Why we had a Film Commission and why we need it to return

Harry-O starring David Janssen came to San Diego to film the television series in 1974. The production was met with confusing local governmental permitting and costly fees causing delays in filming, resulting in the show returning to Los Angeles where their system for filming was defined and financially dependable. An industry group understanding the importance of this potential economic boon met with Mayor Pete Wilson to design an organization to attract this lucrative industry. This new organization would create local jobs, increase hotel room nights and promote San Diego as a filming destination. This group suggested a process to create a one-stop easy permit procedure befitting the fast pace filming schedule. In 1976, in response the San Diego Film Commission (SDFC) was formed.

The San Diego Film Commission was the first film commission in California. Set up under the purview of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, it flourished under the Chamber leadership of Lee Grissom. In 1997, the San Diego Film Commission became a stand-alone organization as a 501.c.4. Funded by the City of San Diego, Port District and County of San Diego, this organization thrived. The California Film Commission fashioned their organization after our example.

In 2010, with economic difficulties facing the City of San Diego, Mayor Sanders moved the funding for the SDFC to the newly formed Tourism Marketing District (TMD). Funding became based on tourism, rather than economic development. As housing constitutes less than one-third of the direct production company spending, basing the SDFC funding on room night revenue is a poor measure of economic benefit. By 2012, the TMD removed all funding from the SDFC and the SDFC folded its 501.c.4 status. All that was left of the organization was a permitting office under the care of the Tourism Authority. When budget cuts to the Tourism Authority came, one of the first cutbacks was the permitting office for filming. With the Film Commission and permitting was gone, the City, County and Port scrambled to satisfy local production companies. With less than satisfactory service from any of these governmental authorities, guerilla filming became the norm. Prior to July 2013, the San Diego Film Commission governed over 30 films, 16 television shows, 3 reality shows and a multitude of commercials, industrials, print shots and independent filming.

Time is critical for any production company. Companies need quick, solid decisions made by local officials in order to stay on schedule. “Consider the following: Can all of the activities called for in the script (e.g., stunt sequences) be accomplished with full cooperation of local officials? Is the business community receptive to the use of its business district? Are neighborhoods tolerant of the minor inconveniences filming may bring?” (Commission, 2006) A well-organized film commission can reassure a harried production company that their goal is achievable. When all of the issues are addressed, production adds substantial financial value to any region.