FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, August 12, 2010 Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, 415-554-6131 San Francisco Film Commission, 415-554-6241

*** PRESS RELEASE ***

MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM AND HBO FILMS ANNOUNCE FILMING OF HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN IN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco, CA— Mayor Newsom today announced that HBO has committed to base the production of the HBO Films original movie Hemingway & Gellhorn in San Francisco.

Directed by from a script by Jerry Stahl and Barbara Turner, Hemingway & Gellhorn follows the tumultuous romance and subsequent marriage between the literary master, Ernest Hemingway, and the up- and-coming war correspondent, Martha Gellhorn, taking them to the Spanish Civil War and beyond. As she grew in reputation and stature, Gellhorn stood toe-to-toe with Hemingway, putting his famous bravado and iconic style to the test. Starring and , the film is produced by ’s Attaboy Films. Gandolfini, Alex Ryan, Barbara Turner, Peter Kaufman and Philip Kaufman executive produce. Nancy Sanders and Mark Armstrong co-executive produce. Trish Hofmann produces.

“HBO’s decision to establish this production in San Francisco in a time when many projects are fleeing the state is a testament to the benefit of both the Scene in San Francisco rebate program and the State of California’s tax credit incentives for filming,” said Mayor Newsom. “Thanks to the urging of Bay Area residents Philip and Peter Kaufman, HBO saw the financial and creative benefits of basing production in our city. As a result, San Francisco residents will reap the benefits of new jobs and a multi-million dollar stimulus to our local economy.”

According to standard economic multipliers for the film industry, each dollar HBO spends on production in San Francisco generates a total output of $2.95 back into our economy.

Additionally, according to the Milken Institute’s July 2010 study on Film Flight, every job created in the film industry can be expected to generate 2.5 additional jobs throughout the local economy. With HBO’s projected employment of 230 production employees, it is expected that the project will result in the creation of 805 full time equivalent jobs locally.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Phil Kaufman in San Francisco,” said Len Amato, president, HBO Films. “His and Peter’s love for this great city is palpable, and the hospitality, wonderful locations, crews, and local talent will be a great asset to the success of our production.”

###