New national broadcast markets have just been announced as Backcountry Pictures and KQED present “California Forever,” a two-part PBS television special that tells the story of California’s magnificent state parks. The two one-hour programs remind viewers of the importance of California’s state parks as well as their priceless legacy. California Forever is now also scheduled to air on PBS’s WORLD on Oct. 12, 2012 and throughout the nation in September and October. The special will air in 43 states. For local air dates, check local listings; and for a complete air date schedule, please visit here.n nKnown for telling compelling stories with stunning imagery, “California Forever” further solidifies Backcountry Pictures‘ reputation for producing programs with high-end production values. Oscar(r)-nominated director-writer David Vassar, Backcountry Pictures co-founder and producer Sally Kaplan, and cinematographer Christopher Tufty capture the arresting visuals of California’s state park in two, one-hour documentaries. nn"Although there have been challenges with park closures and unreported funding, the current issues will be resolved and fade but the scenic lands and historic sites that state parks protect must never be forgotten," said David Vassar. "In California Forever, we hope to encourage viewers to explore state parks in their neighborhoods and across California; to remind them of the priceless legacy that parks protect and to honor the individuals and groups who fought to preserve them." nn
nn”California Forever: The History of California State Parks” highlights the discovery and creation of California’s state parks system and celebrates the individuals and groups whose passion and commitment helped preserve and protect them for future generations. It takes viewers on a scenic, cultural and historical tour of California’s state parks highlighting the people, key events and locales that made California history. nn”California Forever: Parks for the Future” presents the very real challenges that state parks are currently facing in California. Among these are habitat destruction by overuse; protection of native species at the expense of recreation; reclaiming industrial brown fields to create new parks in dense urban areas; establishing historic sites that commemorate people and events from diverse cultures; and park closures.n nNOTE: For complete air dates visit here. Visit www.PBS.org for more information.nnVisit Back Country Pictures on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Vimeo.Sally Christgau ignite strategic communications Direct: 415.238.2254 Contact Sally via email
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More