Savannah Film Commission 2009 Annual Report

Savannah Film Commission 2009 Annual Report

Savannah Film Office Mission The mission of the Savannah Film Office is to weave the film and television industry into the fabric of Savannah s social, economic and professional profile. We are committed to providing professional assistance to clients and citizens in an effort to build a sustainable media industry in Savannah. Coordination The primary goal of the Film Office is to coordinate projects that are produced in the area. Specifically, this involves coordinating, permitting and monitoring projects that are utilizing public property. Coordination of these projects includes several factors detailed below. Public Safety Film activities must be coordinated and permitted so as not to endanger the general public or the film crew. Permits are specific to each project and outline what the company is and is not allowed to do. Certain permits require police or fire department personnel on set, paid by the private company. This is planned and coordinated by Film Office staff. There have been no reported accidents, injuries or property losses associated with permitted activities since the Savannah Film Office was established in 1995. Conversely, there have been accidents and injuries on projects that were not coordinated by this office, occurring on private property or outside city limits. Coordination efforts include an increasing number of SCAD student films. Some student films are as complex as professional productions with increasing use of special effects, stunts and weapons. The potential for accidents, liability and complaints is magnified by inexperience of student producers. We work closely with individual students as well as conduct lectures at SCAD each year on safe location filming. Liability and Insurance The permitting process is an important tool in protecting the City from liability due to loss on public property. The boiler plate indemnity clauses and insurance requirements in the permits are adequate for most productions. Some, however, require more specific liability language and increased insurance coverage. Identifying these special needs is a priority. There have been no claims against the City since the Savannah Film Office was opened in 1995. Quality of Life Film, television and photography projects have the potential to be disruptive. The Film Office considers each project individually to assess how it can be completed while causing the least amount of disruption. Many permits require written notification be distributed to residents and businesses in the production area. These notices provide the details of the activity so that people know what to expect. This allows residents or businesses to contact our office with questions or concerns before the activity begins. This active permitting process has reduced the number of community complaints about filming to virtually zero. We hosted two high impact feature films in 2009. We received 2 film related complaints and both were addressed and resolved. Coordinating with Other Events Special events occur almost daily in City parks and squares. We must also work around activities such as street paving and other construction or maintenance work. It is important that even the smallest projects be coordinated so as not to impact other activities occurring in the City. This must be done in a manner that preserves and enhances our reputation as a film friendly location.

Coordinating with Other Entities Projects can be complex and often cross geographic and jurisdictional lines. Coordination often involves working with multiple, county, state and federal agencies as well as private property owners, associations and other stakeholders. Marketing & Recruitment Another goal is to increase investment and exposure through the promotion of the area to transient film, television and photography producers. We do this through marketing and recruitment. Marketing Marketing efforts include attendance at industry trade shows, website, advertising in trade publications and the development and maintenance of key contacts. We work to ensure that those who specialize in finding locations are fully aware of what Savannah has to offer. By maintaining these personal relationships, we can continuously communicate with potential clients who might have an ideal project for Savannah, without reliance on a huge advertising budget. Most projects hire location managers to find the right looks and this is an audience we keep well informed about Savannah. We strive to stay on top of their minds in order to generate authentic leads for future production. Recruitment Recruitment begins when we have a lead that shows strong interest in Savannah. We begin with detailed conversations about the project s location, logistical and economic needs. This is typically followed with locations scouting, research and presentations. Large productions may require detailed site visits and meetings. We continue this process based on the demonstrated level of interest and ability to bring the project to Savannah. The recruitment process is vital to the development and maintenance of relationships with industry executives. Unfortunately, the majority of projects actively recruited are not fully funded at the time and most are never completed. Supporting Local Production Another goal is to nurture the growth and development of indigenous film makers and production companies. This is an area of continued promise with a growing number of projects being produced locally. The opening of Meddin Studios is a great advance in this area. The facilities and services provided by Meddin will help local producers grow. The lack of such a production facility was cited by local producers as their biggest challenge (2008 annual report). Enhancements / Trends / Etcetera Tax Incentives Current state tax incentives put Georgia on a level playing field with our competitors. Savannah still contends with the lack of a full crew base and key infrastructure. Disney Executive Mary Ann Hughes cited that her company was impressed that: Georgia speaks with one voice when it comes to film production, from the Governor, to the Legislature to Local Governments. Economic Recession Recessions affect market segments differently. Advertising decreases, so commercial and print production fall, as does investment in new television programming. The feature film industry usually does well during a recession, however, since many films are financed through private equity funds and credit instruments, many producers are having trouble financing their films.

Savannah Film Commission Under the leadership of Dr. R. L. Stevenson, this 17 member advisory board continues to assist efforts on many levels. The support of these community volunteers is key to our success. Technology We are using our website and social networking sites to communicate opportunities to locals and clients. These and other tools are being used to manage the increasing number of projects and inquiries. 48 Hour Film Festival This was our first year hosting this competition. Fifteen teams, comprised of local professionals and students, participated. The local winner, Perpombellar Productions (Street Cleaner, Trumpet My Return), won Best Film and went on to compete in the national competition. Blue Ocean Film Festival We sponsored and assisted this inaugural festival. It was a great success. Such a success in fact, that Monterey California put together a large incentive package to lure it away. A group of local community leaders attempted to meet Monterey s bid but could not. Plans are in the works to direct last year s momentum toward a similar, Savannah based event. Infrastructure The opening of Meddin Studios is a great advance in this area. The facilities and services provided by Meddin will help local producers grow. The lack of such a production facility was cited by local producers as their biggest challenge (2008 annual report). Car project filmed at Meddin Studios President Obama Visits Meddin Studios We still lack the large stages needed by many feature and television projects. We continue to pursue opportunities in this area. Trends We are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of feature films interested in Savannah. However, we are also seeing a decrease in the number of these films that are funded. Because incentives are playing an increased role in budgeting, producers are going through the location selection process earlier in the development process. This means we are closing deals on projects before they are funded.

2009 Professional Production Feature Film Two major films and two independent films shot here in 2009. The Last Song Filmed primarily on Tybee Island, this complex project illustrated the value of our strong relationships with the County, State and other municipalities. This was the first major project to film extensively on Tybee Island. We worked closely with the City of Tybee to ensure that the project was a positive experience for residents, visitors, businesses and the production company. It was critically important that we had folks, who really knew what they were doing, who had been through this process before to help guide us. We were very appreciative that the City of Savannah was willing to help us out and get us through it. Jason Bueltermann Mayor of Tybee Island The Conspirator On the set of The Last Song Aug. 2009 This Civil War era drama doubled Savannah as 1865 Washington DC. Most scenes were filmed in the Historic District. Other important locations included Fort Pulaski and sets built on a make shift stage. This project illustrated the importance of coordination. Careful planning made it possible to dress and control large sections of neighborhoods without putting an undue burden on the residents and businesses. It was evident throughout the process that our citizens have come to trust that the city will handle these projects in a responsible manner. On the set of The Conspirator Nov. 2009 It is very important to have professional people that service the company through all stages of film making, not just the prep. Every industry has its own specific language, and we need a partner that understands the language of film. We need these people to be proactive in order to avoid potential problems and to be available and effective in solving those that do arise. We had a wonderful experience in Savannah and I can honestly tell you that without Jay and Ryan, I am not quite sure how it would have gone. I certainly attribute a good part of our success in Savannah to the Film Commission. Billy Badalato Production Manager on The Conspirator

Independent Film The romantic comedy Man Alive was produced by Savannah based Moonhunt Productions. Another local company, Perpombellar Productions (The Street Cleaner, Trumpet my Return), filmed Requiem for Her Story. Departure Films, Working Cat Productions and Northpoint Ministries chose Savannah to shoot independent film projects as well. Television Still from Man Alive by Moonhunt Productions Still from Requiem for Herstory by Perpombellar Productions Still from Ruby 2009 Ruby continues to be The Style Network s highest rated show. During season 2, the show increased exterior filming. Episodes have been increased to an hour and production for season 3 is planned for 2010. ABC shot a significant portion of the TV pilot Solving Charlie in Savannah. This police drama included numerous stunt and chase scenes in the River Street area. Though the series was not picked up by the network, this was a positive indicator that Savannah is seen as a positive brand. Other productions include Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, Jaime s American Dream, Ghost Adventures and Making Over America. Still Photography Still photography decreased significantly in 2009 due to the recession. Vera Bradley and Lucky Magazine shot in Savannah as well as other local still productions. Vera Bradley s 2009 Fall Cover

2009 Economics Local Direct Spend: $11,086,049 This number includes production spending by permitted projects. It does not include most local production, the positive effects this exposure has on tourism or other related spending such as personal purchases or living expenses of out of town crew. Economic Impact: $23,502,424 A statistical model developed by Dr. Dan Rickman of Georgia Southern University affixes a conservative multiplier of 2.12 to calculate the economic impact of those expenditures in the Savannah MSA. Film Office Budget: $218,000 Statistics Professional Productions Permits Issued: 29 Filming Days: 347 Local Spend: $10,903,000 Citizen Complaints: 2 Accidents/ Property Damage: 0 City Liability 0 Student Productions Permits Issued: 122 Filming Days: 176 Local Spend: $183,049 Citizen Complaints: 0 Accidents/ Property Damage: 0 City Liability: 0 Totals 151 523 $11,086,049 0 Direct spend calculations are derived from information provided by producers and AFCI economic reporting guidelines. 0 0 Category Projects requiring Permits Shooting Days Local Spending Feature Film* 2 110 $9,075,000* Still Photography 4 21 $195,500.00 Television 8 156 $955,000.00 Commercials 5 10 $215,000.00 Independent Film 7 45 $370,000.00 Music Video 1 3 $90,000.00 Documentary 2 2 $2,500.00 Student Films 122 176 $183,049.00 Total 151 523 $11,086,049 Multiplier 2.12 Total 2009 Economic Impact $23,502,424 * The producers estimate that they spent $36,000,000 while working in the state. Though we do not dispute these numbers, they do not provide an accurate accounting of the money spent directly in the Savannah area. According to AFCI guidelines, the local spend on these two projects would be reported at $14,000,000 ($125,000 / shooting day). AFCI numbers are accurate when used as an average, and when most resources are acquired locally. Since both projects had to secure resources that were not available locally, we have modified these numbers (66% of standard, or $82,500 / shooting day) to reflect what we believe to be a realistic estimate of those expenditures made directly to local people, businesses and agencies.

Savannah Film Commission 2010