California Film Commission Unveils Interactive Web Site; www.filmcafirst.com Provides Online Access To Film California First Incentive Program.

Business Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2001

Governor Gray Davis today announced the launch of a one-stop California Web Portal that will offer Californians access to an expanded array of online information and state services. The web portal includes a transactional web site for the Film California First (FCF) Program, a $45 million, three-year program that will significantly reduce production costs for filmmakers and production companies filming in California. The new "My California" web portal is located at www.ca.gov

"Today, with the launch of our new My California homepage, we are using web technology to personalize government in a way no other state has ever done," Governor Davis said. "With advice from the best minds in the Silicon Valley, we have developed an Internet site that makes it simple to register cars, check up on schools' academic performance, get live pictures of our state parks, and much more. Our seamless, state-of-the-art web portal, my.ca.gov is your online link to California."

My California also allows Californians to personalize the portal for quickest access to those items they use most while ensuring their privacy. The new portal also provides powerful search functions to speed and simplify access to state services and information.

Included in My California's web portal is the interactive transactional site, www.filmcafirst.com This site was specifically designed to help the film industry easily access the Film California First Program and provide an expeditious way to download Program guidelines and eligibility information, and submit completed FCF applications without leaving their production offices.

The FCF Program was approved by the Legislature in June 2000 and went into effect on January 1, 2001. The only incentive program of its kind, Film California First will reimburse certain film costs incurred by qualified production companies when filming on public property. For the first time, filmmakers will have the option of utilizing local, state and federal employees at no cost, and also be reimbursed for certain film permits and property use fees depending on the public properties selected.

The California Film Commission will oversee and administer the FCF Program and web site.

In September 2000, the governor announced an "eGovernment" initiative designed to use the power of technology to bring state government closer to California citizens and businesses. In an Executive Order released by Governor Davis on September 21, 2000, the governor called for the development of a new state government portal that offers a one-stop access point for all state government information and services.