California Film Commission Launches New On-Line Permit System; System Meets The Needs Of The Fast-Paced Production Community.

HOLLYWOOD -- In a continuing effort to make California an easy, efficient and profitable place for filmmakers to do business, the California Film Commission launched its new On-Line Permitting System today.

"In the Schwarzenegger Administration's drive to enhance California's economic competitiveness and improve government operations, we have looked closely at the film industry," said Sunne Wright McPeak, Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which oversees the California Film Commission. "This innovative system will make it easier for all filmmakers -- from students to major studios -- to produce films in California."

The new permit system will make the services of the Film Commission available on-line in a format that is user-friendly and responsive to the continually evolving needs of the production community. Additionally, this new system will maintain a database of film production throughout the state to accurately track filming trends and assess the economic impact of film and TV production on state property in California.

The New On-Line Permitting System will:

--Provide an easy-access, easy-to-use permit application process that reduces paperwork and streamlines the permitting process.

--Provide fast, 24-hour access to permit status information, allowing the applicant to track their permit after Film Commission business hours.

--Allow Film Commission staff to dedicate more time to assisting productions with location scouting, problem solving and any other film related inquiries.

--Allow a two- to three-business day turnaround for most film permits.

In recent years, film permit requests have become increasingly complex, often involving road closures, stunt or pyrotechnic sequences, and helicopter activity. Such permits can require a coordinated effort with as many as six state agencies, as well as local governments and municipalities.

"As someone who worked in the industry for 20 years, I can appreciate the value of this new permit system for filmmakers," said Amy Lemisch, Director of the California Film Commission. "We receive upwards of 40,000 requests for information each year -- sometimes as many as 150 calls per day. With an on-line system, Film Permit Coordinators will spend less time physically processing permits, and more time answering questions and assisting the public and industry professionals."

In Phase II of the On-Line System, scheduled to be introduced in the next 60 days, all relevant state agencies and departments will be able to review film permits on-line, allowing for even greater efficiency gains.

"Commercial production companies make up a large percentage of the Film Commission's client base," said Steven Caplan, Executive Vice President of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers. "Fast turnaround of permits is critical to the commercial production industry, and we rely on an efficient film office when it comes to filming on state property. This system will allow our companies to track their permits throughout the approval process at any time of day or night."

"We are fortunate that Governor Schwarzenegger pushed for modernizing and streamlining the permit process, and that the California legislature provided the appropriation to boost the services of the Film Commission," said Secretary McPeak.

From 1997 to 2004, the Film Commission processed 15,864 film permits that accounted for 31,471 shooting days on state-owned property -- generating hundreds of millions of dollars in jobs and revenue benefiting all levels of government throughout California. A primary goal of the Film Commission is to maintain and improve that level of production activity by creating business friendly policies and making government services more efficient.

You may access this new system at www.film.ca.gov by selecting "On-line Permits."

The California Film Commission enhances California's position as the leader in motion picture and television production. We are a one-stop office for filmmakers. The Film Commission issues permits for filming on state-owned property, offers troubleshooting for film productions, and location scouting assistance through our vast resource library and network of local film commissions. We also manage several incentive programs for filming in California.

California Film Commission
          7080 Hollywood Blvd, suite 900, Hollywood, CA 90028
                  Tel. [phone]  Fax [phone]
                            www.film.ca.gov