The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) unveiled its board of directors for 2016 at last month’s 39th Cineposium film summit in Barcelona, Spain.

AFCI chairman George David of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan made the announcement during the closing remarks of Cineposium at the Disseny Hub Barcelona. Elected to two-year terms were: Kevin Jennings, Film Otago Southland (New Zealand); Jeanne Corcoran, Sarasota Film and Entertainment Office; Pamela Haynes, West Virginia Film Office; and Karen Carberry Warhola, Maine Film Office.

These newly elected board members join AFCI’s board of directors currently continuing their terms: Chairman David; Walea Contantinau, Honolulu Film Office; Nick Maniatis, New Mexico Film Office; Silvia Echeverri, Colombian Film Commission; Deny Staggs, Montana Film Office; Sigmund Elias Holm, Western Norway Film Commission; and Marijana Stoisits, Vienna Film Commission.

“The AFCI’s continual success hinges on the dedicated participation of our members to set the trajectory of our organization and embody excellence in service that is synonymous to the AFCI brand,” said David. “Diversity and inclusion are paramount and reflected in our board which is comprised of members from Austria, Colombia, Jordan, New Zealand, Norway and the United States.”

Chairman David looks forward to the AFCI board continuing its work of providing unique and insightful education, events and services to its over 300 members who assist film, TV and video production across the globe in their respective governmental jurisdictions.

Also during the closing of the Cineposium Film Summit, AFCI Chairman, David presented the organization’s Certified Film Commissioner designations to Craig A. Woods, Bahamas Film Commission; Angelika Pagitz, Cine Tirol Austria Film Commission; and Rodrigo Ardiles, Film Commission Association of Chile.

Made In NY Entrepreneur Grants Program Launched
At press time, the industry was awaiting an announcement identifying the recipients of the first Made In NY Entrepreneur Innovation Grants, which were created for New York City-based projects. The recently launched program will award several grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000 each to projects in early development focused on innovative approaches to content and delivery. The grants are open to projects and companies within Media/Technology, including virtual reality, gaming, filmmaking, animation, and postproduction.

“Funding is an important and necessary stage in the creative process,” said film commissioner Cynthia López, Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. “With the Made in NY Entrepreneur Innovation Grants, New Yorkers will have the access and opportunity they need to better focus on the work at hand and bring their unique vision to life.”

“The Made in NY Entrepreneur Innovation Grants are a rare opportunity for a small business or early stage project to receive equity- free funding,” said Joana Vicente, executive director of IFP and the Made in NY Media Center by IFP. “This cash injection will allow entrepreneurs and innovators to kick start the progress of their businesses in their nascent stages. In a climate where investment and funding within the Media/Technology sectors are increasingly scarce and expensive, the Grants provide equity and stake-free support to those pushing the boundaries of creative innovation.”

The Made in NY Entrepreneur Innovation Grants are open to individual content creators and/or businesses residing in or operating primarily in New York City. Media and technology companies must be in the beginning funding stages at the time of their application. A wide range of projects is considered. The grants look to support those who are engaging new technologies that create and disseminate media. Grant awardees will become members of the Made in NY Media Center by IFP, a DUMBO, Brooklyn-based incubator developed through a partnership formed among Independent Filmmaker Project, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

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