The Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) has commended and congratulated Governor Jerry Brown on his signing of AB 1941; legislation that, among other things, provides a consistent voice for independent commercial producers on the California Film Commission. The AICP worked closely with Assemblymember Patty Lopez (D-San Fernando) and her staff to amend the original bill to include a designated seat appointed by the Governor for a two- year term. The original bill proposed designating a seat for independent filmmakers on the Commission, a provision that remains in the signed legislation.
“Independent commercial producers and filmmakers possess a unique set of skills, talents and professional experiences,” noted Lopez. ”They are extremely resourceful artists who clearly have a lot to bring to the table. Furthermore, their productions are a valuable source of economic growth and job opportunities for the residents of California. The signing of AB 1941 into law will undoubtedly benefit countless workers as well as the commercial and film industries as a whole.”
More than 30 years ago, the state legislature established the California Film Commission to encourage and retain on-location filming in California. Commercial producers, along with film and television, represent the three main sources of on-location film production in California.
The new bill reverses a lack of representation of members from the commercial production industry in the last decade; only one individual from the industry has served on the Commission during this period. Of all commercial projects produced domestically, roughly half are shot in the Golden State. This legislation improves the Commission’s ability to attract and retain on-location commercial shoots in state.
“As our industry continues to evolve, independent commercial producers face a rapidly changing and competitive environment,” noted David Phelps, director of external relations, AICP. “AB 1941 sends a strong message that California welcomes commercial shoots, the jobs they create and the $2 billion in direct production expenditures our members invested last year in-state. We are thankful to Assemblymember Lopez for hearing our concerns, and for her leadership in sheparding this bill to passage.”
Commercial producers depend on available and accessible locations, such as state parks and highways, to film content. For every four commercial shoot days, three are produced on location; the highest ratio in the film industry. According to the California Film Commission, almost a quarter of all film permits for shooting on state lands are issued for commercials. Specifically, 23.7% of all film permits in 2015 were for commercials; 22% in 2014.
Several industry stakeholders have pre-designated seats on the Commission, including representatives of motion picture studios, as well as labor organizations.
