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2021 EDITION
BACK TO BUSINESS
The Destination Film Industry Reboots
AMERICAN FILM MARKET Virtual Conference Points to Film’s Innovative Future
A Premier Travel Media publication • DestinationFilmGuide.com
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WELCOME
The Intersection of Film Production and Great Locations
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new era is dawning for the film production industry. Somewhere, a director’s mothballed project will be brought back to life. A producer’s best idea yet will become reality. A location manager’s dream destination will appear in direct sight. COVID has drastically hampered large-scale production across the world at a time when consumer demand for original content couldn’t be greater. We have created Destination Film Guide as a recovery tool for the film production industry. Facing new restrictions and tightened budgets, film producers will need to ramp up production quickly and will be looking for beautiful, safe and convenient locations where they can locate their projects. Destination Film Guide is a North American-focused publication and website, featuring both forward-thinking articles and branded content marketing. Our aim is to showcase fresh locations across Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean through expert storytelling. Armed with updated data and fresh locations, film crews and talent will be able to schedule and complete projects faster. There’s no better way to draw a prospect closer to your brand than outstanding content production and delivery. Across the Destination Film channels we will create engaging, performance-based, SEOfriendly content with strategically placed calls-to-action. Combined with an elegant display of your best photographic assets, this compelling presentation draws prospects directly to you.
Debuting Early 2021
We’re forecasting to publish the inaugural guide in late spring 2021, with the corresponding website launching to be in January 2021. You can expect the inaugural Destination Film Guide will be a fashion magazine-quality print and digital publication featuring editorial stories pertinent to producers, directors and location scouts, complete with insider interviews, forecasts, trends and safety protocols. I encourage you to get involved in the launch of Destination Film Guide and put your destination on center stage. It is indeed a new era for the film production industry, and DFG is a new tool that provides unfettered access to decision-makers. To the future, Jeff Gayduk, Publisher
Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com
Publisher
Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com
Associate Editor Miles Dobis miles@ptmgroups.com
Chief of Content & Technology Lance Harrell lance@ptmgroups.com
Director, Design & Production Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com
Regional Business Development Managers West + Canada
Dan Maloney P 630.794.0696 • dan@ptmgroups.com
Midwest/Frontier West + Mexico
Theresa O’Rourke P 630.794.0696 • theresa@ptmgroups.com
Central/Northeast
Tom Tobiason P 630.794.0696 • tom@ptmgroups.com
South + Caribbean Cheryl Rash
P 563.613.3068 • cheryl@ptmgroups.com The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsi bility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.
Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 publication All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Cover photo: iStock.com/Rowan Jordan
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American Film Market Pivots To Successful Digital Event
THE COMPLETELY DIGITAL INDUSTRY EVENT AND FILM FESTIVAL PROVED SUCCESSFUL DESPITE ALTERED PRESENTATIONS.
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BY MILES DOBIS
merican Film Marketplace—an annual gathering of exhibitors, media and other industry professionals in Santa Monica—completed its 2020 iteration with success given unprecedented logistical challenges. With COVID-19 cases surging in the United States and the intermediate future of the industry uncertain, the event managed to draw over 571 exhibitors from 82 countries and 1,500 buyers from 66 countries, respectively. While creatives noted that a majority of post-COVID permits have overwhelmingly indicated a return of commercial shoots instead of television/film, there was a palpable enthusiasm for the industry’s return even in AFM’s new digital presentation. AFM 2020 keynote speaker Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, noted that the future of in-person theatrical experiences and in-person film festivals appeared bleak, but that that there was still promise for “express elevator” growth once COVID cases were under control and curbed with a vaccine. Gill
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also noted the viability of middle-tiered production companies and disturbers to execute profitable releases given the mixed box office and critical reception of recent blockbusters such as Warner Bros.’ Tenet and Disney’s Mulan. Elissa Federoff, president of distribution at NEON (whose recent successes include Parasite and Portrait of a Lady on Fire), was more optimistic that the theatrical market would soon be thriving once more. “We know that audiences will come back to movie theaters, that the theatrical landscape will be vibrant again. This is very exciting news about the vaccine because potentially it makes the span of time a little shorter.” She continued, “I truly believe there is no virtual offering, there is no streaming equivalent, there’s no digital equivalent to being in a movie theater
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iStock.com/ Be t_Noire
“Content is king these days. You’re not going to see a slowdown in this industry. While some productions have shifted overseas because of the shutdowns, I can tell you that the film industry is going to be on the cutting edge of discovering the best bang for the buck.” – Nicole Ameln
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Photo courtesy of American Film Market
AMERICAN FILM MARKET PIVOTS
Digital "conference rooms" offered to AFM attendees.
with an audience having a completely a slowdown in this industry. While some immersive experience in the dark, no productions have shifted overseas phones, no talking, no distractions and because of the shutdowns, I can of the audience being a character tell you that the film industry is After over in that film. That really changes the going to be on the cutting edge 70 sessions and hundreds of networking hours, film whole dynamic.” However, Federoff of discovering the best bang professionals exited the conceded that multiplatform for the buck.” But in states like digital event with a renewed releases that rely on VOD and Georgia and Louisiana that are sense of optimism and subscription products in addition to notable for their tax incentives, trust in the film industry’s theatrical box office are the way of the 2021 budget crunch may result ability to endure the the immediate future. in reduced enticement to shoot in COVID-19 crisis. Organizers successfully pivoted to those areas. a completely digital event. The AFM “There’s going to be a possible “campus” consisted on panel stages, increase in tax rates, especially since a media services station and a networking the demand and supply changed in 2020. pavilion that allowed for face-to-face Zoom meetings Since less people were shooting there’s going to be and casual video discussions that encouraged industry less credits available, so we’re seeing many Fortune connectivity. Popular sessions included “Who Did I 500 companies buying tax credits in every state Offend Now? Cultural Competency in Storytelling,” that offers one,” said Monarch Private Capital’s film “Distributing & Monetizing Feature Documentaries” and finance expert Marco Cordova in the same session. “Global Sales and VOD.” After over 70 sessions and hundreds of networking The common thread? “Content is king these days,” hours, film professionals exited the digital event with said Nicole Ameln in her session “U.S. Film Incentives: a renewed sense of optimism and trust in the film From Application to Audit.” “You’re not going to see industry’s ability to endure the COVID-19 crisis.
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THE INTERSECTION OF
FILM PRODUCTION AND GREAT LOCATIONS
Be part of the rebuilding of film production in North America!
Contact us today at 630.794.0696, email Advertising@ptmgroups.com
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Sabrina is the gold standard for film commissioners, and she made a tremendous difference throughout the process. We scouted many areas, including other national parks in California and ended up choosing Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Shasta area because of the beautiful scenery, the variety of locations available in such close proximity, and also because of Sabrina’s guiding influence and assurance that these locations would be available to us. – Weston Marsh, Location Manager Lassen Volcanic National Park
SHASTA COUNTY, CA Film Shasta is a fantastic resource for producers and location managers who are looking for outstanding footage of the great outdoors. With an abundance of natural resources such as mountains, meadows, rivers and lakes, Shasta County offers over 300 days of sunshine a year. Film Shasta is at your service, offering a diverse location library, permit information, local production support services, on-site monitoring and the latest information about state and local incentives for filmmakers.
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LOCATION SPOTLIGHT Lassen Volcanic National Park The park offers an incredible amount of locations within its borders. Features include waterfalls, meadows, heavily forested areas, fire-scarred locations, campgrounds, lakes, trails, windy roads, spectacular views and more. The park was recently featured in a Nature Valley commercial, which won park ranger Michelle D’Ulisse and location manager Weston Marsh California On Location Awards for their efforts. Sundial Bridge Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Sundial Bridge is an architectural marvel. The glass-decked, cable-
stayed cantilever suspension bridge reaches 217 feet into the sky, spans 710 feet across the Sacramento River and is one of the world’s largest working sundials. This has been a popular spot for commercial projects and b-roll. Companies including Nautica, GMC and most recently Prudential filmed at this location. Lake Shasta Caverns This location is a National Natural Landmark and provides many options including Shasta Lake access, catamarans, buses, an old military LCM-6 vessel and multi-room caverns available for filmmaking. This has been a popular location for indie filmmakers and b-roll for commercials. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Sundial Bridge
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park The most popular centerpiece of this park is the 129-foot Burney Falls. The waterfall, which is fed by underground springs, flows at a steady pace of 100 million gallons every day and can be viewed from various vantage points. The park offers trails, campgrounds, lake access, evergreen forests and even a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. This has been a location for feature and indie films, commercials and more. Shasta Dam Shasta Dam is a curved gravity dam across the Sacramento River at Lake Shasta and provides beautiful shots of the lake and Mt. Shasta. The dam generates hydroelectric power and forms the largest reservoir in California. It served an important role in World War II providing electricity to California factories, and still plays a vital part in the management of state water resources today.
Lake Shasta Caverns
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
⊲ T he beautifully restored Cascade Theatre is a treasure of 1930s Art Deco architecture that hosts screenings and cultural events throughout the year. ⊲ T he 42,000-acre park surrounding Whiskeytown Lake features rare plant and animal life, recreation opportunities and picturesque waterfalls. ⊲ T he Sacramento River Trail crosses the world-famous sundial bridge and is the 17-mile crown jewel of Redding’s trail system.
Cascade Theatre
REBATES AND INCENTIVES Shasta County has a local incentive that was launched in 2018. For qualifying productions, they offer a hotel room/per night rebate, permit fee rebate and a 5% direct spend rebate. Shasta County has 13 permitting agencies due to the variety of locations offered. Filmmakers utilizing multiple locations may be required to fill out multiple permits. All commercial projects are required to complete an application for any public land use.
FILM SHASTA
Sabrina Jurisich 530-710-7784 sabrina@visitredding.com www.FilmShasta.com
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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ America’s first Boardwalk, nine casino resorts, the historic Steel Pier and evocative bays all define Atlantic City as a singular filming location. With easy vehicle access to beaches, ample free parking, generous tax rebates and and a helpful film commission, Atlantic City is an attractive location for your next project.
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LOCATION SPOTLIGHT Historic Boardwalk Hall Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, formerly known as the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall, is a 13,000-seat arena with ice capability, locker rooms, offices and rarely used sections that have retained their 1929 look. Boardwalk Hall was declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1987 as one of the only surviving buildings from the city's early heyday as a seaside resort. Bruised, Halle Berry’s directorial debut, filmed here in November of 2019.
Steel Pier Atlantic City's famous Steel Pier is the centerpiece of family entertainment on the great wooden way. Originally opened in 1898, Steel Pier quickly became known for showcasing the world's top entertainers, delighting thousands of visitors with top names and novelty acts. Home to the third largest observation wheel soaring 227 feet above the beach and Boardwalk. Atlantic City Beach Film with sun, sand, towering resort hotels, the bustling Boardwalk
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Atlantic City Boardwalk
and the awe-inspiring Atlantic Ocean. With 5.5 miles of white sugar sand beaches, dunes, casinos and the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk, this makes the perfect backdrop for any production. Atlantic City Convention Center This is a large convention center located at the end of the Atlantic City Expressway in Atlantic City. Opened in 1997, the center includes 500,000 square feet of showroom space, 5 exhibit halls, 45 meeting rooms with 109,000 square feet of space, a garage with 1,400 parking spaces and the NJ Transit Train Station, which is a fully functional station. The center has played host to many productions and has been portrayed as an airport.
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
⊲ B rowse confection shops, play a midway game and admire gorgeous 19th century architecture on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. ⊲ Enjoy gaming action of every variety in Atlantic City’s nine casinos. ⊲ D iscover one-of-a-kind restaurants, bars, live music, coffee and yoga in the Orange Loop. ⊲ S avor over 100 craft beers and cocktails selected by South Jersey food critic Scott Cronick at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. MEET AC
Heather Colache 609-318-6097 hcolache@meetac.com meetac.com
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Atlantic City Boardwalk
South Jersey has a 35% tax incentive with another 2% if the productions meet certain divsersity criteria. Over 60 percent of the total film production expenses (exclusive of postproduction costs) must be incurred for services and goods purchased through vendors authorized to do business in New Jersey, or qualified film production expenses (expenses incurred in New Jersey for the production of a film) must exceed $1 million per production. Atlantic City Film Permits are free of charge but must be accompanied with proper insurance certificate and will take 5-10 days to process applications.
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REBATES AND INCENTIVES Neither the state of Missouri nor St. Louis offers a film incentive. St. Louis does not require a general film permit.
St. Louis Union Station
ST. LOUIS, MO For film crews, St. Louis boasts a central Midwestern location, great transportation, a favorable economy, four distinct seasons, an eclectic music scene and cooperative city and county governments. Filmmakers will also have easy access to local talent, state-of-the-art post-production facilities and 38,000 hotel rooms.
LOCATION SPOTLIGHT
America’s Center and the Dome at America’s Center This two-million-square-foot facility provides many different options for filming. The 80 versatile meeting rooms can be rearranged to accommodate game shows, filmed athletic competitions and game shows, and easy access to utilities and catering options benefit compact productions. The adjacent Dome at America’s Center can seat
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over 67,000 spectators and host competitive programming, and it was recently used for American Ninja Warrior’s twelfth season.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
St. Louis Union Station This beautiful Romanesque Revival space is a balance of nostalgia and renovation. The stylish and sophisticated Grand Hall features elegant historic touches like the original terrazzo floor, green glazed terracotta bricks, stained glass windows and wooden carpentry detailing perfect for period stories or a striking commercial setting.
⊲ S ee how the best-selling lager is crafted at the Budweiser Brewery Experience.
Gateway Arch National Park Providing a one-of-a-kind background for any production, this American landmark has been featured in Mississippi Grind and Gone Girl.
⊲ C atch stunning views of the city skyline and Mississippi River from the famous Gateway Arch.
⊲ V iew works by Rembrandt and van Gogh at the St. Louis Art Museum. ⊲ L et loose at the City Museum, an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse and architectural marvels. EXPLORE ST. LOUIS FILM
Renee M. Eichelberger Film Commissioner 314-992-0643 reichelberger@explorestlouis.com explorestlouis.com/st-louis-film-office
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