application, the 11 projects will generate an estimated $544 million in direct in-state spending, including $216 million in wages for below-the-line crew members.
SAVE THE DATE –
JULY 13-25 APPLICATION PERIOD FOR NON-INDIE FEATURES & INDEPENDENT PROJECTS
The next application window – geared specifically for non-independent feature films and independent projects – is scheduled for July 13-25. This second round of credits will include $48.3 million for non-independent features and $6.9 million for independent projects.
8th Annual Film in California Conference
Spirits Run High Amid Excitement Over State’s Newly Expanded Incentive
More than 500 entertainment industry professionals descended on CBS Radford Studios June 13 for the 8th Annual Film in California Conference (formerly called the California Locations Tradeshow). It was a day filled with panels, presentations and networking – all set against a tidal wave of optimism over the state’s newly-expanded tax credit incentive.
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| Actor/producer/writer/director Joe Mantegna delivers keynote address. |
Produced jointly by the California Film Commission and FLICS (Film Liaisons in California Statewide), this year’s conference kicked off with inspiring keynote addresses by Joe Mantegna and Kevin James (L.A.’s chief film liaison).
Panel discussions focused on topics ranging from drones and the latest production technology to California’s tax credit program 2.0.
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Opening session titled “California: The Gold Standard” moderated by KPCC’s John Horn (left) with all-star panelists Gregg Fienberg,
Jim Kleverweis, Betsy Megel, Marcy Patterson and Michael Zakin. |
Held in the same soundstage that was home to “Seinfeld” for nine seasons, the conference wrapped with a wine tasting reception featuring regional wines selected by film commissioners statewide.
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| Joe Mantegna (left) with CFC Director Amy Lemisch and L.A. Film Liaison Kevin James. |
“Our goal for the conference is to ensure that industry decision makers understand how to leverage California’s vast production resources — from our expanded tax credit to our infrastructure and incredibly diverse locations,” said CFC Executive Director Amy Lemsich. “It’s also an opportunity for attendees to connect with film commissioners from across the state, as well as colleagues and vendors who can help make their next project a success.”
Special thanks to Entertainment Partners for serving as this year’s primary conference sponsor.
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10th Annual CFC Breakfast
This year’s California Film Commission Breakfast served up a plateful of good news to the more than 200 industry movers and shakers who packed the Sofitel Hotel ballroom in Los Angeles on April 29th.
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| “Nightcrawler” team David Lancaster (left), Dan Gilroy and Jennifer Fox. |
The program began with an update from Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch regarding the state’s newly-expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.0. Next up was a panel discussion with the creative team behind the critically-acclaimed feature “Nightcrawler” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, which filmed in Los Angeles after scoring a tax credit under the state’s first generation incentive program. Writer/director Dan Gilroy and producers David Lancaster and Jennifer Fox discussed the importance of incentives for keeping production in-state. They also highlighted the many benefits of filming here at home.
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Deputy State Fire Marshall Ramiro Rodriguez (left) with Antelope Valley Film Liaison Pauline East and Teamsters Local 399 Business
Agent Ed Duffy. |
The annual breakfast event provides a once-a-year opportunity for production executives, labor leaders, regional film commissioners and others involved in California’s fight against runaway production to connect, share ideas and celebrate the Golden State.
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Welcome Aboard!
Please join us in welcoming the following regional film office representatives, all of whom started their current post within the past year:
Bill Bartels, Film Liaison
Ventura County Film Commission
(805) 384-1800 / Bill.Bartels@venturacountyfilm.comFelicia Cook, Film Liaison
Kern County Board of Trade &
Film Commission 
(661) 868-7097
felicia@filmkern.comMichelle Garrett, Film Commissioner
Pasadena Film Office
(626) 744-7355 / mgarrett@cityofpasadena.netNoe Sacoco, Jr., PR Manager
Team San Jose
(408) 792-4101 / nsacoco@sanjose.org
Evan Thomason, Economic Development Associate
Santa Clarita Film Office
(661) 284-1425 / film@santa-clarita.com
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Drone Zone
 The CFC maintains a list of operators who have been granted an exemption by the FAA for filming with drones (i.e, unmanned aerial systems or UAS). The updated list is available on the CFC website.
The Film Commission started maintaining the list last September, when the FAA exempted the first seven drone operators. As the FAA continues to grant exemptions at a faster rate, it’s difficult for the CFC to keep the list current. Therefore, if you’re looking for a specific drone operator who’s not on the list, please check its exemption status by visiting the FAA’s website directly.Note that operators may be granted an exemption to operate drones for motion picture, television and new media filming, as well as still photography. Some may also be approved for “aerial cinematography.” Make sure to verify the exemption is for commercial filming, vs. other purposes (e.g., aerial surveillance of pipelines, crops, real estate, etc.).
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L.A. Courthouse Filming Update
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The old Long Beach Courthouse
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The CFC provides ongoing information regarding vacant L.A.-area Superior courthouses available for filming. Access may change quickly as unused facilities are sold or repurposed. Here’s a brief update:
- The old Long Beach courthouse is available for filming until it becomes the site of the new Port of Long Beach Building and Long Beach City Hall. Redevelopment is expected to start in a couple of years. Until then, contact the Long Beach Office of Special Events & Filming, 562-570-5333.
- The closed West Los Angeles and Whittier courthouses are no longer available for filming.
- The closed Malibu courthouse (23525 Civic Center Way) and San Pedro courthouse (505 S. Centre St.) are still available. Contact Theresa Dunn, Administrative Office of the Courts, 818-558-1245/theresa.dunn@jud.ca.gov.
- The closed San Pedro Municipal Building courthouse and the Lynwood courthouse also remain available. Contact FilmL.A., 213-977-8600.
Note that filming is permitted on a limited basis (exteriors/after business hours) at some working courthouses as well. For more information, contact Henry Hernandez, Director of Facilities Services at Los Angeles Superior Court, HZHernandez@lacourt.org /213- 633-1055, or Lucila Thielen, Facilities Administrator LThielen@LASuperiorCourt.org/213-633-1051.
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4-Story Pasadena Building Ready for SFX
You can have a blast, but you’ll have to move fast to film at this mid-century structure.
As part of a planned, multi-year redevelopment of the former Ambassador College campus in Pasadena, the old Hall of Administration building is scheduled for controlled demolition between July and September.
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Permission for cinematic demolition: The Hall of Adminstration at Pasadena’s former Ambassador College.
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Requests for filming will be approved on a case-by-case basis during preparation and throughout the demolition process. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to film scenes with explosive pyrotechnics, controlled burns, interior simulated gunfire, vehicle crashes, rooftop assault by helicopter, demolition and/or other types of SFX mayhem!
For more information contact Ambassador Filming, 424-235-7660/ ambassadorfilming@gmail.com.
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Call for Submissions
Enter NewFilmmakers Los Angeles
“What’s Your LA?” Competition
 For the third year, the California Film Commission is proud to serve as a community partner for NewFilmmakers Los Angeles’ “What’s Your LA?” competition – a community outreach program that celebrates what local filmmakers call “their L.A.”
Participants have an opportunity to win more than $55,000 in prizes by submitting a story in narrative, documentary, commercial or animation format that highlights Los Angeles in a positive way to the rest of the world. The goal is to create original, branded entertainment with Los Angeles as the experience.
The best submissions will be screened at a premiere event on Sunday, October 10th at Hollywood Center Studios. The deadline for entries is August 28th.
For more info, visit www.nfmla.org/onlocation.
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Featured Location:
Bodie State Historic Park in Mono County
Capture the Old West at this Authentic Ghost Town
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Bodie ghost town: It looks legit because it’s the real deal.
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Bodie State Historic Park in Mono County is home to the west’s largest unrestored ghost town, which has served as the quintessential site for western films since the early 1930s. Located about 12 miles off US 395 near Bridgeport, the town is wonderfully preserved in what’s described by park officials as a state of “arrested decay.” Its authentic buildings and landscape have been featured in countless films, TV shows, music videos, commercials, and still shoots, as well as documentaries. In fact, its featured on the cover of this year’s Location International publication.
Filming permits are granted through State Parks between the Labor Day and Memorial Day holidays. If timing is an issue, the nearby Chemung Mine (not part of the State Park) may be permitted during other times of year via the Bureau of Land Management.For more information, contact Mono County Film Commissioner Alicia Vennos, 760-924-1743/avennos@mono.ca.gov
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DATE: June 30, 2015
Remaining Application Dates – Program Year 1
California Film and TV Tax Credit Program 2.0
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Program Year 1 – APPLICATION DATES
The California Film Commission has finalized the remaining application periods for fiscal year 2015-16. If a project is not selected in one application period, applicants may submit another application in the next application period.
Independent projects and non-independent features will have two application windows during this fiscal year, while TV projects will have three application windows. (The first TV window occurred in May.)
Application instructions and other resources are available on the CFC website –
film.ca.gov
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July 13 – 25, 2015 – Application Window (For independent projects and non-independent feature films only) * See instructions below.
Projects that rank in the top 200% will be notified on July 26th to submit Phase II documents.
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Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2015 – Application Window (For TV Series, Mini-series, MOWs, pilots and Relocating TV series)
Projects that rank in the top 200% will be notified on Dec. 7th to submit Phase II documents.
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Jan. 11 – 24, 2016 – Application Window (For independent projects and non-independent feature films only)
Projects that rank in the top 200% will be notified on Jan. 25th to submit Phase II documents.
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Feb. 15 – 21, 2016 – Application Window (For TV Series, Mini-series, MOWs, pilots and Relocating TV series)
Projects that rank in the top 200% will be notified on Feb. 22nd to submit Phase II documents.
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*July 13 – 25 – Application Window
(For Non-independent Features and Independent Projects)
On-line Application portal will Go Live Monday, July 13th at 8:00 a.m.
Applicants should begin to prepare their budget and materials early. You will need a completed and tagged budget in order to fill out the application.
Be sure to carefully read the Budget/Tagging Instructions
so that you can accurately tag your budget.
A Jobs Ratio Calculator tool is available to assist you in preparing details for the application.
Finally, applicants should prepare all materials listed in the
Checklist as you will be required to submit these within three days if your application is selected.
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PROGRAM DETAILS AVAILABLE ONLINE
The informational documents listed below are available on the CFC website. It is strongly advised that applicants review each document prior to project budgeting and scheduling.
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2 Comments
It’s about time! They caused a lot of jobs to leave California. Better late than never tho!
Glad to hear it!