THOMPSON-NICOLA REGIONAL DISTRICT FILM COMMISSION
Regular Meeting – Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A G E N D A
Time:4:30 p.m. Place:Board Room 4th Floor 465 Victoria Street Kamloops, BC
Page
1. MINUTES 2-4 (a) Minutes of the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission dated March 4, 2009
2. REPORTS 5-7 (a) Studio Executives Panel at Association of Film Commissioners International Locations Trade Show 2009 Report from Executive Director of Film dated May 4, 2009 attached.
8-11 (b) Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission Report from Executive Director of Film dated May 4, 2009 attached.
3. CORRESPONDENCE 4. NEW BUSINESS 5. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA 6. ADJOURNMENT Attachments 12-13 Vancouver Sun dated April 15, 2009 Re: Film Production Bucking the Economic Trend
14-15 MPPIA Newsletter dated March 2009
16 British Columbia Film Commission-MPPIA dated April 15, 2009 Re: 2010 Winter Olympic Games, February 2010
Page 1 of 16 THOMPSON-NICOLA REGIONAL DISTRICT
FILM COMMISSION
Wednesday March 4. 2009
MINUTES of a Meeting of the THOMPSON-NICOLA REGIO COMMISSION held in the Board Room, Fourth Floor, 465 Victoria Wednesday, March 4, 2009 commencing at 4:30 p.m.
PRESENT:
Director R. Stanke, Chair Director H. Danyluk, Alternate Ms. D. Dunn-Morris Ms. C. Falk Mr. C. Jackson Mr. D. Longworth Ms. G. Marks Mr. B. McLean Mr. D. Abramsen Ms. J. Wray ABSENT:
Moved by Director Danyluk Seconded by Charlie Jackson
That the Minutes of the Meeting of September 3, 2008 be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED Unanimously
Page 2 of 16 Minutes of the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission dated March 4... Minutes of the TNFC Dated March 4, 2009 Page 2 of 3
3. REPORTS
(a) Current State of the Film Industry
Received for information.
(b) 2008 Film Industry Statistics and GoinQ Forward
Recommendation:
That the next Thompson-Nicola Film Commission meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, include a brain-storming session on the vision of the Thompson- Nicola Film Commission for the next five (5) years.
(c) ReQional Film Commissions Assistance ProQram FundinQ
Recommendation:
That the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission recommends to the Thompson- Nicola Regional District Board of Directors a letter be written to the Honourable Bill Bennett, Minister for Tourism, Culture & the Arts to support the continuation of the Regional Film Commissions Assistance Program Funding,
And Further,
That the letter to Minister Bennett be copied to The Honourable George Abbott, MLA, Shuswap, Claude Richmond, MLA, Kamloops, The Honourable Kevin Krueger, MLA, Kamloops-North Thompson, Harry Lali, MLA, Yale-Lillooet, and Charlie Wyse, MLA, Cariboo South.
(d) Thompson-Nicola Film Commission MeetinQs and Events Schedule
Received for information.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Nathalie Wandler dated December 20. 12008 Re: Thank vou for FundinQ
(b) Tv Rhea Models & Talent dated October 7.2008 Re: Closure of AQencv
5. NEW BUSINESS
Documentary, KISS Film Competition Maximum 5 Minutes
Page 3 of 16 Minutes of the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission dated March 4... Minutes of the TNFC Dated March 4, 2009 Page 3 of 3
6. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM AGENDA
None
7. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Connie Falk Seconded by Harry Danyluk
That the meeting adjourn at 6:40 p.m.
CARRIED Unanimously
Chair
Minutes reviewed by _ (Initial)
Page 4 of 16 Minutes of the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission dated March 4... MEMORANDUM
TO: Chief Administrative Officer May 4, 2009
FROM: Executive Director of Film
SUBJECT: Studio Executives Panel at Association of Film Commissioners International Locations Trade Show 2009
During the Association of Film Commissioners International Locations Expo 2009, a panel of Los Angeles studio executives discussed various topics from the perspective of producing long running 1V series, pilots and feature films. The following are insights gleaned from the discussions, in no particular order.
LONG RUNNING 1V SERIES PERSPECTIVE • Permanent sound stage required • Crew base and crew availability • Support offices required • Film industry infrastructure • Story backdrops e.g. Chicago • Be prepared that story may change locations completely in next year
FEATURE FILM PERSPECTIVE • Locations - more research into doubling for actual locations • Pick top 10 choices then whittle down to three (3) top choices • Look for the anchor locations within the three (3) • Locations specific to script and not generic • Truth in images; no misrepresentation in pictures • No surprises • Feedback - What else has shot there? Who has been there is important. • Expectations met • Connections with government e.g. film commissions and their resources, quality of service and responding quickly to their concerns • Winter I weather is a big factor
Page 5 of 16 Studio Executives Panel at Association of Film Commissioners... May 4, 2009 Re: AFCI Locations Expo - Studio Executives Panel Page 2 - 3
• Crew base and crew availability • Labour issues - are there any? • Knowledge of the culture • Hours from LA a factor • If region is too busy then they expect less service • They want you to get the script (physically and understand) • They want to be able to go back to the same locations or areas and film again
OTHER TOPICS Tax Credits • Tax credit rebates sometimes go to the project and sometimes to the general coffers • Tax credits may help make a decision • Incentives are a tool to reach target (budgeted amount)
Screen Credits • Perhaps have language about credits in incentive package • Easy to give screen credits • Send letter to studio executive or producer
Access to Production Stills • Case by case basis • Request images from publicist or producer • Start requesting these things from the beginning • Building film-based tourism products - start early in production
ISSUES RAISED BY FILM COMMISSIONERS • Access to economic expenditures figures per production • Access to production sets by local media • Allowing additional vignettes about locations from a tourism or economic perspective onto DVD releases
Page 6 of 16 Studio Executives Panel at Association of Film Commissioners... May 4, 2009 Re: AFCI Locations Expo - Studio Executives Panel Page 3 - 3
The Thompson-Nicola Film Commission meets several of the criteria discussed. However, lessons learned and tactics that will be employed based on the panel discussions include: 1) A letter requesting that the Thompson-Nicola Region, BC be listed as a location will be sent to every producer; 2) Depending on the production, the letter will request that communities used as locations be credited as well; 3) The TNFC will request Electronic Media Packages (EMPs) and production stills from the productions filmed in the TNRD; 4) A list of Location Managers, who have worked in the TNRD, will be listed on the web site. 5) Past projects with their You Tube links to trailers will be available on the web site.
Respectfully submi \)W VICTORIA E. WELLER, Executive Director of Film
Page 7 of 16 Studio Executives Panel at Association of Film Commissioners... MEMORANDUM
TO: Chief Administrative Officer May 4, 2009
FROM: Executive Director of Film
SUBJECT: Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
As you are aware, the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission members were challenged with the task of formulating a vision for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District's Film Commission. This is not a strategic plan endeavor; the TNFC Strategic Plan 2009 & 2010 with a budget for 2011 is solid, detailed and was adopted by the TNRD Board of Directors in 2008. A vision is a higher perspective that involves envisioning a future state which can be simple or complex, remaining at the status quo or different. With that in mind, the British Columbia Film Commissioner met with film commission members during an informal dinner meeting to discuss the current state of affairs of the film industry and its' trends from a global, provincial and regional perspective. The following is a list of some of the key points discussed, in no particular order, and not including explanations except when necessary.
• Locations (Ext.) o The TNRD's diversity of locations continues to be our key selling proposition. o The TNRD's desert terrain, grasslands and ranching heritage continue to be our competitive advantage and their proximity to Kamloops an added value. o The marketing of the TNRD's diversity aligns with the BC Film Commission's branding A World of Looks. o Kamloops is an attractive hub for production due to its infrastructure, diverse population and transportation routes. o TNRD tourism attractions and activities attract production but not as much as wine country or ocean-based tourism products, for example .
.../2
Page 8 of 16 Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission May 4, 2009 Re: Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission Page 2 -4
• Locations - studio space (Int.) o Identifying, recording and promoting existing resources of warehouses and large spaces for filming is advantageous in lieu of an actual film studio. o Film studios and adapted warehouses are successful in Vancouver due to the cluster of film industry infrastructure in the immediate vicinity. o A film studio in the interior of British Columbia may be sustainable if it is a multi- user/multi-function facility, not solely dependent on attracting filming and vulnerable to film industry's volatile trends. o Television series, the dominant studio tenant, remains a significant film industry economic driver in Vancouver. o Feature films may shoot portions of their projects in studios especially projects driven by special effects.
• Crew o Qualified and experienced local crew is necessary to attract more production due to on-location budgetary considerations (hotel, per diem, travel and other). o Providing TNRD film crew members consistent film industry work in the TNRD is a challenge, forcing many to work in Vancouver and commute. o Experienced TNRD crew members are often not available to work on productions filming in the TNRD due to prior work commitments, in and outside the film industry. o There is no formal film crew training in the TN RD. o Art, construction, locations, and transportation departments are the strongest sectors. o Camera, grip and electric departments are the weakest sectors. o Productions mostly crew out of Vancouver.
• Talent o Willingness of many TNRD residents to be extras; many with special abilities. o No extras casting agency in TNRD.
• Tax Credits o Sustainable, competitive, expanded and subscribed.
Page 9 of 16 Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission May 4, 2009 Re: Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission Page 3 - 4
• Post-production o Minimal facilities and no gauge to measure their expertise or status on record. o No Special Effects or Computer Generated Images (CGI) facilities in TN RD.
• Financial Considerations o Due to elections and current financial crisis, the provincial government froze all spending including grants, travel, hiring and the production or revision of marketing products. o As a film region, the TNRD is competitive with other regions and attracts productions to BC resulting in positive economic impact for the province and the region. o Film industry budgets, especially domestic, are getting tighter.
• Operations o TNRD's film commission model is the most efficient and sustainable. o TNRD's film commission model is most resistant to pressures of an individual's self-interests. o TNFC highly regarded by film industry professionals. o Tourism associated filming activity generally not tracked.
• Other o No indigenous production companies with product being broadcast.
Discussion The operating components of the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission are: 1) Manage the business of the film commission; 2) Manage finances and resources; 3) Gather and distribute information (visual and data) about locations, crew and services in the TNRD; 4) Market the TNRD to the film industry; 5) Manage film productions during the pre-production, production, and post-production phases (the latter to a lesser extent); 6) Aim to improve the quality of filming experiences in the TNRD;
Page 10 of 16 Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission May 4, 2009 Re: Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission Page 4 - 4
7) Practice stewardship towards our resources (locations, crew and services).
Keeping the above key points and TNFC operating components in mind, the Thompson- Nicola Film Commission will develop and recommend a vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission in the next five (5) years and ten (10) years, to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board of Directors for consideration. Afterwards, a timeline of tactics will be developed and distributed for consideration. ReSPUI~
VICTORIA E. WELLER, Executive Director of Film
Page 11 of 16 Vision for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission Page 1 of 2
____ ._ •• "" .f "',:'1 !
Film production bucking the economic trend Vancouver Sun Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Page C03 By Fiona Anderson
While many sectors of the economy are stalling, British Columbia's movie industry keeps firing on all cylinders.
Right now there are 27 movies, television series and pilots in production in the province, according to numbers provided by the B.C. Film Commission, the same number as last year at this time. That's good news because last year was a terrific year, so keeping up at a time the economy is contracting is no small feat.
"This is an industry that is doing very well in difficult economic times," said Peter Leitch, chairman of the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of B.C. and president of Mammoth and North Shore Studios.
In 2008, the industry brought in $1.2 billion, a 28-per-cent increase over the $943.34 million earned in 2007.
"I think if [2009] is as good as 2008, then we've had a good year," Leitch said.
What's keeping B.C. film busy is feature films, with 12 currently in production compared to 10 a year ago. Dragging the numbers down are television series, with only seven shooting here, compared to 12 last year at this time.
Television series are getting more difficult because there are fewer advertising dollars, Leitch said. But B.C. is good at attracting feature films.
"Our customers have had very positive experiences filming in British Columbia and they know what they're going to get here," he said. "There are no surprises and we've got great infrastructure, great crews and great cast."
The low dollar, which was at 82 cents US on Tuesday, is a bonus, Leitch said.
"I think we have everything in our favour right now," he said.
Bridge Studios in Burnaby has been operating at 1OO-per-cent capacity since early last year, said Jim Nesbitt, vice-president of Larco Investments, which owns the studios.
Page 12 of 16 Vancouver Sun dated April 15, 2009 Re: Film Production Buc... 4/20/2009 Page 2 of 2
"And as it sits now, it looks like we're probably going to be at 100-per-cent occupancy all through 2009," Nesbitt said.
B.C. studios are busy because "the B.C. film industry continues to shine above the rest," he said.
Many jurisdictions in both the United States and in Canada have introduced a tax credit similar to that in B.C. to encourage film production, he said.
"But what they don't have is the professional people that are in B.C. that make it so much easier for producers to make TV series and to make movies," Nesbitt said. "We have an infrastructure in place that has been built up over the years that provides us with a competitive advantage. " [email protected]
ON THE SET
The BC Film Commission keeps track of what projects are in production in the province. Here's what's happening now, and what was happening a year ago.
FEATURES DVD / FEATURES
2008: 6/2008: 4
2009: 9 /2009: 3
MOVIES OF THE WEEK / PILOTS
2008: 3 / 2008: 1
2009:4 / 2009: 2
MINISERIES / TV SERIES
2008: 1/2008: 12
2009: 2/2009:7
TOTALS
2008:27
2009:27
Page 13 of 16 Vancouver Sun dated April 15, 2009 Re: Film Production Buc... 4/20/2009 Reports on a Successful A Greener Home for 2008 for Motion Picture Vancouver Film Studios Last year at Vancouver Film Studios, an Production in B.C. office renovation was undertaken to expand and improve on space. The project provided On March 9 2009,The Honourable Bill an ideal opportunity to build further on the Bennett, Minister of Tourism, Culture & green initiatives alr~ad;y'implemented on the the Arts visited North Shore Studios to I()t. .Withsoman1Y'~r:i/;)riitiesearmarked for .the tally for BC's motion the new space .....not the least of which were picture production i . In spite of global economic environmental consideratiom;-the project uncertainty a,nd,industry challenges like a high CAD dollar last cOQrdinatorhad hiSwork CUtOBtfor him, year, the Mi re' . q av~ry I" ble $1.2 withal11ultitudeofdirectivess~aping the production i 8. •..,p~je
A dynamic strategic planning session took place at Mammoth Studios on February 26, with a full house of MPPIA members turning out to set the stage for 2009/10. A review of the Association's 2008 Committees, Tasks Forces and their respective accomplishments in 2008 helped to shape plans for the coming year.
MPPIAStanding Committees and Task Forces going forward in 2009/10 are:
Executive Committee Business Development Government Affairs Environment Committee Finance, Audit & Risk Golf Tournament Education & Training Los Angeles/International Marketing Motion Picture Industry Week MPPIAShort Film Award 2010 Olympic Liaison Taken in the boardroom at Mammoth Studios, 46 industry stakeholders participated in MPPIA's Strategic Planning Session What to Expect in 2009/10: • Continued work in industry/government relations at all levels, with specific attention to federal relations.
• Implementation of a comprehensive communications plan regarding industry impact of the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Games. With the BC Film Commission established as the official industry information gateway for the 2010 Games, MPPIA will work closely with the Commission to ensure that enquiries are steered toward dedicated BCFCpersonnel and a web page capturing all timely logistical information. • Develop cross sector relations between motion picture, digital entertainment and new media sectors. • MPPIA Business Development to focus on competitive issues in the post production sector. • Continued group marketing initiatives; in addition to continued efforts in Los Angeles, a new focus on international markets, particularly where co-production treaties are in place, is to be added. • Assist in the spin-off of Reel Green BC as an independent industry initiative under the auspices of the Recycling Council of BC; implement an industry communications plan supporting the initiative. • 3rd Annual Motion Picture Industry Week, this year proposed to take place in mid November to avoid conflict with other industry events. This year the week will include new partners and events, and will build on some of the success stories of the last two years.
Please consider joining MPPIA to support a strong future for motion picture production in a.c. Membership fees support our activities and provide members with access, to participate in the vision and direction of the organization. A range of membership levels are designed to suit the sizeand budgets of participating companies and individuals. Our new online form ensures a simple registration process -- visit www.mppia.comandfollowthemembershiplinks.Thisisyourindustry-haveavoice.be a part of the vision - join MPPIA. Page 15 of 16 MPPIA Newsletter dated March 2009 BRITISH COLUMBIA 11.1 FILM COMMISSION
1"0: Motion Picture Production Industry Colleagues
Date: April 15,2009
Re: 2010 Winter Olympic Games, February 2010
Dear Industry Friends and Colleagues:
As many of you know, Vancouver and Whistler will welcome the world February 12-28 for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. During the Games, motion picture production in the Lower Mainland and throughout British Columbia is expected to continue with 'business as usual' with the exception of areas around Olympic venues and their respective security perimeters. Logistics planning may also require extra consideration during this period, in areas such as transportation and accommodation.
In an effort to minimize any interruption to the business of motion picture production, particularly pertaining to areas of downtown Vancouver that will be affected by Olympic activity, the British Columbia Film Commission has established a client information gateway on its website.
Visit www.bcfilmcommission.com/communitv/20100Ivmpics for detailed information on any area of our business that may be impacted by 2010 Games activity. Should you have production-specific questions or issues you wish to address for project planning during this period, we encourage you to contact Film Commissioner Susan Croome directly at 604.660.2732.
The British Columbia Film Commission is working closely with the City of Vancouver and the Olympic Organizing Committee to ensure that we are providing the latest information to streamline your production planning during the Olympic time frame. As always, the capable team at the BC Film Commission is ready to assist with any planning concerns you may have during this period.
February 2010 will be an exciting time in Vancouver and Whistler. Should you find yourselves working in British Columbia at that time, we hope you will take advantage of the rare opportunity to see the Winter Olympic Games in action.
In the meantime, the BC Film Commission will continue to carry out the job of ensuring that your production needs are met in an effective and timely manner.
Susan Croome, Director Peter Leitch, Chair BC Film Commission Motion Picture Production 604.660.2732 Industry Association of BC www.bcfilmcommission.com/communitv/20100Iympics 604 983 5980 [email protected] www.mppia.com [email protected]
Page 16 of 16 British Columbia Film Commission-MPPIA dated April 15, 2009 ...