AFCI News

 

September 12, 2008

Changing Misperceptions About Security

Film commissions throughout the world, especially in trouble-prone areas, struggle with entertainment industry perception. What can a film commission due, when factors of perception are seemingly outside their influence?

“Productions can be deterred from a location by perceived or real risk, but by interpreting the local environment and understanding the needs of a production, film commissions can dispel those misperceptions and break down the barriers for a successful shoot. A holistic risk management process can help productions to embrace the enormous potential at the edge." says Julian Grimmond of Global Film Solutions (GFS).

Filming On The Edge, an article released by GFS, states "productions are increasingly seeking to move out towards the margins... Professional Risk Management opens up opportunities for producers to film at the edge."

Join Julian Grimmond of Global Film Solutions; Richard Lewis, “How Cultures Collide”; and George David of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan as they lead a dynamic Breakout Session, Changing Misperceptions About Security. The presentation will include an in-depth analysis on the state of the art of risk management, a look at how different countries and cultures are perceived by global production companies, an overview of how production looks at the Middle East country of Jordan as it relates to “perceived risks” in filmmaking, and how a public relations company can provide a valuable oversight in how to market “the realities” of filming in your jurisdiction. This DON’T MISS session will only be at Cineposium 08, in Wellington, New Zealand.

 

September 3, 2008

Gaming Can Mean Big Business For Film Commissions

Video and online game production can translate to big business for film commissions.  With opening week sales ranging from $300-$400 million, games like Grand Theft Auto IV and Halo 3 rival the highest-grossing movies at the box office . . and spend a significant amount of money during production.  What better reason to bring a panel called Game On! to Cineposium 08 in Wellington, New Zealand.

A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers survey predicted growth from $41.9 billion to $68.3 billion in global sales by 2012.  That’s an average of 10.3% annually, with some sectors as much as 19%.  Video Games In The 21st Century, a study published by the Entertainment Software Association, states that in the United States alone, the entertainment software industry employs more than 24,000 people generating $2.2 billion in compensation. This adds up to an incredibly valuable asset for your region.  For example, the State of Texas sees value in this production segment . . enough that the state made video games eligible to participate in its incentive program.

Adding diversity to your jurisdiction can be just what you need to keep things rolling during those slow times.  So where do you start in this unique market? Game On! at Cineposium 08…

» Download the Video Games In The 21st Century Study

 

July 28, 2008

2009 AFCI Board of Directors Call For Nominations

Dear AFCI Colleague:

Your AFCI Board of Directors is on the cutting edge of important initiatives throughout the year.  In 2008, the AFCI Board in partnership with the AFCI Committees and Executive Office brought you the new Certified Film Commissioner designation, a new AFCI marketing identity and AFCI Logo, and an expanded Professional Development program.  There’s more to be done and you can help. 

The AFCI needs Board candidates from all jurisdictions and regions of the world.  Diverse backgrounds and experiences give the AFCI Board the perspectives necessary for successful planning and decision making.  Film commission leaders like you have the skills the AFCI needs.

Review this Call for Nominations form and consider contributing your expertise and time to the AFCI.  If you are not able to serve at this time, then please make your voice heard by voting for Board candidates that best represent the needs of the entire AFCI membership.

This is your AFCI. Help make its future even better.

Sincerely,

Robin James
AFCI President

» Download the 2009 AFCI Board of Directors Nomination Form
(This is a Dynamic PDF Form. It can be filled out on your computer, saved, and emailed)

 

 

Cineposium 08 Offers New Service

With hundreds of AFCI Member Film Commissions in 48 countries, being new at Cineposium AND getting to know your fellow AFCI members may seem like an intimidating task.  The new AFCI Ambassador Service, to debut at Cineposium 08 in Wellington, New Zealand, will fix that problem.

The AFCI Membership Committee has organized the Ambassador Service to pair first-time Cineposium attendees or new AFCI members with more experienced, AFCI-savvy members. The veteran film commissioners will make sure that new members are introduced and get to know their peers as well as learn how to navigate AFCI’s premiere educational event.

If you are a veteran film commissioner and would like to be an Ambassador at Cineposium 08, we need you. Please contact us at ambassador@afci.org. The Film Commissioners on the Membership Committee will be joining you. If you are coming to Cineposium 08 and would like an Ambassador assigned to you, please sign up at ambassador@afci.org.

This is a program that will benefit all of the participants. Come be a part of it, and enjoy this membership perk from AFCI.

» Early Bird Ends In Less Than A Month! Register for Cineposium 08 today!

 

July 16, 2008

Locations Trade Show 2009 On Track

The dates have been set for Locations Trade Show 09 in Santa Monica, California.  Mark your calendar for April 16-18, 2009. 

LTS 2008 last April was another great success.  You can review an LTS visitors evaluation report online.

 

AFCI Member Request for
Codes of Conduct

New Brunswick Film is asking for your help in locating good examples of Codes of Conduct for visiting and local producers, crew and cast.  If you have a good template to consider, please contact Margo Flewelling at Margo.Flewelling@gnb.ca.

 

AFCI Member Request for
Permit Best Practices

The Phoenix Film Office is revamping their film permitting process and would like to find out what other AFCI member film commissions have for permit programs.  Please respond to the following questions:

• What do you charge for a permit to film in your jurisdiction?
• What are your insurance requirements?
• Do you sign location releases and if so, who is authorized to sign them?

 . . and email your answers to Phoenix Film Commissioner Phil Bradstock at philip.bradstock@phoenix.gov.

 

Member Updates and Job Openings

• Oregon Film & Video Office Executive Director Steve Oster has left the position.  The Oregon Office is in the process of hiring a new Executive Director.
• Long time Nevada Film Office Assistant Director Robin Holabird has retired after 21 years with the office.  Holabird reports she’ll stay in the Reno/Tahoe region of Nevada, continuing as a film critic for KUNR-FM radio, remaining active in local arts groups, and doing consulting work.  Robin can be contacted at rhbird@holabirdamericana.com.
• Robin Clifton, Production Liaison for the New South Wales Film and Television Office has left the position.  The New South Wales office is seeking a replacement.
• The Texas Film Commission has an opening for an entry-level Location Scout in Austin, Texas.  You can find out more details at http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/hr/jobs/2008-65
• Congratulations to Mary Trimarco as the new Director of the Washington State Film Office. Mary was formerly with the Western North Carolina Film Commission.
• Jenny Williams, former AFCI Board Member and Cineposium 05 Host, is leaving the Glasgow Film Office in Scotland. Watch for a link to her future blog when she begins her journey around the world.
• Former National Film Commission - Mexico Executive Director Sergio Molina passed away recently.  He was involved with the Mexico office for almost 10 years. A brief biography for Sergio is available here.

 

 

New AFCI Member Applications

The following new AFCI Member applications have been received.  As part of the AFCI's Member Application Policy, new members are reviewed by the Board and existing membership for 30 days before they can be granted Interim Member status. If you have any comments about these new applicants, please direct them to the AFCI Executive Office no later than August 15, 2008.

West Baton Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau - USA
Ms. Sharon Boudreaux-Stam
www.westbatonrouge.net

Corpus Christi Film Commission - USA
Ms. Kimberly Lemley
www.corpuschristicvb.com

Apulia Film Commission – ITALY
Ms. Rafaella Delvecchio
www.apuliafilmcommission.it

Martinsville-Henry County Film Office – USA
Ms. Felicia Rupert
www.visitmartinsville.com

Segovia Film Commission – SPAIN
Ms. Rosa Portello Figueroa
www.segoviafilmoffice.com

Nagasaki Film & Media Commission - JAPAN
Ms. Ruriko Sekine
www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/fc/

 

 

July 10, 2008
Leading Intercultural Expert Confirmed for Cineposium 08

“People and nations act in conformity with their cultural legacies. He who knows the past controls the future.”

That statement from Cineposium 08 Keynote Speaker Richard Lewis defines the goal of his much-anticipated presentation, When Cultures Collide, on November 22 in Wellington, New Zealand.  Understanding our cultural identity and community makes for better film commissions in the future.

AFCI Member Film Commissions work in a global industry. Hosting an international crew is becoming increasingly more common. Film projects that were previously unrealistic are now a possibility utilizing co-productions that can span continents.  Being skilled in cultural behaviors improves understanding in an increasingly smaller world. To that end, Cineposium 08 secured Richard Lewis, someone with proven global perspective.

Mr. Lewis' resume is impressive. He speaks 10 European and 2 Asiatic languages and has been active in the fields of applied and anthropological linguistics for over 35 years. Teaching communication skills across Europe and the USA, his work in several fields of communicative studies has involved him in many of the world’s leading industrial and financial companies.

Identifying commonalities and building bridges, Mr. Lewis’ presentation at Cineposium 08 will be based on his book When Cultures Collide. How will he do it?  Take a sneak peek here.

Cineposium 08 focuses on the future of global filmmaking.  As the Opening Keynote, When Cultures Collide will lay the foundation for the entire international conference. Gain greater understanding of this global industry, join Richard Lewis and the rest of your colleagues in Wellington...

» Early Bird Ends In Less Than A Month! Register for Cineposium 08 today!

 

July 3, 2008
Save on airfare to Cineposium 08

Travel budgets are tight. So to help you get the best rates possible to AFCI Cineposium 08 in Wellington, New Zealand, AFCI has partnered with Stage and Screen Travel Services. Working exclusively with the entertainment industry, Stage and Screen is dedicated to sourcing the cheapest and most cost effective airfares, with many different options. No need to worry about your departure city either, they can work with you no matter where you’re coming from. Plus, should something go wrong on your trip, they’re standing by to assist.

To get a seat at the most economical price, book early. Visit the Cineposium page today for more information and how to get started.

» Early Bird Discount! Register for Cineposium today!

 

June 26, 2008
Cineposium 08: Creating A Film Buzz At Home

"Film Tourism is a growing worldwide phenomenon."

That statement is from Simon Hudson, a world-renowned tourism and marketing professor at the University of Calgary in Canada and a featured speaker on the Location Vacation: Film Induced Tourism panel at AFCI Cineposium 08 in Wellington, New Zealand. 

At the Cineposium event, Hudson will emphasize the impact of film-related tourism can be more important than the originating production’s local spend.

“Each year, an ever-increasing number of fans from around the world make a pilgrimage to visit the exotic locales where their favorite movies and TV shows have been shot.  In fact, a recent survey in the UK found that 8 out of 10 Britons get their holiday destination ideas from films, and 1 in 5 will actually go to the location where their favorite movie was filmed, ” Hudson added.

New Zealand is a perfect example.  Government support for the country’s film and tourism industry is equal and both programs boast significant results.  According to a survey provided by Film New Zealand, 9% of New Zealand visitors said The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was definitely a reason for their visit and almost everyone of that group said that the scenery in the film had encouraged them to visit.

“Film commissions have an important role to play in the development of film tourism, said Hudson.  “Research has shown that collaborative campaigns between the tourism and film industries are the most powerful way to induce film tourists.” 

“Film commissions in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Australia and Canada have all partnered with DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) in order to attract both films and film tourists.  The results are impressive,” Hudson added.

Also on the Location Vacation: Film Induced Tourism panel is Dr. Anne Buchmann and Stefan Roesch.  Dr. Buchmann has been researching the film tourism phenomenon in New Zealand since 2000 and traveled the entire country several times to gather findings for her doctoral thesis.  Stefan Roesch’s research has also found that even historic movies like The Sound of Music are still on the mind of Austria’s tourists more than 40 years after the film was shot.

Reaping film tourism rewards comes from film commission and tourism partnerships.  Find out how by joining the rest of the AFCI Membership at the Location Vacation panel at AFCI Cineposium 08. 

» Early Bird Discount! Register for Cineposium today!