"FLICS" REORGANIZE -

 ELECT BOARD &

 OFFICERS 

(Ridgecrest)---In 1986 the California Film Commission (CFC) created a network of film offices throughout the state to assist in the promotion and facilitation of film production in California.  The Film Liaisons In California Statewide, or FLICS, grew quickly to over 50 well trained local and regional film commissioners offering immediate response to the needs of all types of commercial film production, from still photography to feature films and everything in between.

With the downsizing of the state film office and the continued loss of production throughout the state, the FLICS are reorganizing to better serve the industry, the CFC and their communities.  Last December 23^rd the 55 FLICS created a Board of Directors which will represent them as they move forward in creating a CA 501 (c) 6 non-profit corporation.  Elected to the FLICS Board were:

Ray Arthur -                Ridgecrest Regional Film Commission

Brena Bailey -            San Mateo County Film Commission

Jason Crawford -      Santa Clarita Valley Film Office

Sheri Davis - Inland Empire Film Commission

Jerry Day -                 Tuolumne County Film Commission

Barbara Hillman -      Berkeley Film Office

Beverly Lewis -          Placer - Lake Tahoe Film Office

Jim Vanko -               Mammoth, Mono & Inyo Counties Film Commission

Dave Wolin - Yosemite / Madera County Film Commission

            On February 11^th at Beverly Hills City Hall, the newly formed FLICS Board of Directors held their first meeting with an agenda to create the structure and mission for the new organization.  From that meeting the Board elected their 2005 officers: 

Ray Arthur of the Ridgecrest Regional Film Commission was elected Chairperson.  Prior to creating the Ridgecrest Film Commission in 1992, Arthur completed a 21 year career in radio broadcasting ranging from Disc Jockey to Vice President/General Manager of eleven radio stations in eight states.  Under Arthur's guidance Ridgecrest has hosted features including Jurassic Park, Wayne's World 2, Dinosaur, Planet of the Apes, Holes, Hidalgo and Hulk, as well as dozens of television shows, music videos and over 1,000 commercials.  Commenting on the election Arthur said, "It's totally a team effort.  We're all very excited about the new FLICS.  We have a great Board and dozens of energized members who are ready to jump in and make things happen.  You'll see stronger promotion and better facilitation to the industry as well as the ongoing education of our members."

Sheri Davis of the Inland Empire Film Commission was elected Vice Chairperson.  Everyone who has heard Sheri's voicemail knows that she represents 27,000 square miles of California.  With the exception of Los Angeles, Sheri has probably hosted more productions than any other film commission in the state...maybe the world.  Sheri's business background includes both advertising and non-profit management as she was the CEO of two chambers of commerce before taking over the film commission in 1993.  Sheri is also well known as the backbone and driving force of the FLICS' annual California On Locations Awards (COLA) which are held each October.  The COLAs are the only recognition given to the Location Scouting and Management, Production Management and Public Employee segments of the entertainment industry. 

"I'm excited about the FLICS stepping up as an organization to the challenges facing California and production.  As one of the strongest marketing arms for the California Film Commission, the newly reorganized FLICS will be able to expand its grass roots efforts in promoting the thousands of film friendly locations throughout California to the entertainment industry.  No matter what you're looking for, you will always... ‘Find Yourself Here,'" Davis said, borrowing the state's tourism slogan.

Beverly Lewis of Placer County was elected to the office of Secretary/Treasurer.  Lewis, who received her MFA in filmmaking from UCLA, brings to the FLICS Board multiple levels of industry experience including award winning PBS documentaries, commercials, independent films and music videos.  During the six years she has served as the Director of the Placer - Lake Tahoe Film Office, Beverly has hosted XXX, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Almost Famous, Dragonfly and Sundance award winner The Deep End, as well as numerous independent productions, TV, commercials and still photo shoots.  Beverly sees the FLICS future as "an ideal opportunity to develop a new and creative partnership with the CFC, and between the CFC and media production."

The FLICS Board of Directors plan to meet quarterly, initially around the LOCATIONS trade show in April, the COLAs in October, and at least once per year in Sacramento during a planned "Legislative" day.  A fourth meeting time and date is yet to be determined. During the February 11^th meeting several FLICS committees were formed including education and training, marketing, and events.  Those committees will be working throughout the year with the board and the 55 FLICS located from San Diego to Redding.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Attached please find photos of Ray Arthur, Sheri Davis and Beverly Lewis