Looking Towards the Future

Timing, it’s often said, is everything. With both the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America on strike at the same time, putting out this edition of Destination Film Guide now seems a little, well, weird. Even though the industry may be at a standstill now (fingers crossed a settlement is reached soon), we can’t help but be hopeful for the future — and we hope you are too.

Addressing a more positive future is the theme of an insightful piece by Miles Dobis, who writes about three states that are showcasing how tax incentives can create a more diverse industry workforce.

Called DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives, these efforts financially benefit productions that not only film in a particular state but also integrate underrepresented groups into their production team,” writes Dobis. Sounds like a win-win to us.

In this issue, we also explore the ins and outs of filming in some of the 550-plus government-owned historic buildings around the country. We spoke with two experts at the General Services Administration Center for Historic Buildings to get all the details. Short answer: It’s not as difficult as you might think.

We also went to the source for this issue’s “Through the Eyes of a Location Scout” article. Based in Florida, Leah Sokolowsky has some 30 years of experience in the industry, which comes with plenty of advice, insights and interesting stories.

It’s no secret that there’s more to being a great location scout than, well, finding a great location. Knowing the current developments on the tax incentive front is vital too when it comes to your bottom line. Our comprehensive Film Incentives roundups review financial benefits of working in various states, provinces and countries across North America and the Caribbean to maximize your production budget.

Want to stay updated on the latest industry news? Check our website for Hollywood updates and articles that highlight innovative film commissions across the continent.

Best,

Lisa Shames

2023 EDITION

Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Lisa Shames lisas@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com

Contributing Writer– Miles Dobis mdobis6@gmail.com

Southeast and Midwest – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com

East – Diane Meglino P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 diane@ptmgroups.com

West – Tom Tobiason P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 tom@ptmgroups.com

Destination Film Guide is published annually by Premier Travel Media Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. This publication is distributed free of charge to producers, directors, location scouts and others involved in the film production industry.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media

ON THE COVER: Hotel Utica is a historic hotel building in downtown Utica, NY.

Photo courtesy of Matt Ossowski, Mohawk Valley Pictures and Film Utica

When you spot these QR codes at the end of every Site InSpection, take a picture with your mobile device to unlock expanded content from our Destination Film Guide website! Access exclusive interviews, trending destinations and industry news.

M. Highsmith

Features

6 Encouraging Diversity Equity & Inclusion Through DEI Initiatives

Three states showcase how tax incentives can create a more diverse industry workforce

8 History in the (Film) Making

With more than 550 one-of-a-kind historic buildings under its jurisdiction, the U.S. government is a location scout’s dream

12 The Top Film Fests in North America

From Utah’s Sundance Film Festival and the Harlem Film Festival in New York to Austin’s allencompassing South By Southwest, we spotlight the film festivals you need to know about

14 FLICS: The Future is Golden

18 Through the Eyes of a Location Scout

Leah Sokolowsky, Location Managers Guild International Member, Discusses Her Creative Process and the Ever-Changing Role of a Location Scout