A commitment to rebuild the Film Industry in San Diego
Our vision to see film thriving in San Diego
This site is under construction!
Legal Status
The San Diego Film Commission Foundation (SDFCF) is a California charitable 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2004.
Industry Inclusivity
One determination of SDFCF includes a variety of industry representation on the board to include above and below the line industry members and union labor.
Fiscal Responsibility
As the purpose of all charitable organizations, SDFCF strives to be fiscally responsible with all funds donated.
Education
Whether training sessions presented by the SDFCF or through scholarships for journey training, SDFCF seeks to grow the industry.
Outreach
SDFCF seeks to educate the local public about the benefits of filming in San Diego County.
Support
The main focus of SDFCF is to support the Film Office/Commission. We look forward to working close together.
The San Diego Film Commission Foundation enthusiastically endorses the San Diego County Film Initiative as a transformative investment in our region’s creative economy.
This Initiative represents everything we’ve advocated for: a strategic, accountability-driven approach that puts working families and the local Industry at the center of production activity.
The three-pillar structure, combining the oversight of an Industry-majority Film Commission, the professional infrastructure of a dedicated Film Office, and the performance-based SDVibe rebate program, creates exactly the kind of transparent, equitable framework our industry needs. This isn’t about chasing mega-productions with uncapped incentives. It’s about building sustainable pathways for local crew, apprentices, and veterans while ensuring every public dollar generates measurable community benefit.
San Diego County has always had the locations, the talent, and the vision. Now, with this Initiative, we will finally have the infrastructure to compete in the modern production landscape – from traditional film and television to streaming content, branded media, and immersive XR formats. The Founding Cities program particularly excites us, as it creates true regional collaboration while respecting local autonomy.
We urge the Board of Supervisors to approve this Initiative. It’s not just an investment in film. It is an investment in jobs, workforce development, and San Diego’s identity as a forward-thinking creative hub. The time is now.
Karl Backus, President San Diego Film Commission Foundation
Join the effort to expand filming in San Diego
Help make our local film industry grow.
History
In 2004, a group of volunteers with the Film Commissioner agreed to form a charitable nonprofit.
With education, training, offering incentives of reimbursements for government services, the Foundation was formed.
Through years 2005-2012
Several commercials took advantage of the incentives offered. The Foundation funded the launch parties for the Film and Video Resource Guides and other mixers. T-shirts supporting filming in San Diego included “Almost Famous in San Diego” and “San Diego Film Commission” logos to help raise funds for incentives and mixers. Sponsors offered food and locations for these events.
The Film Commission shuts down
The board of the San Diego Film Commission Foundation hoped for a short hiatus of services. However, it turned out to be a long dry spell.
2025
Through the leadership of IATSE 122, with the support of the San Diego Entertainment Union Coalition and the San Diego Film Commission Foundation, the SDC Film Initiative is moving forward with the design to entice outside filmmakers to film in San Diego County.
Meet our board
The current board of the San Diego Film Commission Foundation brings a variety of experiences, talents, and knowledge.
Karl Backus
President
Greg Sowizdrzal
IATSE 122 President
Jane Hare
Local Producer
Jordan Jacobo
Digital Content Creator
Our Future with a new Film Office/Commission
- Incentives for locals and ultra low budget productions
- Grants for economic development
- Education/Scholarships
- Showcases/Film Festivals/Awards
- Working with the Film Office/Commission
- History of filming in San Diego County/Museum