Filming in California
Governor Davis Announces Expansion of California Film Commission's STAR Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/22/2002
Contact: Karen Constine, Director or Karen Caesar, Information Officer
Contact Phone: 323.860.2960
The Popular Program Offers Filmmakers Sought-After Locations for Little or No Cost STAR's Expansion is Welcome News to the Film Industry
HOLLYWOOD -- Governor Gray Davis today announced that the California Film Commission's year-old STAR partnership has expanded due to popular demand.
The novel program, launched by Governor Davis in 2001 and administered by the California Film Commission (CFC), makes surplus State-owned properties such as historic homes, hospitals and office buildings available to filmmakers for low or no cost.
"Filming on location in California brings both money and jobs to the community, and stems runaway production," said Gov. Davis. "This worthwhile program pays great dividends to both filmmakers and residents. Filmmakers save money, communities make money."
Properties recently added to the STAR roster include:
- A spacious Oakland warehouse
- Eight suburban houses in San Rafael (Marin County)
- Desirable vacant land in Santa Rosa (Sonoma County)
- Two cinematic properties within the Lanterman Developmental Center (a State facility in Pomona)
These new additions join the three dozen STAR properties currently available for filming in the greater Los Angeles area.
STAR has been well utilized by filmmakers because it lowers production costs and encourages filming at home. Interested filmmakers can find out more about this resourceful program by visiting the CFC online at www.film.ca.gov or calling the CFC at 323/860-2960 x 133.
Davis also commended CalTrans (which owns the warehouse, San Rafael homes, Santa Rosa vacant land and other STAR properties) and the CFC for working together to expand STAR. "Their efforts to find additional distinctive surplus properties are not only helping filmmakers, they are also helping grow our economy," the Governor noted.
"It's called the 'film business' for a reason," said Sean House, Chairman of the Bay Area Film Alliance. "Business is about the bottom line, money. By putting unused State property to work for the California film industry, the California Film Commission is doing its part to help stem the flow of runaway production, thereby keeping locally developed projects and production jobs where they belong...in California."
"The film community is thrilled with STAR," said location manager Doug Dresser, who is currently working on Quentin Tarentino's latest project, "Kill Bill." Dresser said that STAR and Film California First (another CFC incentive program which helps lower production costs) kept the production from moving to Texas, and added that he would enthusiastically recommend the programs to other filmmakers without reservation.
California Film Commission Director Karen Constine added, "Over the last 10 months, 300 days of filming have occurred at STAR properties, and with these additional new diverse locations, more filmmakers across the State will be able to take advantage of all that STAR has to offer."
There are no permit or location fees for using STAR properties, and film monitor fees associated with filming at STAR properties may be eligible for reimbursement from the CFC's Film California First Program.
Through the use of CinemaScout® (www.cinemascout.com), the CFC's interactive location website, all available STAR property information is accessible online 24/7 with detailed information about the sites and how to work with the CFC to scout and use them. Just search under "word" and type in "STAR Program" to get a list of STAR properties.
The California Film Commission
The California Film Commission is a Division of the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency and works to enhance California's position as the premiere location for all motion picture and television production. The CFC works with 57 FLICS (Film Liaisons In California, Statewide) to retain and attract filming in the Golden State. For more information about the California Film Commission, STAR and Film California First, visit the CFC's interactive web site at www.film.ca.gov.