Nevada County striking partnership to attract Hollywood filming to region (video)

Editor’s note: We have written about the success of the Hallmark-made movie The Christmas Card, filmed in Nevada City. It was Hallmark’s highest-rated original movie of all time. Now Nevada County is stepping up the effort to attract filming — a longtime goal.

Nevada County currently does not have a local Film Commission/ Office, or a Regional Film Partner. The non-profit Northeast California Counties Film Commission was recently esablished (located in Nevada County) to encourage motion picture, television and commercial filming and photography in Butte, Nevada, Plumas, Sierra, Sutter, and Yuba Counties. The Commission has requested that the County designate it as our Regional Film Partner. This is a requirement for them to be approved by and work with the California Film Commission on the County’s behalf.

In 1984 the California Legislature, recognizing the vital role the entertainment industry plays in California’s economy, created the California Film Commission (CFC) to facilitate, retain and attract filming in California. Since 1985, the CFC has provided production, location, permitting and troubleshooting assistance to filmmakers. It also serves as the primary liaison between the entertainment industry and all levels of government to streamline filming in the State. The partnership between the CFC and local in-state film offices or commissions is an integral part of the CFC’s ongoing effort to improve the filming environment in California.

The function of an approved Regional Film Partner is to help carry out the goals and objectives of facilitating and promoting filming in its geographic area by encouraging collaboration and communication with the CFC and local in-state film offices or commissions on film related issues and specific filming requests from the industry. A film partner is responsible to:

• Respond to motion picture production requests in a timely manner.

• Be familiar with potential filming locations in their geographic area.

• Be experienced trouble-shooters and maintain a working knowledge of their filming jurisdiction and their local business and government practices.

• Stay informed on production issues in their community; it is essential to have knowledge and experience with securing permission for filming in the local jurisdictions having authority as well as the permitting process for the state.

• Be sensitive to the needs of the communities they serve.

• Attract production into their community as far as budget, personnel and time permit.

• Must not derive a profit from its services. Any fee charged can only represent the recovery of the actual costs of its services. Only government entities, non-profits and not-for-profits will be considered as prospective Regional Film Partners.

The County Board of Supervisors will discuss the resolution here.

(Photo credit: Hallmark)