Recent News:
California On Location Awards show puts the spotlight on location professionals
The California On Location Awards (COLA) event is the premier awards program saluting location managers and production companies for exemplary professional excellence while filming on location in California. 
The Monterey County Film Commission helped sponsor this year’s Oct. 28 event at the Langham Pasadena. More than 500 film industry professionals attended. Actor Lorenzo Lamas was the master of ceremonies.
This year’s Monterey County Film Commission gift basket (with Cima Collina wine, and certificates for accommodations at the Carmel Mission Inn, dining at Rio Grill, 
and tickets to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium) was presented to the Location Team of the Year for independent feature films, “Knight of Cups” with Dogwood Pictures.
COLA is the signature event of the Film Liaisons In California Statewide (FLICS), a nonprofit organization focused on promoting and supporting California’s film and media production industry. The FLICS membership consists of regional film commissions throughout the state, each of which offers local expertise to assist film projects.
For more information on winners of 2012 COLA awards go to www.californiaonlocationawards.com
For FLICS information: www.filmcalifornia.com
Film Commission elects board officers, adds directors
The Monterey County Film Commission board of directors elected officers for the next year at its June 16 meeting. Brian Turlington, with Fenton & Keller law firm, will serve as president, with Bryan Flores, vice president; Cindy Muscarello, secretary; Troy Kingshaven, treasurer; and Gloria Gargiulo, chairperson.
The organization recently added Jay Donato, Steven Levinson, Brian Conway, and Troy Kingshaven to the board of directors.
Enid Baxter Blader is the newly appointed Mayors’ Select board member.
The Monterey County Film Commission is celebrating its 25th anniversary year, having been established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 1987 to bring an economic boost to the area through the film industry and on-location film production. More than $77-million has come into county communities from film productions since its creation.
For more information, call 831-646-0910.
Monterey County Film Commssion Selects Film Student Joseph Blackburn as $2,000 Scholarship Winner
Jeff Clark and Joey Blackburn
Joseph “Joey” Blackburn, a student at California State University, Monterey Bay, was named the 2012 winner of the $2,000 scholarship in the Monterey County Film Commission’s Film Student Scholarship & Awards Program. Blackburn, originally from Paso Robles, is a Marina resident and graduating senior at the California State University, Monterey Bay’s Teledramatic Arts and Technology Department.
The Monterey County Film Commission scholarship program was created to provide financial aid and incentive to students of film as well as beginning filmmakers who reside in Monterey County or those enrolled in a college or university in the county. The fund was established as a permanent endowment with the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
This year’s scholarship was funded through donations from the Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation, Union Bank, Alan Vasquez with AVAG, Inc., Teresa and Eric Del Piero, and numerous individual contributors.
Nurten Atila with Union Bank hands check to Joey Blackburn
Blackburn will use the award to help cover production costs for his Capstone, a senior film project required as his final thesis film by CSUMB. His film is a black and white horror film entitled, “A Fly in the Room,” which was shot on 16mm film, a more expensive option.
“I wanted to shoot on film for the aesthetic feel that I wanted for my movie, and filming on 16mm was an experience I wanted to have at least one time, knowing that most work opportunities will be in video,” Blackburn said. “It feels very good to know that all of my efforts studying filmmaking at CSUMB have been rewarded with this scholarship, and tells me that if I continue to work hard good things will happen.”
Blackburn’s film will be screened with other Capstone films, on May 18 at CSUMB. For more details, see www.FilmMonterey.org.
Contributions to next year’s Monterey County Film Commission Film Student Scholarship & Awards Program are welcomed, according to Jeff Clark, film commission board member and scholarship committee chairperson. For more information call 831-646-0910 or email info@filmmonterey.org.
Thanks to Katrina Mendez and the Birdies for Charity Program.
The Monterey County Film Commission thanks 17-year-old Katrina Mendez, for 
representing our nonprofit in the fundraiser golf shootout at Peter Hay Golf Course on Jan. 21, 2012. It was part of the Birdies for Charity program of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, which hosts the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Golf tournament. Golfers for 66 nonprofits competed, and four charities will advance to the next shoot out in Pebble Beach on Feb. 7 where the “closet to the pin” winners can potentially earn up to $50,000.
Katrina’s shot of 11 feet, three inches put her in 26th place. Katrina, who lives in Salinas, is a junior at Trinity Christian High School in Monterey. She loves to play golf, practice golf and watch the PGA or LPGA on TV. She was the MCFC’s designated golfer at last year’s competition, too.
Donations for the MCFC via the Birdies for Charity program are matched by 15% and must be received no later than Feb. 29. To donate any amount by credit card, go to www.attpbgolf.com, click on the Birdies button on the left, and select MCFC from the list of participating charities.
Thank you for your support….and thank you, Katrina!
The application for the 2012 Monterey County Film Commission Scholarship and Awards Program is now available.
The deadline for film students to apply for the fifth annual Monterey County Film Commission Film Student Scholarship & Awards Program is Feb. 17, 2012. The winner of the $1,000 award (or two $500 awards) will be announced March 31, 2012. MORE
“Big Sur” film location manager Peter Newfield and team win top California On Location Award
Peter Newfield, a location manager from Soquel, was named winner of a 
prestigious California On Location Award (COLA) at the 17th Annual COLA event held Oct. 16 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The prized trophy was given in the category of Location Team of the Year, Independent Feature Film, for “Big Sur,” a film based on Jack Kerouac’s book that was shot at Big Sur locations this spring. The California On Location Awards event is the premier awards ceremony honoring film location professionals for excellence while filming within the state of California.
The Monterey County Film Commission nominated Newfield, who managed the Big Sur area film locations, along with the film’s San Francisco Bay Area-based team members, Gail Stempler, Peter Moody, and Daniel Lee who coordinated the San Francisco locations. It’s the first time a Northern California film location team won in this category, and the recognition came before a crowd of 500 film industry professionals in the hotel’s ballroom.
“Hard-working location managers like Peter Newfield and this team are most deserving of this recognition,” said Karen Nordstrand, director of marketing and film production for the Monterey County Film Commission. “They are the people who work well with our film office and local residents and jurisdictions, and can make such a difference in the decisions on where film projects end up going. We want them to continue to help bring productions to Monterey County year-round for the economic boost it brings to our communities.”
The filming of “Big Sur” in Monterey County brought weeks of economic benefit to the local economy with hotels being filled, local crew being hired, and increased income for retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants. Both private and public properties in the Big Sur area, including Rocky Creek Bridge, were used as locations. The film is expected to be released next year.
The COLA event is a project of Film Liaisons in California Statewide, a network of film commissioners and others seeking to promote and facilitate filming in the state.
For more information see the COLA website, www.californiaonlocationawards.com.
Monterey County Film Commission names
long-time Board Director Richard Tyler as “Director Emeritus”
Monterey resident Richard Tyler, who has served on the board of directors of the Monterey County Film Commission since 1991, was named the film commission’s first-ever Director Emeritus, an honorary title recognizing his long-time involvement with the nonprofit organization.
The presentation of an official certificate to Tyler was made at a private reception at his home on Friday, Oct. 7.
“I am very honored to be designated the Monterey County Film Commission’s first-ever Director Emeritus, just as the MCFC begins to celebrate its 25th anniversary year,” said Tyler. “It has been a pleasure to have been a part of the film commission’s progress for 20 of those years.”
Tyler has served numerous terms as an elected board officer, from treasurer and president to board chairman. He has contributed as the chair of such committees as bylaws, finance, personnel, and the advisory board. He actively participated in fundraising efforts including screenwriting competitions, Oscar Night galas, the MCFC Reel Friends support organization, and film industry educational programs and lectures.
Tyler has played a significant role in guiding and helping to strengthen the film commission, enthusiastically promoting its important role in bringing an economic boost to Monterey County through the film industry and on-location film production.
The retired former cultural director for Carmel’s Sunset Center will continue to provide advice and expertise to the film commission while moving on from active board involvement. Tyler has also been affiliated in the past with other nonprofit boards including Arts Habitat, the State Theatre Preservation Group, and Actors Equity.
Film “Big Sur” named a finalist for California on Location Award
The location managers and scouts for the independent film, “Big Sur,” are finalists in the 17th Annual California on Location Awards (COLA). COLA is the premier awards ceremony saluting film industry professionals for excellence during filming on-location in the state of California.
“Big Sur,” which is based on Jack Kerouac’s novel, filmed at several Big Sur and San Francisco locations last spring, and is one of three productions named as finalists in the category of Location Team of the Year, Independent Feature Film. The Monterey County Film Commission nominated the location team and its location managers Peter Newfield and Gail Stempler, location scout Peter Moody, and Daniel Lee, location assistant. The winners will be announced at the COLA event at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on Oct. 16.
“We’re proud to recognize the hard work of the location scouts and managers who make such a difference in the decisions on where film projects end up filming,” said Karen Nordstrand, director of marketing and film production for the Monterey County Film Commission. She particularly credits 30-year veteran location scout Peter Newfield of Soquel for keeping the “Big Sur” project in Monterey County even after Hwy. 1 road erosion took away access and created scheduling havoc. “Newfield’s location knowledge and communication with the film commission helped ensure this production still came here, instead of getting discouraged and going elsewhere.” The filming of “Big Sur” brought weeks of economic benefit to the local economy with hotels being filled, local crew being hired, and a boost to retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants.
California film commissioners and industry professionals nominate individuals and teams for COLAS, based on film, television and commercial production work performed in California in the past year. The core of each nomination is a 350-word essay describing the work that nominees performed to facilitate local filming. Film commission members of Film Liaisons in California, Statewide (FLICS) and Teamsters Local 399 vote on the finalists. COLA is a project of FLICS, a network of film commissioners and others seeking to promote and facilitate in-state filming. This year FilmL.A., Inc.—the Los Angeles not-for-profit film office—is serving as COLA event coordinator.
For more information see the COLA website, www.californiaonlocationawards.com.
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Monterey County Film Commission won a second place award in the AFCI’s 2011 Marketing Awards
(Burbank, Calif. – June 3, 2011) – The Association of Film Commissioners International announced that the Monterey County Film Commission won a second place award in the AFCI’s 2011 Marketing Awards competition in the specialty item category.
The AFCI Marketing Awards, a global competition encouraging film commissions to put forth winning components of their marketing and advertising campaigns, were presented during the annual AFCI general assembly meeting during the Locations 2011 tradeshow held in Burbank, Calif.
Entries were in 11 categories from ads and digital video to websites, with a judging panel of professional marketers and entertainment industry experts assessing each entry according to criteria.
Monterey County Film Commission’s award-winning item was a tradeshow brochure handout designed as a “Reel Assets Portfolio,” with the theme of “We can show you the money…but we’d rather show you our priceless locations.” A genuine one dollar bill is inserted and extends out of the brochure’s edge.
“My challenge was to catch the eye of location professionals and producers at trade shows looking to save money on their productions,” said Karen Nordstrand, the film commission’s director of marketing and film production, who developed the piece and did the copywriting and most of the photography. “In an increasingly competitive environment at tradeshows—and with very little to spend on giveaway items due to budget cuts—this turned out to be extremely effective at stopping and engaging show visitors who could well bring a film production to Monterey County.”
Locations within Monterey County were spotlighted with photos and captions on a money theme. “Get big shots for small change” adjoins a dramatic photo of Bixby Bridge; “Locations that look like a million bucks” accents a Salinas Valley broccoli field; and “Get your money shots here” is on a stylized shot of rowboats in Monterey Bay.
“For 15 years, the AFCI Marketing Awards have recognized the creativity of our members,” said Martin Cuff, interim CEO of the AFCI. “As today’s global economy presents the entertainment industry with new challenges, it has become increasingly important to develop marketing and advertising campaigns that inspire filmmakers, capture audiences, and span cultural divides.”
Press Release includes a list of other winners
Film Commission's 2010 Film Student Scholarship Winner Documentary Premiers at CSUMB TAT Capstone Festival May 20
Rachel Asendorf, who won the 2010 Monterey County Film Commission's Film Student Scholarship, graduates magna cum laude from California State University, Monterey Bay on Saturday, May 21, 2011.
Her Capstone film project, a short documentary called "Addictive Application," will have its premiere the day before her graduation day at the CSUMB TAT Capstone Festival on May 20. The free show, which screens the graduation film projects of the Teledramatic Arts & Technology department students, begins at 6 p.m. in the World Theater. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Left to right--Lauren Hurdle, sound director; Natalie Rojas, director of photography; Rachel Asendorf, director producer
Asendorf's documentary takes a critical look at the Facebook virtual reality game, “Farmville,” where players spend numerous amounts of time harvesting a virtual plot of land. In her documentary, a “Farmville” player takes a day to work on a real organic farm in Salinas, to gain perspective on the reality of farm work. Asendorf filmed some scenes at J&P Organics Farm, coordinating the shoot there with Juan Perez, who is a CSUMB alum in business.
The $1,000 MCFC Film Student Scholarship she won last year was used to help defray production costs on her film.
“I want to thank the Monterey County Film Commission for all its support and dedication to helping students like myself see their visions flourish,” Asendorf said. “I hope to move to pursue a career in documentary filmmaking, wherever that may be.”
Previous winners of the MCFC Film Student Scholarship are listed on the film commission's website, www.FilmMonterey.org. The 2011 scholarship winner will be announced at the end of May.
Link to more on Addictive Application: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Addictive-Application-A-Short-Documentary/196398407039383
Carmel By the Sea - The Movie!
At last the film with the name of its main film site, "Carmel-by-the-Sea", has been completed and had its Hollywood sneak premiere for media and production on March 9 at the Arclight Theater. The movie shot in Carmel in 2009, and captured the last of its local images in December 2010. Among the stars are Hayden Panettiere, Lauren Bacall, Josh Hutcherson, Alfred Molina and Dina and Scott Eastwood.
MCFC Board of Directors Elects three new Members
The board of directors of the Monterey County Film Commission has elected three new board members to serve three-year terms. They are Joe Donofrio of Pacific Grove, Elsa Dooling of Carmel, and Richard J. Newhouse of Marina.
'FOCUS ON FILM' Day on November 20 in Monterey to feature Hollywood commercial director Gil Cope, plus exciting warehouse sale of movie memorabilia.
The Monterey County Film Commission is bringing noted Hollywood-based commercial director Gil Cope to speak at its next "Focus on Film" Day on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, at the Monterey Conference Center's Steinbeck Forum at 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey. The commission is also holding a Movie Memorabilia Warehouse Sale in conjunction to raise money for the nonprofit organization and its Monterey County Film Student Scholarship Fund.
Monterey Bay Area State Parks Ranger and Location Scout Honored at Major Film Industry Awards Event
Awards acknowledge professionals who help keep film projects in the state, boosting California's economy through the film industry
The California On Location Awards (COLAS) event honors film professionals who find locations and keep film projects in California, and public employees who help accommodate film productions in their jurisdictions, bringing an economic boost to all areas of the state. This year's 16th annual awards show, held Oct. 24, 2010 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, saw two Monterey Bay Area residents recognized.
State Parks Ranger Chuck Bancroft was named the 2010 State Public Employee of the Year. Peter Newfield, a Soquel resident, was Location Professional Finalist in the still photography category.
Ranger Chuck Bancroft with red-tailed
hawk at Pt. Lobos - Photo credit-Dana
Jones California State Parks
The event, which Monterey County Film Commission and other statewide film commissions (Film Liaisons in California Statewide), and entertainment industry businesses helped sponsor, drew over 500 attendees. Legendary actresses Joan Collins and Linda Gray served as co-hosts of the event. Category awards were also presented to location professionals and production teams for television shows, commercials, and feature films. The Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. location team took first place in features for "The Green Hornet."
The Monterey County Film Commission nominated both Bancroft and Newfield for their honors.
Bancroft, with almost 30 years at Pt. Lobos State Reserve and Carmel River State Beach, has helped hundreds of film productions get permits and assistance with their shoots in the Monterey sector of California state parks.
"Ranger Chuck Bancroft is such a resource in a region that is so attractive to visitors and film productions alike," said Karen Nordstrand, the Monterey County Film Commission's director of marketing and film production. "He looks after the best interests of some of the most beautiful state parks scenery, but will try to share the vistas with productions that make an appropriate fit. His willingness to be open to possibilities and assist the production companies helps keep the dollars from film projects coming into Monterey County communities."
Peter Newfield
Location scout and manager Peter Newfield was named a top finalist in the location stills category. He has been in the film industry for 30 years, and assisted several fashion shoots recently including Chadwicks, Appleseeds, and Calvin Klein. He has Monterey County locations as a specialty, and has found and facilitated unusual private properties from Big Sur to Salinas for still shoots as well as commercials and features. His location management for productions has him working closely with a wide variety of public jurisdictions as well.
"Top location scouts such as Peter Newfield are key to our local efforts to keep our area film-friendly, and to bring more of the positive financial impact here," Nordstrand said. "He is a true professional when it comes to finding film sites and coordinating shoots. He is highly sought after as a regional location scout and never fails to leave a good impression with homeowners and our varied jurisdictions."
Film Commission elects Cindy Muscarello to board, and seeks additional members
The Monterey County Film Commission's board of directors has elected Cindy Muscarello to serve as a board member for a three-year term. The film commission is seeking additional board members, particularly from the Salinas Valley and South County, to serve on its volunteer board of directors.
Moira LaMountain Named Office Administrator at Monterey County Film Commission
The Monterey County Film Commission has named Moira LaMountain as office administrator of the non-profit organization.
LaMountain worked in the executive search field for 15 years, in a range of industries including multimedia and electronic commerce, high technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, professional services and financial services.
Prior to her executive search work, she spent nine years as business analyst and marketing coordinator with A.T. Kearny, Inc., an international management consulting and executive search firm in their Los Angeles office. She helped develop and execute the firm's marketing and strategic business development programs for the Western Region leadership team.
LaMountain has a bachelor's degree in communication studies from UCLA. She is a founding member of HOPE (Helping Other People Eat), an all-volunteer, community-based organization in Santa Monica that since 1992 has provided more than 400,000 meals for anyone in need.
In 2004 LaMountain relocated to Marina from the West Los Angeles area. She has served on the board of The Friends of the Marina Library for five years, including two years as president. She currently serves as treasurer.
49ers CHEERLEADERS VISIT MONTEREY
The San Francisco 49ers Cheerleaders, known as the Gold Rush, were in Monterey this week for their calendar shoot.
Summer Kids Pose with Gold Rush
The Monterey County Film Commission helped with their film locations, and then arranged for two of the Gold Rush cheerleaders to visit the Monterey Sports Center's summer cheerleading camp.
49er cheerleaders Maggie (left) and Cassandra pose with aspiring cheerleader Andrea at Monterey Sports Center cheer camp
The kids in the camp had a lot of fun, asked lots of questions, and practiced their moves with the pros.
MONTEREY COUNTY SHOWS OFF AT 25TH LOCATIONS TRADESHOW
For 25 years, the Locations Tradeshow has starred as the premier gathering of location filmmakers. The Monterey County Film Commission has shown off its film sites there for 20 years, meeting the location scouts, managers and film professionals who decide where to take their film productions. Karen Nordstrand, MCFC’s director of film production, marketed the county locations and film incentives in the California Pavilion. Locations, held April 15 to 17 in Santa Monica, is sponsored by the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI). Nearly 4,000 film professionals attended.
