FRESNO FILM COMMISSION IS 5 YEARS OLD   1.17.12

Double Anniversary Turns Into A ‘Horror Show’

(Fresno)---January marks the fifth anniversary of the Fresno Film Commission (FFC) and the 20^th anniversary for its director, Ray Arthur, as a Film Commissioner.  And while the concurrent celebrations remained low key, there was an element of horror that accompanied the occasions. The final Fresno production of last year is titled “The Gallows,” and shot for several weeks at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Warnors Theatre, and several other Fresno locations.  This classic High School Horror genre feature is the second Fresno film project for Los Angeles Director Chris Lofing who produced a Short film entitled “Cross” at the old Fresno Unified School District maintenance yard (now demolished) in April of 2010.  Lofing, and local Producer Travis Cluff, chose to return to Fresno, “…based on the overall affordability compared to any other comparable cities in California.  And we knew we would have ease of access to locations and crew, as well as a pro-active Film Commission,” Lofing noted.

As 2011 saw a slight economic turnaround, Fresno film shoots had a 25% increase in film productions compared to 2010, jumping from 30 to 41 shoots; and, a modest estimated local revenue growth of $135,000, to total $535,000 in the past twelve months.  Arthur notes that the recent growth in both production and revenue are due in part to the concomitant growth of the Fresno Film Alliance (FFA). “The FFA was created in 2007 by the Fresno Film Commission, Creative Fresno, and Entandem Productions to bring together local filmmakers and resources to help coordinate, educate, and market the film assets of the greater Fresno area.  Over the past two to three years we have seen a huge increase in both FFA membership and job related participation.”

Types of filming varied greatly last year, falling into ten different categories including 8 music videos, 7 student films, 6 documentaries, 5 “shorts,” parts of 4 feature films, 3 commercials, 2 reality shows, one “Indie,” and 1 Internet project.  Of those, three were international documentaries including one from Australia entitled “Deadly Women,” and two Japanese documentaries dealing with the origin of the 1963 Top 40 music hit “Sukiyaki,” and the history of Japanese-American baseball.

In a related topic, here’s a production update on Billy Crystal’s new feature, “Us and Them,” which shot at Chukchansi Park last August.  It has a new name, “Parental Guidance,” and joining the cast are Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott, and Bailee Madison.

The Fresno Film Commission is a Division of Creative Fresno, a nonprofit corporation,

“Engaging creative professionals to create a stronger community.”

Local Film Revenue Tops $3.6 MIL                          10.3.11

Fresno Film Commission Logs 119 Shoots in Less Than 5 Years   

(Fresno)--- Artie Decker, a.k.a. Billy Crystal, is more than the Fresno Grizzlies’ fictional play-by-play announcer; he’s a real, live moneymaker for California’s fifth largest city. With the recent film shoot of Crystal’s upcoming feature, “US AND THEM,” at Chukchansi Stadium, the Fresno Film Commission (FFC) estimates total local, disposable income generated from all film productions at $3,635,000, since the FFC began in January of 2007. Additionally, induced, or rollover revenue, topped over $10.7 million.  Arthur notes that the estimates are based on an economic impact tracking system created and provided by the Association of Film Commissioners International, and used by over 325 film commissions worldwide. 

The local film commission has operated without funding since January of 2010, under the umbrella of nonprofit Creative Fresno.  That handicap has seen revenue decline compared to previous years, while surprisingly the number of productions has increased.  Arthur explains, “We have had more film shoots the past two years with the increase being in local film production.  Through the Fresno Filmmakers Alliance (FFA) we have seen great growth in participation and production.  Many of these ‘Indies,’ shorts, documentaries, and music videos, however, are on micro-budgets and don’t generate the same level of revenue we see from Hollywood based productions.”

This year’s third quarter typified that as the FFC hosted nine productions, three of which originated from outside the greater Fresno area: Crystal’s “US AND THEM,” the documentary, “THE DEAN OF THE DIAMOND,” about Japanese baseball player Kenichi Zenimura who played baseball at Fresno’s Frank H. Ball playground in the early 1920’s, and a new reality TV pilot entitled, “SCOUTED.” Other recent film shoots include three local music videos, the short feature film, “My San Joaquin” (which will be premiering Friday, October 7^th at the Tower Theatre), and Fresno filmmaker Matt Sconce’s independent feature “THE PARK.”

Closing out the year, the FFC is currently working with a Los Angeles Independent feature film to secure locations for a 20-day shoot in December, as well as a London produced travel video for the California Travel and Tourism Commission, and an additional local music video.

The Fresno Film Commission is a Division of Creative Fresno, a nonprofit corporation,

“Engaging creative professionals to create a stronger community.”

Fresno “Shows Off” for L. A. Feature                      7.5.11

Over Two Dozen Locations in Two Weeks Spotlights Film Friendly City

(Fresno)---When “Indie” filmmaker, Fresno native, and Fresno State grad, Johnny Soto, first contacted the Fresno Film Commission (FFC) in early March it was for a couple of City locations and a country road.  Three months and 15 shoot days later, Soto left Fresno with a nearly finished film ready for post production

The full length feature was inspired from a short film that Soto wrote and shot while in college. Centered around a world renowned company, SHOWBOYS follows three best friends as they journey to Hollywood to stop their crazed landlord from finding and killing the mysterious founder and CEO of their beloved “Showboy Magazine”.  The Director chose to come home to Fresno because, “Not only would it be easier with all the help, love and support from family and friends, but it would also be immensely cheaper and cost-effective given Fresno’s ease of access and obtaining free film permits,” Soto said.

SHOWBOYS generated $60,000 in local revenue to Fresno, and, according to Fresno Film Commissioner Ray Arthur, put a lot of local filmmakers to work, “Johnny knew the area and what we had to offer.  He took advantage of our growing quality crew base; and, Fresno and Clovis opened their arms and offered him great locations and support,” Arthur noted. SHOWBOYS is expected to be released next year.

In addition to SHOWBOYS, the year’s second quarter saw a dozen other productions including three music videos, two student films, one reality show, a Straight-to-Internet production, and three documentaries.  One of the documentaries was from Japan and was searching for the origin of the Number One 1963 hit song “Sukiyaki” by the late Kyu Sakamoto, which is believed to have received its first radio airplay in Fresno. These 13 productions generated an estimated $207,000 in local revenue during the past three months.

The Fresno Film Commission is a Division of Creative Fresno, a nonprofit corporation,

“Engaging creative professionals to create a stronger community.”

Film Commission Keeps on Truckin’                              4.4.11

Toyota Truck Commercial One of Ten Shoots in First Quarter

(Fresno)---You can usually count on the rain and fog dampening the spirits of filmmakers when considering Fresno early in the year.  Not so in 2011 as the Fresno Film Commission (FFC) hosted nearly a dozen film shoots in the first quarter.  The largest production was a multi-location commercial for Toyota Trucks.  The FFC was initially contacted in late January by LM Productions out of the San Francisco Bay area, requesting iconic locations of the “real” California.  Film Commissioner Ray Arthur made several suggestions and directed Milne to the Film Commission’s extensive website Location Library at www.fresnofilm.com, as well as connecting him with the Fresno County Film Commission in that some location requests included agricultural settings.

Milne chose to wait for the blossom season and scheduled the two-day shoot for late March.  Locations included orchards at the American Farm and in Parlier as well as a construction site in north Fresno and several “landmark” shots downtown.  Some of the cast and crew of 35 were hired locally including De Vore Talent & Casting who cast the commercial, and Location Manager John West who also worked with the FFC on the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull shoot at Chandler Airport in 2007.

In addition to Toyota, the FFC hosted two documentaries, two student films, two shorts, an additional commercial, and the new reality show “Marry Me Monday,” from the producers of The Bachelor.

Arthur estimates that the ten first quarter productions generated $153,000 in local revenue to the greater Fresno area and an additional $451,000 in induced, or rollover, revenue.

Potential second quarter productions on which the Film Commission is already working include a national music video, a national photo shoot for Hewlett-Packard, two student films, and the feature film Showboys.

The Fresno Film Commission is a Division of Creative Fresno, a nonprofit corporation,

“Engaging creative professionals to create a stronger community.”

Film Comm MOU Extended Through 2013                                      1.24.11

Fresno Film Commission Enters Year Five

(Fresno)---After completing a one year agreement between the City of Fresno and local nonprofit Creative Fresno, both parties have inked a new three year Memorandum Of Understanding that carries the Fresno Film Commission through 2013.  The Commission, formally a Division of the City’s Downtown and Community Revitalization Department, lost its funding last January.  Rather than eliminating the Commission, Creative Fresno stepped in to become its temporary home, allowing it to survive and eventually secure a permanent home with funding.

In the interim the Fresno Film Commission has flourished on the production side, with 33 film shoots in 2010; a 27 percent increase over 2009.  Film Commissioner Ray Arthur notes that it is not all good news, “While the number of productions has increased, the amount of revenue from those productions has fallen.  Without marketing or operations budgets we are, unfortunately, unable to attract the number of Hollywood based productions that we have in years past.”

Nonetheless, Creative Fresno Chairperson Suzanne Bertz-Rosa sees the importance in continuing to support the Commission, “Creative Fresno believes that creative industries, like filmmaking, can help transform Fresno into a more vibrant city. The Fresno Film Commission in its first three years demonstrated great success by attracting or facilitating 54 productions, and generating an estimated $2.2 million in local revenue into our community. However, with the recession the City of Fresno had to make the difficult choice to cut the Fresno Film Commission from their budget. That's where Creative Fresno comes in. We have renewed our MOU with the City to house the Fresno Film Commission as it continues to thrive. We are proud to do our part to help filmmaking continue to grow in our area.”

City Manager Mark Scott views the MOU extension as an effective approach to supporting film activity within the city, “Film production brings a variety of benefits to our city, including jobs, revenue, and visibility. So, it’s to our advantage to extend the partnership with Creative Fresno that has allowed the Film Commission to continue its work in support of production in our community.”

As the New Year gears up, Arthur is optimistic that film production will continue to increase despite limited resources, noting that he is currently working with three independent films, two local and one from Los Angeles, an NBC network documentary, an ABC network promotional commercial, and a national commercial, all scheduled to film in January.

Fresno Film Shoots Increase under Nonprofit Film Comm              10.24.10

(Fresno)---After nine months under the umbrella of Creative Fresno, a local 501 (c) (3), the Fresno Film Commission (FFC) continues to see a healthy number of film productions being shot in California’s fifth largest city.  It was late last December when the Commission lost its funding as part of the City’s cost reduction program.  Immediately, the FFC transitioned to local nonprofit Creative Fresno to allow it to survive, and eventually to secure a permanent home with funding.

The first three quarters of 2010 have seen 28 productions shot in Fresno, compared to 18 during the same period in 2009.  Film Commissioner Ray Arthur notes that, while this is certainly good news, “As the number of productions has increased, the amount of revenue from those productions has fallen.  Without a budget for marketing or operations we are unable to attract the number of Hollywood based productions that we have in years past.”

Two additional bright spots, however, are an increase in “return” business and the growth of local film shoots being produced by local filmmakers.  FFA statistics show that over 40 percent of this year’s productions are return customers.  And much of the credit for local growth, Arthur believes, is shared with another local organization, the Fresno Filmmakers Alliance (FFA).  This group was formed approximately 3½ years ago and has grown from a handful of local filmmakers to over 460 members who regularly communicate through the FFA’s interactive website where they post open positions, search for locations, crews and acting talent.

While summer is always the slowest production time of the year, in the past three months the Fresno Film Commission has hosted two Independent Features, two Music Videos, two Short films, a commercial, a Feature Film Trailer, and a national network Reality Show.  Arthur estimates these productions, coupled with the 19 shoots in the first half of 2010, have generated $370,000 in local revenue, and an additional $1.1 million in induced revenue.

Fresno Film Comm Hosts 9 Projects in New Year                3.3.10

(Fresno)---A revitalized Fresno Film Commission (FFC) is off and running in 2010 with a variety of film projects requesting the central California city as their backdrop.  While the oversight of the film office transitioned from City Hall to local nonprofit Creative Fresno last Christmas, film inquiries and bookings have continued at a steady pace.Film Commissioner Ray Arthur has been working evenings and weekends to keep up with the inquiries.  So far this year film permits have been issued for two short films, two student films, and two commercials, using City locations including Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the Fulton Mall, and several downtown locations.  One of the commercial productions is Mutual of Omaha’s “Aha Moments” series, which will be interviewing Central Valley citizens next month. The project travels throughout the U. S. finding people who describe defining moments that gain wisdom, which can change a life.

Additionally, Arthur notes that the FFC has worked with two network reality programs.  In January the BET network filmed a segment for their new reality show, “Inside Out,” which will air later this year.  And, on March 26^th through March 28^th Base Productions invaded Fresno to shoot a segment of their supernatural Syfy series, “Paranormal Investigations,” including locations in southeast Fresno and Woodward Park.

New CA Budget Stimulates Film Production                              4.13.09
"Runaway Production" has been a negative buzz phrase for California film commissions and their jurisdictions since 1999. Starting in Canada, 43 states and over a dozen countries have successfully lured away up to 40 percent of our state's feature film production, accounting for a loss of over 10,000 jobs and billions of dollars in revenue. But, that's about to change as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation creating tax credits for film and television productions as part of an economic stimulus provision in the new state budget. The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) predicts that California's beleaguered film industry will see a boost in production for the first time in a decade.
The California Film Commission is developing program guidelines and application procedures to allot $100 million in tax credits per year for five years to qualifying productions. In short, 20 percent tax credits will be available for feature films, movies-of-the-week and mini-series with budgets from $1 million to $75 million. And 25 percent tax credits for TV series and independent features with budgets of $1 million to $10 million.
The FFEC is optimistic that the program will spread the wealth throughout the state. This film incentive program is large enough to attract producers to keep their features in state and put local crews and locations back to work.

Local Film Group's Name Change Shows Growth                      2.10.09
Just two years ago three local entities formed the Fresno Filmmakers Forum: the newly created Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC), Creative Fresno and local filmmaker Entandem Productions. The goals were to interface with, help coordinate, expand, offer workforce development to, and promote the greater Fresno filmmaking community. The group expanded quickly from a handful of local film aficionados to over 300, participating in workshops, mixers, an annual conference, listserv and website activities, and the much talked about "Fresno Production Studio Project."
FFEC Commissioner Ray Arthur noted that the rapid growth in activities and participation required a name change to better identify both the organization's mission and membership. So, on January 27th, the Fresno Filmmakers Forum became the Fresno Filmmakers Alliance. With the new moniker comes a new interactive website: www.FresnoFilmmakersAlliance.org. The new social networking site allows participants to post a profile, network with other filmmakers and keep current on happenings within the local film community.
Arthur sees the potential of economic growth through both the expansion of local film production, as well as increased 'on location' production, as the quality and quantity of film crew base and facilities grow.

 FFEC AT AFM                                                                       11.14.08

The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) traveled to Santa Monica last week to attend the 27th Annual American Film Market (AFM).  The one of a kind event combines film related seminars, screenings and the largest independent feature film marketplace in the world.  Fresno Film & Entertainment Commissioner Ray Arthur spent two days meeting with dozens of domestic and international filmmakers, promoting Fresno as the perfect location for their next projects.

Arthur noted that AFM uniquely provides Fresno the opportunity to market its locations and services to the huge "indie" film market on a 'one-on-one' basis directly with producers and directors.  Additionally, AFM seminars are valuable tools that the FFEC uses in house, as well as sharing with the local filmmaking community through the Fresno Filmmakers Forum, an organization of local filmmakers which was co-created by the FFEC in 2007.

Free Film Locations Pay Off for FFEC                                     11.1.08
Indiana Jones Production Supervisor Mike Fantasia was pleasantly surprised that Film Commissioner Ray Arthur's answer was "Zero," to his question, "What's the daily rental fee for Chandler Airport?" In 2007 the City of Fresno adopted the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission's proposal that City property be rent free to help attract film production. Arthur notes that as film production increasingly leaves California for other states and countries to seek greener (the shade of money) pastures, no fee permitting and no fee City property has helped to increase local productions, and revenue.
Wiseguy Films recently wrapped an eight week feature film shoot in and around Fresno and many of their scenes were shot on City property including Woodward, Melody and Sunnyside Parks, FAX buses, the Fulton Mall, and the former Fresno School Maintenance Yard, all at no cost. According to Director Tong Thao - Producer Thai Her, the cost savings of using City property at no charge was an important factor in shooting their movie, DAIM DUAB in Fresno.
For Third Eye Filmworks using Fresno for music video backdrops has been both cost effective and artistically fulfilling. Directors Christian Strickland and Joe Moffit have recently completed three music videos in Fresno starring R & B artists Nicci Nix, Bo Benton and Bobby Valentino. All three productions included shots on City of Fresno property including Roeding Park, the Tower District and the busy intersection of Van Ness Blvd. and Kern Street. Moffit says the savings on location fees allows him to spend additional money on hiring local crew and utilizing local vendors.
Arthur notes that just the projects listed above have generated an estimated $470,000 in local revenue. And, he sees this element of the City's film policy continuing to generate increased film production in the future.

Fresno Filmmakers Forum Conference Attracts 150                   10.26.08

Second annual full-day conference provided instruction and encouragement for both new and experienced filmmakers, and jobs, too.

Fresno, California, October 29, 2008 -The second annual Fresno Filmmakers Forum<http://www.fresnofilmmakersforum.com/> conference, held Saturday, October 25 in the city's historic Tower District<http://www.towerdistrict.org/home.htm>, attracted about 150 people interested in filmmaking. The full-day conference presented seven guest speakers who provided the audience with specific details about writing scripts that are likely to get produced, raising money to fund a film, techniques used in film production, and other information to help filmmakers. They also shared inspirational stories about how they overcame obstacles to accomplish their goals.
The conference was hosted by Fresno Filmmakers Forum, a collaboration between the City of Fresno<http://www.fresnofilm.com/cms/>, local non-profit organization Creative Fresno<http://creativefresno.com/>, and Fresno-based production company Entandem Productions<http://entandemprod.com/>.
Speakers included twin brothers Logan and Noah Miller<http://www.fresnofilmmakersforum.com./Miller>, who just completed their feature film "Touching Home<http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0860870/>" starring Ed Harris<http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000438/>; Dean Shull<http://www.fresnofilmmakersforum.com./Shull>, who produced the Lionsgate comedy feature "Waiting...<http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348333/fullcredits>"; Marty Shindler<http://www.fresnofilmmakersforum.com./Shindler>, a show business financial expert; Peter Maris<http://www.fresnofilmmakersforum.com./Maris>, a producer of nearly three dozen movies and video games; Alexis Fish<http://www.fresnofilmmakersforum.com./Fish> from the Screen Actors Guild Indie division<http://www.sagindie.org/> who discussed the ins-and-outs of getting the best talent for a film; and documentarian Kevin White<http://www.fresnofilmmakersforum.com./White>, founder of the Bay area's Filmmakers Collaborative<http://www.filmmakerscollaborative.org/>.
"We drew people from such a broad range of the industry," said Entandem Productions' Christine Autrand Mitchell. "We had local filmmakers with decades of experience, like John [Kelly, cinematographer] and Chuck [Carson, documentarian], chatting with speakers like Marty Shindler, who helped us understand the business of filmmaking. And several new filmmakers and students were captivated by Dean Shull's funny stories about how 'Waiting...' found its way to the big screen."
"Kevin White had such great advice on getting a documentary off the ground, how to turn an idea into a real project," added Creative Fresno's Suzanne Bertz-Rosa. "And the Miller brothers, wow! They were so enthusiastic and inspiring, it was infectious!"
Ray Arthur, Fresno's Film and Entertainment Commissioner<http://www.fresnofilm.com/cms/>, praised all of the presenters.
"Peter Maris, who now calls Fresno home, is a prolific producer with lots of information to share. Alexis Fish helped us understand how filmmakers can get great actors for their films," noted Arthur.
Arthur is enthusiastic about the success of the conference and its potential to help the city by attracting more film and television projects.
"I know of four people who directly got work while talking to people at the conference," Arthur said. "And many others made networking connections and new relationships in the industry."
Fresno benefits from film and television production because the entertainment business is a low-impact industry that creates jobs, helps invigorate an area's economy (productions require food, transportation, laundry, props, and other local services), and boosts civic morale and pride.
"Besides aggressively nurturing filmmaking talent," added Arthur, "Fresno offers outstanding value to filmmakers. We provide free access to city property, we provide free film permits, and we offer lots of support. Fresno is a very film-friendly city. I keep hearing from filmmakers who visit the city and tell me, 'Fresno is so much cooler than you'd think!"
Fresno is California's sixth largest and fastest growing city.
Arthur noted, too, that the Fresno Filmmakers Forum conference ticket prices were only $20.00, while almost all other full-day show business conferences charge several hundred dollars.
"We will probably have to increase that to perhaps $25.00 next year, considering the state of the economy, but we are committed to nurturing filmmaking talent," he added.
Planning for the 2009 Fresno Filmmakers Forum conference has already begun.
One outgrowth of the success of the conference is the decision to host free monthly meetings of Fresno Filmmakers Forum. The first meeting will be 6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, at Milano<http://www.milanofresno.com/>, a community-oriented Pizzeria/Italian restaurant located on the Historic Fulton Mall in Downtown Fresno.

CULTURAL ARTS CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHTS FILM & TOURISM   10.18.08

At last week's Second Annual Cultural Arts Conference, presented by the Fresno Coalition for Arts, Science & History (FASH) , one of the popular breakout sessions featured Fresno Film & Entertainment Commissioner Ray Arthur and Fresno Convention & Visitors Bureau President Laura Whitehouse.  Whitehouse and Arthur addressed tourism and film as cultural arts and their impact on the local economy.  Whitehouse noted that tourism and travel dollars generate just under $ 1 billion annually and account for 12 thousand jobs in Fresno County, second only to agriculture.  Arthur spotlighted the growing local film industry with a 130 percent increase in productions during the Film & Entertainment Commission's first year, accounting for just under half a million dollars in local disposable income.  Arthur also reviewed the City of Fresno's current Cultural Arts strategy as well as presenting the Cultural Arts commitments of the City's two mayoral candidates: Ashley Swearengin and Henry T. Perea.  FCASH Executive Director Cynthia Cooper termed the conference a huge success with 350 participants, 100 more than last year.

Bobby V and FCC = Another Music Video                                     10.4.08

Soulful Chanteuse Bo Benton had barely driven her Ferrari out of town Friday when R & B singer Bobby Valentino arrived Saturday to shoot Fresno's second music video in four days.  Production companies Filmmakers Resource and Third Eye Films combined to produce Valentino's last video on Sunday using both the Tower District and Fresno City College as backdrops.  First Assistant Director Joe Moffit told the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) that they keep returning to Fresno for a multitude of reasons including great locations, easy permitting and facilitation, friendly businesses and vendors, and especially cost effectiveness.  Moffit notes that, unlike Los Angeles, Fresno welcomes film production, its costs are very competitive and the ability to hire local crew adds additional savings to each shoot.  The FFEC estimates that each music video that films in Fresno generates approximately $30,000 in local revenue through lodging, catering, vendors, crew, property rental and other expenditures.

Runaway Production                                                          10.1.08
It used to be called "Runaway Production to Canada." Canada, however, has taken a back seat to 21 U S States and over a dozen other countries in luring a substantial portion of the motion picture and television production industry out of California. According the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) these jurisdictions offer Hollywood filmmakers economic incentive packages equaling 20 to 40 percent discounts to shoot in their state or country. Between tax credits, rebates and grants it is an offer many moviemakers cannot refuse. And it has cost the Golden State billions of dollars in state revenue and thousands of California jobs.
FFEC Film Commissioner Ray Arthur believes we cannot wait any longer for the California legislature to help, "Sacramento has failed to pass three Film Incentive bills in the past six years and the present budget situation doesn't bode well for the foreseeable future," Arthur said.
Arthur believes California Cities and Counties will have to improvise solutions for themselves. One solution for Fresno could be a City Film Incentive program that, through the FFEC, would track every production that participants, and show positive revenue generation that otherwise would not have occurred without the incentives

Double Your Filming, Double Your Fun                                       9.26.08

Most of us are old enough to remember the Doublemint Chewing Gum Jingle.  Last Thursday night the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) doubled the film production in downtown Fresno.  The Commission has been working closely with WISEGUYS FILMS during the last eight weeks that they have been shooting their feature film DAIM DAUB in and around the City of Fresno.  Thursday evening at 9:00 PM they shot a scene at the FAX bus stop on Fresno Street at the County Courthouse Park.  Director Tong Thao and crew then hopped on the bus and continued filming as it traveled north up Blackstone Avenue.

At exactly the same time, two blocks south, Los Angeles based Filmmakers Resource was shooting a music video in the intersection of Van Ness and Kern Streets.  The star was up and coming R & B - Hip Hop artist Bo Benton.  Miss Benton joined a cast and crew of over 50 as the filmed in the 2039 Club during the afternoon and shifted into the streets for most of the evening.  Fresno Police were on hand for traffic and crowd control as the music video production attracted over 100 local music fans.

The FFEC estimates that the two productions will generate over $100,000 in local revenue to Fresno.

FFF 2nd Annual Conference                                                      9.1.08
How do you pitch a script, shoot a film or finance a movie? All of those questions and more will be answered at the Second Annual Fresno Filmmakers Forum's (FFF) Conference on Saturday, October 25th. The day-long event will be held at Fresno's Tower Theatre and will feature presentations on a variety of film related topics, featuring professional guest speakers including documentary filmmaker Kevin White, film accountant and business manager Marty Shindler, producer - director Peter Maris, and Deputy Director of SAG Indie Alexis Fish. Negotiations are ongoing to fill two additional presentation openings. Each guest will speak for approximately 30 minutes with a 15 minute Q & A to follow.
Last year's initial event attracted nearly 100 participants. Organizers believe that the revised format featuring industry pros representing a variety of film elements will draw many more local filmmakers. Additionally, plans are being finalized to host an after-event party, also in the Tower District, that will combine informal networking with screening of locally produced short films.
Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission's Ray Arthur notes that the expansion of this event mirrors the development and enthusiasm of Fresno's filmmaking community. "This is a growing and important segment of our City's economic development that continues to move forward with new projects, job opportunities and new revenue that circulates through Fresno," Arthur noted.

WISEGUYS PICTURES SHOOT "INDIE" IN FRESNO                        8-8-08

Daim Duab is a Hmong phrase meaning "memory of a picture." And it is a fitting title for the locally produced independent feature film that will be shooting in and around Fresno through September. WISEGUYS PICTURES producers Tong Thao and Thai Her have been working with the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) since March, researching, choosing, and coordinating sites for the two month shoot which will see a cast and crew of 50 film at a dozen public and private locations in Fresno. Producer Thao notes that while the title is Hmong, the movie is an American love story with a twist, featuring actors of many races reflecting what you see everyday in Fresno.

FFEC Film Commissioner Ray Arthur notes that Daim Duab is a perfect example of the FFEC's mission of working with local filmmakers to assist in their productions, "We have attracted or facilitated 13 productions since the FFEC was created last year, eight have been locally produced projects: student films, short films, music videos, or independent features. Each has had different needs that we've helped fulfill."

According to the FFEC there are approximately 150 local filmmakers who are producing more and more commercial and non-commercial product each year, "The growth of this burgeoning industry predicts exciting times for Fresno's film future, with economic development increasing through both local film production and L. A. productions utilizing Fresno's film assets when they choose local locations," Arthur said.

Daim Duab is slated to be released to theaters later this year. 

LOCAL FILM LOCATIONS ARE FAM-TASTIC                                   6-20-08

City Film & Ent. Commission Hosts Location Pros for 3-Day Tour

(Fresno)---Friday the 13^th may scare some but it was the perfect day to kick off the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission's (FFEC) second annual Location Professionals FAM Tour.  Fresno Film Commission Ray Arthur notes that FAM, or familiarization, tours are a great way to reach the location pros who most need to know what a city or county has to offer Hollywood, "We have many proven components to our marketing plan and one of the most effective is the FAM tour.  We have a handful of L. A. Location Managers and Location Scouts literally trapped in a van for three days while we tour our best locations and treat them to a fun weekend," Arthur said.

Arthur, and his Madera County counterpart, Dave Wolin played host to four location professionals who toured a dozen potential film sites including Chandler Airport, Chukchansi Stadium, Huntington Blvd. and Old Fig, as well as Warnors Theatre and the Tower Theatre.  Saturday was spent driving the Sierra Scenic By-Way and touring Bass Lake. 

The FFEC hosts two FAM tours annually as part of its cooperative marketing plan with the Fresno County and Madera County Film Commissions who work together to promote the City of Fresno and the two adjoining counties as a regional location opportunity.  Arthur states that together the area offers almost everything but an ocean.  Additionally, greater Fresno provides excellent facilities with over 7,500 hotel rooms, 43 caterers, and most other film related vendor categories to serve the L. A. film industry; plus, the largest crew base between Los Angeles and San Francisco.   

The group that accompanied Arthur and Wolin included the Location Manager of Transformers 1 & 2, the new Knight Rider TV series, as well as two feature film and TV Location Scouts.

Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission Helps Local Film Producers    6-1-08
Greg Amaro was one of the first local film folk that Fresno Film & Entertainment Commissioner (FFEC) Ray Arthur met when he hit town in January of 2007. Amaro's production company, CINE-LOOK, was looking to expand and looking for assistance. Arthur arranged a meeting with three key players in the City's Economic Development Department: George Smith, Business and Capital Manager; Peggy Chiok, Attraction and Community Development Manager; and Kelly Trevino, Incentive Zone Manager. Together they reviewed CINE-LOOK's needs and suggested several options for Amaro to expand his staff, underwrite a portion of his apprenticeship program and potentially expand his physical plant through federal and/or state incentive programs.
Arthur estimates that there are about 25 film related companies in Fresno in various stages of growth, many of whom could benefit from the resources of the City's Economic Development Department. While the bright lights of Hollywood shine on Fresno occasionally, Arthur notes that the FFEC's mission is economic development in all of the many film related forms it may present.

Indiana Jones Impacts Fresno                                                   5-23-08
As viewers watch the opening weekend showings of Indiana Jones, the Fresno Film and Entertainment Commissioner explanation of the financial impact to the community was included in the Fresno Bee's May 22 Life Section article "Fresno County crops up in the new Indy Jones film."
"Ray Arthur, Fresno's film and entertainment commissioner, explains that having a movie shot here is more about financial gain than hosting a piece of the glamour of Hollywood."
"We all get excited about the sizzle of the movie starts being in town. But the film commission is in the economic development department for a purpose. It is about the business of filming. They were here for five days of setup, one of filming and two days of (dismantling) the set. The lack of on-screen exposure is not as much fun, but still generated $250,000-$300,000 for the local economy."
The City was represented in the film with a brief scene showing the interior of an airplane shot at Chandler Airport.

The One that Got Away                                                          5-9-08
When luring film production to Fresno, sometimes it's "the one that got away" that's most interesting. A few days ago the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) received the following email, "We need a high rise that will allow us to bring a cow up the elevator to one of the higher floors. Need to see other high rises out the window - some kind of skyline at least."
First time in 17 years for THAT request! The owners of the Trade Center building were interested after we answered two questions: How much does a cow weigh (elevator concerns)? And, who's going to take care of the...mess?
Within a period of 3 1/2 hours Fresno went from not being considered to being considered to "Email me some photos" to "Wrong type of building" to "What about the Del Webb building" to "Thanks for all your help but...no."
And the Location Manager didn't even realize that he could have gotten a Happy California Cheese cow, for free!

FILM COMM PREMIERS "BRAND" TO INDUSTRY                                                   4-21-08

"Fresno...Take Your Best Shot!"

(Fresno)---The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) recently premiered to the film industry its new marketing brand, "FRESNO...TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT," for California's sixth largest and fastest growing city.   During the FFEC's participation in the LOCATIONS trade show earlier this month, the City's film office ran identical display ads, simultaneously, in four industry trade magazines: Daily Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Locations and P3 Update; all distributed at the 3-day event.

According to FFEC Film Commissioner Ray Arthur the ad campaign was carefully planned over the past 15 months for maximum effectiveness, "We waited until everything was in place and then showcased our new slogan around the film industry's premier event for location professionals, producers and directors...the key decision makers on where a film production will be shot," Arthur said.

Arthur noted that the planning and timing paid off as over a dozen film participants were drawn to the FFEC booth directly from the ads.  Additionally, through a cooperative marketing plan which the FFEC created with the Fresno and Madera County Film Commissions, both neighboring film offices may also reap benefits from the ongoing campaign which also included photos and contact information for their jurisdictions, "We're all working together to present the Central Valley as one of the best and most cost effective regions for film production.  Between Fresno's "Big City" looks, century old architecture, and the vast variety of our two counties we offer just about everything but an ocean," Arthur commented.

During the LOCATIONS trade show.  The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission met with over 80 Hollywood decision makers over the three day event.  Arthur, who has participated in LOCATIONS since 1992, met with 38 location managers and scouts who have future projects for which Fresno could be considered.  The FFEC also participated in the California Film Commission's third annual "Speed Dating" breakfast which brought together nearly 50 producers and directors from feature films and television to meet with Film Commissions throughout the State for intensive but enjoyable three minute interviews.

In addition to a LOCATIONS follow up direct mail campaign, the FFEC is busy planning the second annual FAM, or familiarization, tour with the Madera County Film Commission.  In June the two film offices will host seven location professionals for three days, touring dozens of potential feature film, TV, music video and commercial in Fresno and Madera County.

LOCAL FILM COMPANY EXPANDS TRAINING                                                                                    1-16-08

Cine-Look Aims to Improve Film & Video Production Quality

(Fresno)--- Film and video production is a burgeoning industry in the Central Valley and the number of Fresno area citizens interested in joining its workforce is also growing.  Many local professionals feel that increased training is a key to increased success.  Greg Amaro, Owner of Cine-Look, a Fresno film and video production company, has created an extensive apprenticeship program that trains local entry level industry candidates in many of the specific areas of film production, including sound, cinematography, lighting, production management, equipment, script supervision and more, "This started out as an experiment - to see if we could build a business around producing cinematic quality films and videos at a competitive price without a large existing local crew base. At times it feels like we are reinventing the wheel by taking individuals without prior experience in the film industry and training them rather than hiring professionals from Los Angeles or San Francisco. However, the results have exceeded our expectations and we can see the program expanding as the local film industry grows. Our apprentices are disciplined, hard working, professional and motivated to learn, "Amaro said..

The Cine-Look chief continued, "Hands-on training, at locations secured for us by Ray Arthur and the City of Fresno, are integral to challenging our apprentices and preparing them for the reality of real world shoots. As anyone who has worked on a film knows, filmmaking is a team effort. How well a team works as a unit is reflected in the end product. We are very pleased with our current ability to create cinematic productions and know that the apprenticeship program will help us reach even higher levels of quality," Amaro stated.

 Last week, to augment his training program, Amaro booked the former Fresno Unified School District's maintenance yard on Ventura Avenue to shoot a series of training films.  The property, which is currently owned by the City of Fresno, was permitted through the City's Film & Entertainment Commission.  Film & Entertainment Commissioner Ray Arthur has been working with Amaro on several projects and notes that this production was multi-purpose, "We were excited to have Greg and Cine-Look bring this project to the City.  In addition to helping Greg and his company to better train local professionals for future jobs, this shoot also gave our office the opportunity to "test drive" a new City location, through the City's Planning and Development Department; AND, put a few more local film professionals to work for a few more hours," Arthur said.

The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) was a co-founder of the Fresno Filmmakers Forum, along with Creative Fresno and Entandem Productions, which produced a day long seminar last October that attracted nearly 100 local filmmakers.  Arthur notes that Cine-Look's recent production is one of the exact requests that was voiced at the Forum, which Amaro attended.

For more information on Cine-Look's training program you can contact Greg Amaro at 559.443.2117.

The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission is a division of the City of Fresno Economic Development Department.

FFEC Pitches Fresno to Independent Film Convention                                                              11-8-07

The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) attended the 28th Annual American Film Market in Santa Monica last week.    Each November more than 8,000 industry leaders converge for deal-making, screenings, seminars and networking. Participants come from over 70 countries and include acquisition and development executives, directors, distributors, financiers, film commissioners, producers and writers. AFM is the premiere global marketplace where Hollywood's decision-makers all gather under one roof. The FFEC met with over 50 production companies during the two day event, marketing Fresno to one of the largest and fastest growing segments of the film and video production industry. Film & Entertainment Commissioner Ray Arthur notes that many of the 1,000 plus feature films promoted at the AFM each year will not receive wide U. S. theatrical distribution or may go 'straight to video.'  All,
however, generate thousands of dollars a day in local revenue to the cities or counties in which they choose to film.    

FRESNO WELCOMES HOLLYWOOD                                                                                              10-24-07

City Film Commission Hosts Location Pros for 3-Day Tour

(Fresno)---It's called a FAM tour.  "FAM" is short for familiarization, as in, "Welcome to Fresno.  We'd like to familiarize you with our city so you'll consider us for future film and TV projects."

Last weekend the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) played host to seven of the film industry's top location professionals, spotlighting dozens of Fresno's unique locations and promoting the opportunities of shooting in and around the City.  FFEC Commissioner Ray Arthur notes that FAM tours are an important component to this office's marketing plan, "Measuring the cost of all the types of advertising and promotion that the film and entertainment commission uses, the effectiveness of having five to ten location professionals touring your town for three days is phenomenal."

All but one of the location scouts and managers had never worked in Fresno; therefore, all of the City's locations were new, fresh and unique.  The group's tour included Chandler Airport, which just a few days ago was home to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the recently closed emergency department at University Medical Center, four of the City's vintage, downtown theaters, Fresno Chaffee Zoo and of course Fresno's extraordinarily unique City Hall.

In cooperation with the Madera County Film Commission, the weekend outing also included locations in southern Madera County, Oakhurst and Madera.  The FFEC plans two FAM tours each year, combining locations in addition to the City of Fresno with Madera and Fresno Counties, "We're all working together to present the City and both counties as a full service region with hundreds of location possibilities, as well as facilities and crew, to meet the needs of the Los Angeles based film industry," Arthur said.

Among the participating location professionals, two are currently working on the hit FOX TV series HOUSE, one scouted Clint Eastwood's award winning Letters from Iwo Jima, one just finished Steven Spielberg's new Indiana Jones movie, and the remainder have long lists of credits for feature films, television programs, music videos and commercials.

Not only did Arthur deem the tour a success, as everyone left Sunday afternoon with dozens of new location ideas for future projects, but it may already be generating production activity.  During the tour one location scout received a phone call from a prospective client seeking an upscale neighborhood for a television commercial, and was able to immediately forward photos of Fresno's distinguished Huntington Blvd.  Another had a client inquiry for a lake with an adjacent road and Arthur recommended that he immediately contact Fresno County Film Commissioner Gigi Gibbs.

The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission is a division of the City of Fresno's Economic Development Department.

INDIANA JONES AND THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT LOCATION                                                        10-15-07

(Fresno)---When Steven Spielberg remarked to Fresno Film & Entertainment Commissioner Ray Arthur that this was the first time he had ever filmed in Fresno, they were standing in front of the old control tower at Chandler Executive Airport.  The long, statewide search for a small but pivotal key location had ended in Fresno with the vintage airport being chosen for inclusion in the fourth installment of the "Indy" franchise titled Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Director Spielberg was joined by writer/producer George Lucas to personally oversee the filming of the sequences last Thursday.  Both Arthur's office and the Fresno County Film Commission had been working on the project for months, "Originally this was to be a small, second unit shot at Chandler with stand-in actors instead of stars, but Chandler turned into two locations and Eagle Field in Firebaugh was perfect for a third.  At that point it became a full fledged production with Steven and a cast and crew of 300," Arthur said.

The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) worked closely with Production Supervisor Mike Fantasia to promote and secure the locations.  Arthur notes that Chandler came very close to matching Fantasia's description of the needed location and the classic architecture of the terminal and surrounding area helped make 70+ year old airport the final choice.  Additionally, Fresno offered all that the production company required to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

While the local media and fans were focused on catching a glimpse of Harrison Ford, Spielberg or Shia LaBeouf, for the FFEC it's all about economic development and Arthur estimates that Indy's Fedora generated between $185,000 to $200,000 of local revenue to the greater Fresno area.

The week's activities were a reunion of sorts for Arthur and Spielberg who worked together exactly 15 years ago in October of 1992.  According to Arthur, "The opening segment of the original Jurassic Park was shot at Red Rock Canyon State Park and I was fortunate to work with Steven for a few days.  I look forward to our collaborating again in 2022."

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is scheduled to be released on May 22, 2008.

The Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission is a division of the City of Fresno Economic Development Department.