AFCI News Releases

AFCI AWARDS DANCY JONES SCHOLARSHIP TO COLUMBUS, OHIO FILM COMMISSIONER
The prestigious AFCI Dancy Jones Professional Development Scholarship has been awarded to Greater Columbus Film Commissioner Gail Mezey. The coveted Scholarship provides financial assistance to an AFCI Member film commissioner interested in furthering their professional development.  Ms. Mezey was selected to receive the scholarship from a group of AFCI member applicants from around the world.

Ms. Mezey helped launch the Greater Columbus Film Commission in 2006, and first attended AFCI Cineposium that same year.  Since 2006, the AFCI has expanded its Professional Development offerings, via the AFCI University program and the Certified Film Commissioner designation. The next professional development opportunities will be offered at AFCI University, in conjunction with Cineposium 09 in Universal City, California.

“The scholarship enables us to gain invaluable knowledge and skills to become an even more efficient film office,” said Ms. Mezey.  “Because of the economy we were not sure we would be able to attend Cineposium this year. We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to go, while minimizing the cost of attendance. What I learn at Cineposium helps filmmakers and craftsmen in my community and beyond.”

The AFCI Dancy Jones Professional Development Scholarship was created in memory of the late Ms. Dancy Jones, longtime film commissioner from the State of Tennessee and a key figure in the early years of the development of international standards of training for film commissioners.  Savannah Film Commissioner Jay Self, a longtime colleague of Ms. Jones, said, “Having known Dancy for years, it is exciting to see her legacy of helping others carried on through this Scholarship.”

"Compelling applications came from around the world and the decision was difficult,” said Joan Miller of the Vancouver Island North Film Commission and AFCI Vice-President of Professional Development. "We recognized Gail for her desire to deliver exceptional  service to the clients in her region and for her commitment to AFCI Professional Development as a vehicle for achieving service excellence."

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The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) is the global professional organization whose members are film commissioners that assist film, television and video production throughout the world. It is a non-profit educational association whose members serve as city, county, state, regional, provincial or national film commissioners for their respective governmental jurisdictions. Website: class="newsBoxLink">http://www.afci.org