Film Production Guide: Government Film Offices
International
Association of Film Commissioners International
9595 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(323) 461-2324
afci.org/afci-member-location-directory
History. The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) incorporated in Washington, D.C. in 1983. AFCI is the official professional organization for film commissioners who assist film, television and video production throughout the world. AFCI Members are comprised of more than 300 film commissions in 45 countries on six continents; making it the leading resource on the planet for location shooting.
Locations Show, AFCI’s annual trade show, averages more than 200 film commissions and commercial affiliates exhibiting their services to more than 3,000 industry delegates.
Commission Structure and Responsibilities. Established by cities, counties, states, provinces or federal governments, film commissions are generally operated and funded by various agencies of government, such as the governor’s office, the mayor’s office, the county board of supervisors, chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, travel commissions, and business and economic development departments as well as non-profits.
Their primary responsibility is to attract film and video production to their area to accrue the locally-realized benefits of hiring local crews and talent, renting local equipment, using hotel rooms, rental cars, catering services, or any number of goods and services supplied on location.
Seattle and Washington
Seattle Mayor’s Office of Film and Music
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5752
PO Box 94708
Seattle, WA 98124-4708
(206) 733-9245
(206) 684-5030
facebook.com/SeattleOFM
Contact:Chris Swenson, Film & Special Events Program Manager.
The Office of Film + Music supports the film industry in Seattle. The film section of their website will provide you with everything you need to know about filming in the city. You can explore their filming manual, submit film permits, learn about city and state incentives or browse film related events. The OF+M newsletter provides current news about film-related online shows, podcasts, organizations, websites, and companies.
Washington Filmworks
1904 Third Ave Avenue, Suite 228
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 264-0667
facebook.com/WashingtonFilmworks
Contact: Amy Lillard, Executive Director
In February 2009, the Washington State Film Office and its production resources were integrated into Washington Filmworks, creating a single organization to handle film production support and incentives statewide.
Washington Filmworks manages the state film and production incentive programs. Its mission is to create economic development opportunities by building and enhancing the competitiveness, profile, and sustainability of Washington’s film industry. Website has links to many resources for producing film projects in Washington state.
Portland And Oregon
Northwest Film Center
Classes and Offices
934 SW Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97205
Screenings
Portland Art Museum
Whitsell Auditorium
1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97205
(503) 221-1156
Contact: Consult the Staff Directory
Established in 1971, the Northwest Film Center is a regional media arts resource and service organization founded to encourage the study, appreciation, and utilization of the moving image arts, foster their artistic and professional excellence. NWFC provides a variety of film and video exhibition, education, and information programs primarily directed to the residents of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.
The NWFC conducts an active year-round exhibition program of foreign, classic, experimental, and independent works that showcase a wide array of regional, national, and international cinema and video art. Several annual festivals, thematic series, special retrospectives, visiting artist programs, and free screenings of new world cinema for high school classes also highlight contributions to the art form.
The NWFC’s education programs provide classes, workshops, studios, and camps to working and aspiring video storytellers, and youth in 4th-12th grades.
Other services NWFC offers filmmakers include: administering the Media Arts Fellowship, serving as a fiscal agent for independent producers in need of non-profit sponsorship, and offering low-cost equipment access to community producers.
Oregon Film
Oregon Governor’s Office of Film & Television
123 NE 3rd Ave, Suite 210
Portland, OR 97232
(971) 254-4020
Contact: Tim Williams, Executive Director.
Founded in 1968, Oregon Film promotes the development of the film, video, and multimedia industry in Oregon. OF’s goal is to enhance the industry’s revenues, profile, and reputation within Oregon and among the industry internationally.
OF’s various incentive programs can rebate up to 20% of a project’s Oregon-based goods and services, and up to 16.2% of payroll wages paid to production personnel working in the state. Visit the website for more information plus links to regional resources as well as crew, services, cast, and vendors directories.
Vancouver and British Columbia, Canada
Creative BC
7 West 6th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V5Y 1K2 Canada
(604) 736-7997
creativebc.com/industry-sectors/motion-picture/index
creativebc.com/community/filming-in-our-communities
Website: creativebc.com
Twitter: @creativebcs
Facebook: /creativebcs
Instagram: @creativebcs
Contact: Sandi Richter Cooper, BC Film Commissioner & Director of Production Services
Creative BC is an independent society created and supported by the Province of BC to sustain and help grow BC’s creative sector (film and television, digital and interactive media, music, and magazine and book publishing industries). The society delivers a wide range of programs and services to expand BC’s creative economy. These include the administration of the provincial government’s tax credit programs for film and television; development funding and export marketing support; and motion picture production services to attract inward investment and market BC as a destination for domestic and international production. The society acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help BC’s creative sector reach its economic and creative potential both at home and globally.
Creative BC supports ongoing collaboration between the many industries and government stakeholders who contribute to British Columbia’s successful motion picture industry. These include eight regional film commissions, industry and labour organizations, and government at all levels–from provincial ministries and agencies to the 33 municipal film offices (12 outside Metro Vancouver) and the Province’s Los Angeles-based BC film marketing and trade office.
Vancouver Film Office
Film & Special Events Office
126 Keefer St
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
(604) 257-8840
http://vancouver.ca/doing-business/film-permits.aspx
The City of Vancouver and Park Board film offices helps production companies to:
- Access civic services
- Get film activity permits and other related permits suited to your production’s specific needs
- Approve location requests to film on streets, parks, or other City properties in ways that respect our residents and businesses
Proposed filming locations could mean working with the Park Board Film Office (for in and around parks), City Film Office (for all other public locations), or both.
Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission
(includes Victoria)
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 38034 Fort Street
Victoria, BC
V8W 3N2 Canada
Office Address:
514 Government Street – 2nd Fl.
Victoria, BC V8V 2L7
(250) 386-3976
Toll-Free: 1-844-816-3456
facebook.com/VISFilmCommission
Contact: Kathleen Gilbert, Film Commissioner
The Vancouver Island South Film and Media Commission is a non-profit organization and was established on December 18th 1984. Its mandate is to market and promote the locations, skills and creativity inherent in Victoria and Vancouver Island to the global film industry.
The film industry in BC has experienced tremendous growth over the past 20 years, leading to the development of a broad and mature base of support and services, consisting of skilled professionals, crews and companies dedicated to the industry.
Formed as a non-profit organization, the Commission now offers a full range of services for film producers and companies interested in using Greater Victoria as a location. The Production/Location Services Department is the area of service within the Commission most familiar to film companies and producers. Commission staff and contractors provide assistance with the following:
- Script Breakdown – Using the photo library as a base resource, the Commission provides complete script breakdown services.
- Scouting and Surveys – Based on production and script requirements, the Commission will scout and photograph specific locations that may not be on file in the Commission’s library.
- Ongoing Support – Support includes production research and information, location expertise, and assistance with other support and technical services. Staff provide assistance with contacting appropriate agencies regarding city filming permits, as well as information on trade unions, guilds, labour rates, studio facilities, post-production facilities and suppliers.
- Photo Library – The library is continually being updated and expanded, and consists of key images from all over the Capital Regional District used in script breakdowns, commercial requests and ongoing production and location support.
The Commission also publishes production guide that includes necessary services available in Victoria and Vancouver and other areas in South Vancouver Island.
Alaska
Alaska Film Office
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 500
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907 )269-4048
commerce.alaska.gov/web/ded/dev/film.aspx
Contact: Ethan Tyler, Manager.
The Alaska Film Office provides production assistance by guiding film directors, makers, and producers to resources that fit their artistic and budgetary needs. This includes information and assistance with filming locations, rules and regulations, transportation, crew, talent, and support services. The AFO also works with organizations in the private sector for the expansion and development of film production industries in the state.
Idaho
Idaho Film Office
PO Box 83720
700 W. State St. 2nd Fl.
Boise, ID 83720-0093
Office: (208) 334-2470
Amy Rajkovich: (208) 780-5153
commerce.idaho.gov/idaho-business/film
Contact: Amy Rajkovich, Tourism Specialist.
The Idaho Film Office works with producers to coordinate locations, crews, and equipment. IFO also offers consulting and other support services for filmmakers and digital artists.
Montana
Montana Film Office
301 South Park Ave
Helena, MT 59620
(800) 553.4563
(406) 841.2876
facebook.com/MontanaFilmOffice
Contact: J.D. Jacoby, Locations Coordinator.
Originally established in 1974 as a central information source for on-location filmmakers, the MFO now features dedicated staff committed to serving the film production industry. The MFO has three roles:
- Promote the state of Montana as a filming location to the Film/TV/Print industries
- Assist producers to find locations that fit their script, as well as act as their liaison through every phase of production
- Nurture and support the development of our resident crew base, as well as our resident filmmakers