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NEW! San Diego Commercial Incentive

The San Diego Film Commission Incentive for Television Commercials

The San Diego Film Commission has established an incentive program which will reimburse film costs incurred by a qualified film production company in filming a television commercial in the City of San Diego, Port of San Diego, and/or unincorporated areas of San Diego County.  Under this pilot program, eligible film costs incurred after July 1, 2009 may be reimbursed.  To be eligible, 75% of the filming must occur in San Diego (in the above stated jurisdictions) and at least 50% of the crew must be based in San Diego.  The project must have a minimum budget of $25,000 being spent in San Diego. Further, the San Diego Film Commission will provide a production assistant that will be drawn from a list of qualified film interns and student filmmakers.   This production assistant will receive a credit as having worked on the production (listed on the official crew list) as well as on the job experience. 

Costs eligible for reimbursement include: 
  • San Diego Police Department officer and SETC fees
  • Public employee costs for city, county, and port including rangers, fire personnel, lifeguards as well as equipment required by a fire marshal or lifeguard
  • Posting for No Parking fees
Eligible costs will only be reimbursed if they are first paid in full by the production company. The San Diego Film Commission must receive a copy of the receipt or cancelled check showing that these costs have been paid, as well as a copy of the crew list and/or call sheet. The SDFC must have copies of W9 Federal form to validate local hires.  The SDFC must also receive an application for reimbursement that is complete prior to disbursement of any film incentives.  All other costs, other than those listed above, will not be entitled to reimbursement. The SDFC also will require a completed survey.
Who can participate and how do I apply?

In most cases, a production company filming a broadcast television commercial in San Diego is eligible to participate once the company has obtained a film permit from the San Diego Film Commission and has fulfilled the above requirements. This incentive is for first time out of town clients or production companies since the intent of this program is to generate new customers and projects for the San Diego market.  Projects are eligible for this incentive once a fiscal year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.) Applications will be available on the San Diego Film Commission website at www.sdfilm.com.  If additional assistance required, please call 619-234-3456 ext. 113 or ext. 112.

What Cost Savings will I Obtain?

The incentive program increases San Diego’s competitive edge in attracting and maintaining television commercial projects.  Qualified production companies will realize a cost savings of up to $2,000 per commercial project through the program’s reimbursement categories.  Restrictions do exist and guidelines must be carefully read and complied with before participating.

Are there Additional Incentives for Filming in San Diego?

Yes. There are no film permit fees for filming in the City of San Diego, Port of San Diego, and County of San Diego and no location fees for the city and port public properties.  Public properties include beaches, parks, sidewalks, etc.   San Diego also offers free street closures, free service from the San Diego Commission 24/7 and a solid infrastructure including; hotels, government support, experienced crews and talent.  San Diego’s film friendly communities don’t require neighborhood signatures.  Local hotels offer a special hotel discount program which is available at www.sdfilm.com. Also after a 30 days stay in the same hotel a 12% rebate is given on room nights.
When do I need to Apply?
Mention your interest in this incentive immediately.  There are limited funds and it is important to communicate your intentions so that the SDFC can make certain there are still funds in the program.  All projects are subject to approval in the sole and absolute discretion of the San Diego Film Commission.  Upon approval of any application, the San Diego Film Commission will process a check within 30 days.
 
*Please note that this incentive is still in development and certain aspects of the incentive may be modified prior to the launch date of July 1, 2009.


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