MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 29, 2018 MEETING 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place City Hall, Room 416 San Francisco, CA 94102 CALL TO ORDER Vice President Matt Stiker called the meeting to order at 2:15pm. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Denise Bradley-Tyson Jon Rubin Mark Fishkin Melanie Blum Matt Stiker Belle Taylor-McGhee (Tardy) Claudine Cheng Commissioners Excused: Villy Wang Jim Beaumonte Jonathan Moscone Marlene Sharon Saritzky APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 27, 2017 MEETING (ACTION ITEM) Vice President Stiker asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the November 27 th, 2017 meeting. Commissioner Blum made the motion and Commissioner Rubin seconded the motion. Commissioner Cheng stated that there were minor typos of the minutes and Vice President asked that she send them to Commission Secretary Portia Fontes Commissioner Cheng assented. Vice President Stiker thanked the office staff for creating diligent notes. The minutes were approved. VICE PRESIDENT S REPORT (DISCUSSION ONLY) Vice President Stiker began by welcoming everyone into the New Year. He then reminded everyone of the retreat on March 8 th, 2018 where the Commissioners will be continuing the efforts of what was discussed last year and building more on the strategic plan for the Commission. He then shared about an article from Los Angeles, which stated that the film industry in Southern California has seen a great increase in production activity the data for the article was release by Film LA, our counterpart in Los 1 DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE, ROOM 473, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94102 TEL: (415) 554-6241 FAX: (415) 554-6503
Angeles. This is thanks largely to the state incentive, stable economy and a real desire to shoot in the state. It looks like the industry is growing and the Commission should be looking to take advantage of that. Vice President Stiker then asked Commissioner Cheng to give a brief summary regarding the City Commissioner luncheon, which was attended by President Wang, Commissioner Beaumonte and Commissioner Cheng herself. Commissioner Cheng reported that it was attended by many Commissioners throughout the City and was a good gathering where people were able to get to know each other no business was conducted during the luncheon. Vice President Stiker thanked Commissioner Cheng for attending the event on behalf of the Film Commission. Vice President Stiker ended his report and asked for Commissioner comments. Executive Director Robbins added to the comment regarding the article that Vice President Stiker spoke about. In another article, it stated that due to the state tax incentive, many Northern California counties are also seeing a lot more productions as well with 13 Reasons Why and A Wrinkle in Time. While San Francisco has only had a trickle of days from Beautiful Boy and Ballers, she does think that there will be more opportunity for more productions as the incentive expands. Vice President Stiker thanked Executive Director Robbins for her comments and asked for public comments none were given. COMMISSIONERS WORKING GROUP REPORTS (DISCUSSION ONLY) Vice President Stiker began by asking for reports from each of the working group committees. Facilitation and creation of the dedicated Stage Space: Commissioner Rubin reported that another meeting is scheduled for next week. They will be looking into other potentials and continue to do diligent outreach. Executive Director Robbins reported that she has a meeting next Friday with Port and a potential developer to talk about an opportunity of a long-term lease. It s not exactly the best option but they are exploring all options due to the difficulty of finding land within the City. Commissioner Rubin will have meetings in South San Francisco for land as well. The group is in search mode and moving forward slowly. Commissioner Cheng referred to goal #2 in their work plan and asked if they knew about any partnership possibilities for stage space with the Academy of Art University. She can help in any way to see if they have anything available. The committee has met with them before but it has been a while and is open to meeting with them again any help would be great. Scene in San Francisco Rebate Program: Vice President Stiker report for President Wang and stated that President Wang and Commissioner Blum did not have a chance to meet. The group hopes to meet next month or so before the retreat. Build Relationships with the Bay Area Film/Tech/Media/Production Companies: Vice President Stiker stated that it s been challenging to set a meeting with all the different schedules of the Commissioners involved in the committee. Commissioner Bradley-Tyson has decided to step down from the group as she is involved in the Stage Space Committee and there may be a need for another person to drop off so we can make scheduling easier. Executive Director Robbins stated that Commissioner Fishkin cannot be removed as this is his only committee. Commissioner Cheng offered to be removed from the committee. She stated that many of the groups have overlaps (branding/marketing) so it shouldn t be a problem in order to make meeting easier. Strengthen Neighborhood/Merchant Association Relationships: The Commissioners of the group were not present to give a report. Vice President Stiker asked to see if they can get a meeting scheduled soon. Commissioner Cheng asked if during the retreat there can be breakout sessions for each working group Commissioner Blum stated that this is a great idea and an important time for the Commissioners to have during the retreat. A discussion followed regarding this topic and Executive Director Robbins and Vice President Stiker stated that they will check if something like this is allowed during the retreat.
Create a Strong Branding/Marketing/Advertising Program: Vice President Stiker reported that the working group met before the holidays and put together an initial plan. They will meet again in February before the retreat and identify which Commissioner will be responsible for each task on the plan. Vice President Stiker asked for any Commissioner or public comments none were given. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT (DISCUSSION ONLY) Executive Director Susannah Robbins began her report by giving an update on the number of recent film permits and notable productions, which have shot in San Francisco. Since the last commission meeting on November 27th, there were 92 permits and 202 shoot days with $34,150 in permit fees. This is comparable to last year s statistics during that time, with 97 permits, 207 shoot days and $27,800 in permit fees. While the numbers are down a handful of permits shoot days (5 each), it s up in permit fees by $6,310. Overall, the numbers are up, compared to last year at this time in Corporate Industrial/ Features/Music Videos and Web days; and down in documentary, shorts, still photo, student film, TV commercials and TV series. Notable productions have been: 14 days of the Sony Pictures production Antidote, as also known as Marvel Studios Venom, starring Tom Hardy and Michele Williams. They shot both first and second unit here, with a lot of night work/stunt work on Taylor Street in Russian Hill, the Kearny Steps, Broadway at Columbus, Broadway at Kearny, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero. They also shot in the Tenderloin and the Financial District. Film Coordinator Manijeh Fata did an excellent job coordinating this permit with SFMTA, SFPD and DPW. She navigated all of the last minute changes due to the rainy weather and communicated well between the production, Supervisor Peskin s office, the neighbors and merchants, as well as all of the departments needed to pull this off. Executive Director Robbins also thanked Vice President Stiker and former Commissioner Johnston along with Mr. Steve Kava and his partner for helping with lighting on the Embarcadero and in the Financial District respectively. 35 days of still photo shoots by Williams Sonoma for their Pottery Barn Spring and Summer catalogs. 5 days of filming for a TV series called Start Up which airs on the Crackle Channel. This is a show which pulls back the curtain on the intersection between technology and the digital black market. Season 2 stars Adam Brody (CHIPS, The League) and Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy), who are also producers, along with Martin Freeman (Sherlock, Fargo), Edi Gathegi (The Blacklist, Into the Badlands), Otmara Marrero (Graceland) and Addison Timlin (Californication). Vice President Stiker asked when the show airs. Executive Director Robbins stated that she did not know but can find out. 24 days of still photo and web videos of a portrait photographer/artists JR. He is recognized around the world for creating art in the most unexpected of places. He recently staged a massive photo of a dreamer s eyes, atop a long table, one eye on each side of the border, and had people sharing a meal on both sides of the wall at that table. He also made headlines with another installation on the border, an enormous scaffolding of the image of a 1-year-old boy, Kikito, peering over the wall. Kikito s face has come to symbolize the innocence of a child caught unknowingly at the center of a national debate. He is in San Francisco for the 24 shoot days, photographing and videotaping people from different neighborhoods and walks of life. After a first mural in a neighborhood near Paris where he has worked for many years, JR has chosen San Francisco, a city very rich in contrasts, whose recent history could be told in a powerful way through a mural. Since the visit of Diego Rivera in 1931, San Francisco has a long muralist tradition. The city features immense innovation and wealth as well as one of the highest rates of child homelessness in the country. In San Francisco, JR will create both a still and a moving mural, capturing the nuances of the city at this moment in time, in a unique way. Executive Director Robbins then gave an update on upcoming productions. The Taiwanese production A Tale of Twin Cities for Netflix had to push their start date due to visa issues, but they should be filming March 6th through the 25th if all goes to plan. The independent film Last Black Man in San Francisco, which comes out of
FilmHouse, is planning to film sometime in April for 25 days. Netflix s The OA will be filming in April and they have been actively scouting locations. Executive Director Robbins next gave a report about FilmSF s presence at the Sundance Film Festival this month. She reported that she attended Sundance last week, where she met producers and directors of independent films at various events, on the bus, in line, etc. She attended three events hosted by other Film Commissions as well as a Film Maker and Film Commissioner brunch and the Film Society annual party. This year, the Office did not sponsor the party. However, she actively worked the room and let film makers know about the rebate program. Lastly, Executive Director Robbins gave a report about the Film Commission Holiday Party on Wednesday December 6th, 2017. The Office had a very successful holiday party on December 6th, thanks to Chad Schyvincht of Viceroy Hotels of San Francisco, Hotel Zeppelin and their Rambler Restaurant. She thanked Commissioners Beaumonte, Cheng, Stiker and Fishkin for attending along with many City department liaisons, location managers and production managers/producers whom the office works with. She gave thanks to Blue Angel Vodka, which donated a case of Vodka towards the event. The event was really well attended and a nice way to conclude the calendar year with everyone we work with. Executive Director Robbins concluded her report. Vice President Stiker asked if she can report on the tax credit meeting which happened earlier in the month. Executive Director Robbins stated that since it s not on the agenda, she cannot report on it but will include it as an agenda item next time. Vice President Stiker thanked Executive Director Robbins for her report and asked for public comment. James McAllister, Location Manager for Antidote/Venom, introduced himself and Mr. Felix Gehm who was the local Location Manager on the project. He gave a report regarding the complex production in San Francisco. They filmed 20 locations in 8 days using everything at their disposal drones, pyrotechnic work, stunts and night time filming. Everything worked out great and Executive Director Robbins and Film Coordinator Fata were very helpful in making it happen. They had some hurdles, especially with scheduling a lot of other big films are following this formula where they are only on-location in the city the story is set in for a few days. For this production, out of a total of 58 days, only 8 were in San Francisco. Almost everything that was shot here in the City were exteriors. Everything was crunched into those days which counters the need for as much flexibility as possible for the complexity of production requirements in this film. The crew and cast as well as the director said they really enjoyed their time here it was the director s favorite week of filming. Moving forward in terms of benefits the City can see from the film, Executive Director Robbins and Mr. McAllister spoke with the publicist for the film and it looks like at the time of release for the film, there could be a special partnership with the City. Mr. McAllister ended his brief report. Vice President Stiker asked for the other city the film was shooting in. Mr. McAllister answered that it was Atlanta they had shot some exteriors there as well and the majority of the film was shot there. Atlanta is currently getting the majority of production activity but everything is cyclical and directors/producers want to get San Francisco in their films. Vice President Stiker asked what would be the reason to come to San Francisco to film. Mr. McAllister stated that tax incentives could be a factor Georgia has a very aggressive incentive right now but it may not be sustainable. In California, the incentive is sustainable and more long-term. Also, stages are a big grab so there is cover for any issues that come up. The location team from Venom and Film Coordinator Fata along with the Executive Director Robbins will debrief and address how we can make this whole process better and less rigid it needs more balance on a show like this. Executive Director Robbins added that one of the big draws for Georgia is their tax credit has no cap and covers above the line costs as well. Commissioner Fishkin also added that they have big facilities/stage
space in Georgia. Mr. McAllister stated that these spaces and production in general have a lot of backing in Georgia so they know these incentives and spaces will not be gone soon. Commissioner Fishkin asked if there is a lack of awareness of the incentives here in San Francisco and lack of comfort/familiarity in filming here. Mr. McAllister stated that MPAA lobbyists are the ones who monitor where the incentives are so he doesn t think it s that. But anytime the City can show that filming in San Francisco is achievable and within a reasonable budget (hotel costs are big producers look at an estimated day cost which would include these items), it will be a draw for productions. Executive Director Robbins stated that for blockbuster films, the City s rebate doesn t make a dent for their budgets. The program mostly captures independent films and TV series. She asked Mr. McAllister if there are any quotes from creatives about their positive experiences here it would be great to help showcase the City when she is interviewed for any articles about filming in San Francisco. Mr. McAllister add that three major blockbusters have filmed in the area so that will add positively to the reputation of the region. Commissioner Blum asked if there are ways that permitting can be made simpler with the advent of new technology. Mr. McAllister stated that in their case, technology did not make anything smaller. As far as the permits goes, the signature survey outreach can be updated to build more flexibility into the process so it s not getting too specific until the film notices go out since there had so many changes. They had a lot of surveys so it was hard to get past a point in the neighborhood. As location managers, they want to address any issues that the neighbors may have but they don t want a situation where the neighborhood is directing the movie more general information on the surveys would be better rather than the specifics. The Film Commission thanked Mr. McAllister for his comments. Vice President Stiker asked for any more public comments. Frank Simeone, SAG-AFTRA representative, commented that Film Coordinator Fata was really great in making things happen from the point of view of actors. Mr. McAllister added that the Film Office and SFPD were great as well. Mr. Simeon continued saying that it made for a wonderful shoot. Venom employed 372 actors more than last year for Ballers and members appreciated everything that happened. The actors also saw the ad in the Hollywood Reporter from the office, which they thought was great. Overall, it was a good last 30 days. The Film Commission thanked Mr. Simeone for his comments. Vice President Stiker asked for any more public comment and none were given. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT (DISCUSSION ONLY) Vice President Stiker asked if there were any additional public comments and there were none. Vice President Stiker acknowledged the presence of Commissioner Taylor-McGhee who had come into the meeting earlier. She apologized for her tardiness. ADJOURNMENT (ACTION ITEM) Vice President Stiker asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 2:58 pm.