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This newsletter is HTML-enhanced. Those unable to
view HTML messages may be missing certain graphics
and formatting. To view this nesletter as intended,
direct your web browser to:
http://www.filmlainc.com/FILMLANEWS0206.html
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By now you’ve heard the news...
EIDC has become FilmL.A., Inc., complete with a new logo and new offices downtown at Los Angeles Center Studios. FilmL.A. is more than just our new name, it's a statement that we're committed to keeping L.A.'s signature industry here at home, where it belongs. Our move to new headquarters downtown supports that effort. We're now located in the middle of a bustling studio campus that's close to popular production locations, as well as the neighborhoods and government agencies we serve. Everyone here at FilmL.A. has worked very hard over the last two years to build and improve our organization. We are committed to continuing to enhance our service, and look forward to making sure that Los Angeles remains the entertainment industry's first choice for on-location production. We encourage you to come visit us at our new home. View our online Guide to Getting Here for directions. Steve MacDonald President |
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Each permit released by FilmL.A. is accompanied by a copy of the Filmmakers’ Code of Professional Conduct, which reminds production crews to treat the communities they visit with respect. But adherence to the Code is just one of many factors that can influence how filming is perceived by a neighborhood. As the Los Angeles Daily News reminded its readers last November, the novelty and potential for profit when one’s home or business is featured in a film, TV show or commercial can be very appealing. The residents of Langdon Avenue in the San Fernando Valley routinely extend a hearty welcome to production crews. Such support has helped their neighborhood, which has a charming, “anywhere USA” look, become one of the region’s most popular on-location destinations. When filming comes to a neighborhood, the neighbors' experience depends largely on what they make of it. FilmL.A. applauds the residents of Langdon Avenue for their hospitality. We look forward to spotlighting other local film friendly communities in future editions of this newsletter. |
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Curious to know which feature films, television shows and commercials are shooting in Los Angeles? Between the streets and stages, there are simply too many to list. Nonetheless, here are a few you might have seen recently working out on location:
Feature Films:
Television Programs:
Commercials (by Product/Brand):
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Los Angeles-area residents have come to expect the
courtesy of an advance warning before filming comes
to their neighborhood. At FilmL.A., we take this
expectation very seriously. With a new mandate
from the City of Los Angeles, FilmL.A. recently
assumed responsibility for notification at all locations
for which it coordinates permits.
FilmL.A.’s centralized notification program enables us to minimize any disturbance caused by filming, while resolving most on-location issues before activity even begins. In addition, our comprehensive database allows us to track resident satisfaction levels over time. FilmL.A.’s team of notification professionals, many of whom are bilingual, hits the streets every day to notify residents about upcoming filming. Nearly a quarter million notifications were distributed in 2005, leading to the return of many postage-prepaid cards bearing feedback from area residents. The results of this new undertaking have been very positive. Since FilmL.A. (then EIDC) received its mandate, we have observed a 55 percent reduction in notification related complaints. In fact, we notified over 60,000 homes and businesses last quarter, drawing only 44 such complaints. |
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On October 21, 2005, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced a proposal to waive use fees for filming at all City facilities. Such a waiver will finally bring the City of Los Angeles into line with other jurisdictions, including the State of California, that do not charge public facility fees for filming. The proposal was one of the key short-term policy recommendations set forth by the Entertainment Alliance during a meeting convened by FilmL.A. last June. The Alliance also presented the Mayor with several other short and medium-term recommendations as part of a comprehensive plan to make Los Angeles more film-friendly. FilmL.A. is very encouraged by the City’s response. The initial fee-waiver proposal was introduced as a motion in City Council by Councilmember Wendy Greuel on December 14, 2005. It is a practical and meaningful gesture of support for the entertainment industry, and an important step toward keeping production here at home. We look forward to working closely with local officials on future initiatives. |
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Kudos to the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Airports for helping the hit show My Name is Earl (20th Century Fox Television) resolve a costly parking issue that was forcing temporary traffic lane closures during rush hour. Due to insufficient parking at the show’s soundstage adjacent to Van Nuys Airport, staff members were forced to park at a remote location and van pool to the set. But a coordinated effort led by FilmL.A. helped the show acquire a short-term lease for a public parking lot adjacent to the stage. The results? Savings of approximately $120K for the show, new revenue for the City and improved traffic flow during rush hour. In particular, FilmL.A. would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their contributions to Los Angeles-area production:
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FilmL.A. has received extensive media coverage in
recent weeks on issues ranging from entertainment
industry employment to our name change and
new downtown headquarters. Just last week, we
were featured in numerous print and broadcast
stories about our reporting of last year's production
numbers. There was in-depth coverage in the trades,
the Los Angeles Times and the Daily News, as well as
an in-studio interview segment on KNX-AM. Other
outlets that picked up the story include The
Wall Street Journal, KNBC-TV, KTLA-TV, KFWB-AM,
KFI-AM and the Associated Press... to name just a
few. In addition, we worked with the news
department at KCBS-TV on a recent episode of the
Studio2 public affairs program featuring Steve
MacDonald. The program examined the issue of
runaway production, and also featured producers
Roger Corman and Paul Hertzberg.
We're working to add many of these print and
broadcast stories to the FilmL.A. web site. Here's a
brief sampling:
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Here’s some additional industry news that may be of interest:
FilmL.A., Inc., (formerly EIDC) is a private, one-of-a- kind nonprofit corporation working on behalf of film, television, and commercial producers, Los Angeles area residents and local government to sustain Los Angeles' position as the global leader in media production. FilmL.A. is not a government agency, but holds contracts with several cities and other government agencies to facilitate on- location filming. |
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