Association of Film Commissioners International | AFCI

What a fantastic first day of AFCI Week 2024! We’re thrilled to welcome our members from over 30 countries and regions. Today, they participated in two insightful workshops designed to elevate their expertise in the film and production sectors.

The first workshop, exclusively for AFCI members, was led by Resonance President & CEO Chris Fair. This session focused on place branding and the power of storytelling to highlight regional uniqueness. A huge thank you to Calgary Economic Development Film Commission and Edmonton Screen Industries Office for supporting this important initiative.

The second workshop provided hands-on insights into the production incentive application process, giving both producers and film commissioners the tools to collaborate more effectively.

We wrapped up the day with a spectacular sunset at the Film Commissioners, Location Managers, and Producers Happy Hour on the rooftop terrace. Everyone is energized for the exciting panels, receptions, and the debut of our Film Industry Challenge in the days ahead!

Tonight, AFCI attended the 11th Annual Location Managers Guild International Awards at the Wallis Annenberg Center in . What an incredible evening celebrating the creative visual contributions of location professionals in film, television, commercials, and film commissions from around the world!

A special congratulations to our AFCI member Einar Tómasson and Ísak Kári Kárason from Film in Iceland for winning Best Film Commission. We’re immensely proud of your achievements! Kudos to all the other winners for their remarkable accomplishments. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the entertainment industry.

Tomorrow, AFCI Week 2024 kicks off at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel! Get ready for an event filled with networking and knowledge-sharing among global film commissioners, location managers, producers, and studio executives.

Thank you to John Rakich and the team at LOCATION MANAGERS GUILD INTERNATIONAL for another stellar evening!

Two days until Week 2024! A massive thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this year’s AFCI Week the best yet. We're thrilled to host a record number of film commissions from over 30 regions worldwide!

For the first time, AFCI Week opened its doors to non-members, welcoming studio executives, independent producers, and location managers—creating even more opportunities to connect and collaborate and we are proud to say we have sold out!

Our 170+ Film Commissioners are ready to network with top industry representatives from the major and independent studios + other industry professionals. See you in two days at UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel in Westwood, CA!

Platinum Sponsor
- Texas Association of Film Commissions (hashtag )

Opening Reception Sponsors
- BC Film Commission at Creative BC
- Screen BC

Happy Hour Sponsors
- RiseImpact Capital, LLC
- Directors Guild of Canada, British Columbia (DGC BC)
- ProdPro
- The Royal Film Commission Jordan - RFC
- The Location Guide

Panel Sponsors
- California Film Commission
- Monarch Private Capital
- Entertainment Partners
- CVL Economics
- Oklahoma Film + Music Office
- Gold Coast Film Commission
- Calgary Economic Development Film Commission
- Edmonton Screen Industries Office (ESIO)
- Washington Filmworks
- Seattle Film Commission

Media Sponsors
- The Hollywood Reporter
- TheWrap
- Variety
- Gotham/Filmmaker Magazine

Supporting Sponsors
- Paramount
- Crewvie
- talque
- The Gotham Film & Media Institute
- OnBoard Meetings
- MediaXchange
- Aligned Health and Wellness
- LIA LARA EVENTS
- S&C Dental Beverly Hills

Variety Ten Executive Sponsor
- Cinespace Studios

Variety Ten Supporting Sponsors
- The MBS Group
- Cherokee Film Commission
- Straker
- Martini Film Studios
- North Shore & Mammoth Studios
- Vancouver Film Studios

AFCI is excited to partner with Variety to celebrate 10 exceptional leaders and innovators in physical production.

This exclusive VIP event, reserved for AFCI members and senior executives, will shine a spotlight on the exceptional contributions these individuals have made to the entertainment industry.

We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors for their invaluable support: Cinespace Studios , Straker , The MBS Group, Cherokee Film Commission, Martini Film Studios, North Shore & Mammoth Studios, and Vancouver Film Studios.

Lucasfilm, Warner Bros., Sony, Netflix Execs Honored Among Variety’s Physical Production Leaders In conjunction with AFCI week, The Variety 10: Leaders in Physical Production honors executives from Lucasfilm, Warner Bros., Netflix, Sony and more.

Three days until SOLD OUT AFCI Week 2024 kicks off! We’re thrilled to host an incredible lineup of industry leaders who will share their expertise on production incentives, the global production landscape, economic impact, infrastructure, independent perspectives, unscripted productions, and more. Join us for a deep dive into the latest trends and knowledge that shape our industry.

This year’s AFCI Week will feature an unprecedented number of studio executives, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration.

We can’t wait to see you in just three days at UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel in Westwood, CA, from August 25-28.

AFCI Week 2024 is only a few days away! We’d like to welcome Straker as a valued partner for the Variety 10 Leaders and Innovators in Physical Production event on Tuesday, August 27th. This exclusive VIP event is tailored for AFCI members and senior executives in physical production.

Moderated by Carolyn Giardina, Senior Technology, Entertainment, and Crafts Editor at Variety Magazine, the event will feature interviews with the ten honorees. The evening will conclude with a networking cocktail session—an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders and innovators.

Our event partner Straker is revolutionizing global communication with cutting-edge AI translation technology. By combining the power of generative AI with the expertise of the world’s top linguists, Straker delivers lightning-fast, impeccably accurate translations.

Their advanced AI verification ecosystem ensures flawless localized content, allowing businesses to resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. With Straker, language is transformed into a powerful tool for global communication and cultural exchange.

This is just the beginning of our strategic partnership with Straker, we have some exciting announcements for our global membership and wider industry. Stay tuned.

Join us at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel in Westwood, CA, from August 25-28, 2024. We look forward to welcoming you to Los Angeles for a transformative event!

This year’s AFCI Week has set a new record with a groundbreaking number of global film commission attendees from over 30 countries! With the incredible support of our event partners, this edition promises to be our most diverse and engaging yet.

A shout-out to coming in to support across the week:

The Directors Guild of Canada - BC (DGC BC) will be joining us as a sponsor for the Film Commissioners, Location Managers, and Producer Happy Hour on Sunday, August 25th. DGC BC represents the creative and logistical personnel in British Columbia's film and television industry.

British Columbia Film Commission at Creative BC & Screen BC are key partners for the Opening Reception on Monday, August 26th.

Established in 1978, the BC Film Commission at Creative BC delivers support and resources to both the motion picture industry, communities, stakeholders, and various partners that contribute to its longevity.

Screen BC is a volunteer-led industry association established in 2002, representing over 140 member organizations, companies and freelance professionals from across the industry ecosystem.

An Evening Celebrating The Variety Ten - Leaders and Innovators in Physical Production will showcase support from:

- Vancouver Film Studios – a leader in sustainable business practices, known for being the first B Corp certified studio globally.
- Martini Film Studios - offering unique facilities and a commitment to clean energy, rapidly becoming a key player in the BC film industry.
- North Shore Studios along with Mammoth Studios, provide some of the largest sound stages in Vancouver, dedicated to seamless production experiences.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this pivotal gathering. We look forward to welcoming you to AFCI Week at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel in Westwood, CA, from August 25-28, 2024.

Only a few more days until AFCI Week 2024! With 170 film commissioners from over 30 countries, 50+ speakers, and 300+ attendees,this will be our largest gathering yet!

A big thank you to the Edmonton Screen Industries Office and Calgary Film Commission, for sponsoring the session ‘Empowering Places’ on Sunday, August 25th. This workshop, led by Chris Fair, President & CEO of Resonance, will provide film commissioners with essential skills in campaign development and place branding to spotlight their regions.

The Edmonton Screen Industries Office (ESIO) supports the development, growth and sustainability of the Edmonton region’s screen industries including film, television, and video games.

Calgary Economic Development Film Commission - Calgary offers an unparalleled variety of locations backed by world-class crews, competitive incentives, a full service film commission, over 750K sq. ft. of studio space and a commitment towards industry collaboration, sustainable production practices and a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

See you soon at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel in Westwood, CA from August 25-28, 2024

The Location Guide, FOCUS Show London, and makers Magazine will be joining us as sponsors for the Film Commissioners, Location Managers, and Producer Happy Hour on Sunday, August 25th, during AFCI Week 2024.

Engage in meaningful conversations with AFCI members, including film commissioners, business affiliates, film liaisons, location managers, and other industry professionals. Discover potential collaborations with film commissions and production enablers to bring your projects to life.

For over 25 years, The Location Guide has been the world’s leader in global location filming production content and contacts. The Location Guide has provided the global screen production industries with unparalleled production resources, including makers magazine, online services, international event planning, as well as the FOCUS show in London, one of the industry’s must attend production event connecting international clients to decision makers in the film, TV, commercials and gaming industries.

Don’t miss this chance to build key connections and explore new opportunities in a relaxed, informal setting. Ticket sales close soon this Friday August 16, at noon (12 PM PT). Join now: https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

AFCI Week 2024 is just around the corner! We’re pleased to announce our partnership with our member from Australia, The Gold Coast Film Commission, for the panel “Expanding Your Infrastructure” on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Having a well-developed infrastructure makes a region a desirable destination for studio productions. In this panel, regional leaders and studio executives will discuss strategies film commissions and regions may consider when enhancing their infrastructure, including when and where to build sound stages and other important factors that will make the region competitive.

Part of the City of Gold Coast, the new Gold Coast Film Commission is your one-stop shop for filming on the Gold Coast with diverse and awe-inspiring filming locations. More than just a destination – it's a canvas for creativity. You have access to world-class production crews, creative talent and renowned Village Roadshow Studios. The Gold Coast Film Commission provides expert advice, financial incentives and fast-tracked permit approvals, to make your next project easier.

Join us from August 25-28 at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel in Westwood, CA.

Reminder: Ticket sales close this Friday, August 16 at noon (12 PM PT). This is your last chance to secure your spot: https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

For this year’s AFCI Week, we are partnering with our member Oklahoma Film + Music Office to present the panel “Beyond Hollywood.” This session will feature leading studio executives from Walt Disney, Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, HBO/MAX/WBD, and Paramount & Nickelodeon Studios.

Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors.

Join us at AFCI Week 2024, taking place from August 25-28 at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel in Westwood, CA. Don’t miss out on a diverse lineup of sessions and panels led by industry leaders!

Reminder: Ticket sales close this Friday, August 16, at noon (12 PM PT). This is your last chance to secure your spot: https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

We’re pleased to have CVL Economics as the sponsor for our first Film Industry Challenge at AFCI Week 2024 taking place at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel in Westwood, CA from August 25-28, 2024.

This interactive workshop will harness the collective expertise of AFCI members, producers, studio executives, and location managers to tackle pressing industry challenges like AI, technology, and location use. Participants will experience innovative facilitation, live illustration, and collaborative problem-solving to create impactful insights for AFCI's inaugural Global Insights Paper. Attendees will gain exclusive early access before it becomes available for public purchase in the subsequent months.

CVL Economics is an economic consulting firm that takes a data-driven, human-centric approach to equitable development and sustainable growth with a focus on the creative economy. CVL Economics partners with communities, municipalities, organizations, and institutions to address today’s most complex challenges and foster bold action. They provide decision makers with the actionable insights needed to effect change, expand opportunity, and improve economic well-being.

Get your ticket to the very first Film Industry Challenge: https://afci.org/product/afci-week-2024-film-industry-challenge/

AFCI Week 2024 ticket sales close on August 16 at midday, 12 PM PT. Secure your spot today! https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

Only less than three weeks until AFCI Week! We're pleased to share that Cinespace Studios will be joining us as the Executive Sponsor for the Variety 10 Leaders and Innovators in Physical Production Event on August 27th, Tuesday.

Join us for an exclusive VIP event tailored for AFCI members and senior executives in physical production. Moderated by Jazz Tangcay, Senior Artisans Editor, and Carolyn Giardina, Senior Technology, Entertainment, and Crafts Editor at Variety Magazine, this event will feature interviews with the ten honorees. The evening will conclude with a networking cocktail session, providing an excellent opportunity to connect and engage with industry leaders.

Cinespace Studios is a best-in-class global platform of production facilities that supports content providers and their creatives. Cinespace is home to productions that include HULU/FX’s Emmy Award-winning “The Bear,” Universal Television’s “One Chicago” franchise, Lionsgate’s John Wick: Chapter 4,” Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” Guillermo Del Toro’s Academy Award Winner “The Shape of Water,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” Apple TV+/Sony Pictures TV “ Dark Matter,” Amazon’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” and Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and MGM TV/Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Join us for this premier industry gathering at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel from August 25-28, 2024.

Ticket sales close on August 16 at midday, 12 PM PT. Secure your spot today! https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

RiseImpact is joining this edition of AFCI Week 2024 as the Happy Hour Sponsor on Monday, August 26th.

RiseImpact Capital is a full service tax advantaged real estate development and tax credit syndication firm specializing in film and entertainment. The RiseImpact team has syndicated over $1.5 billion of film and entertainment tax credits offered by various jurisdictions across the United States. Earned by major film studios and independent production companies alike, film and television tax credits produce economic benefits to state and local economies, including the creation of well paid, skilled jobs; small business and infrastructure development; and increased tourism.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the biggest AFCI Week ever. We can't wait to welcome you in August.

Ticket sales close on August 16 at midday, 12 PM PT. Secure your spot today! https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

We’re excited to announce the California Film Commission (CFC) as the panel sponsor for 'Economic Impact & Government Collaboration - How to Respond When Challenged on Economic Development Benefits’ at AFCI Week 2024 this month.

This is your opportunity to join top studio executives, film commissioners, and economists to discuss the significant economic impact of the production industry on global territories, local communities, and film tourism. Learn how to effectively report and measure data to secure community and government support, thereby enhancing advocacy for the production industry.

The California Film Commission (CFC) is one of several economic development departments within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development working to attract, retain, and expand business opportunities in California. The CFC supports a production-friendly environment to retain and grow production jobs and economic activity statewide, enhancing California’s position as the leading location for all forms of media content creation nationally and globally. Learn more about how CFC can elevate your next project: https://film.ca.gov/

Join us at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel from August 25-28, 2024. Secure your spot today! https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

We’d like to welcome Entertainment Partners (EP) as the panel sponsor for the "Independents Fireside Chat" at AFCI Week 2024 next month.

Join this panel to explore the rise of independent production and learn how independent producers are efficiently delivering high-quality content. The panel will feature speakers from Konwiser Brothers Media, Blumhouse, Entertainment Partners, and more.

Entertainment Partners (EP) is the global leader in entertainment payroll, workforce management, residuals, tax incentives, finance, and other integrated production management solutions with offices in the US, Canada, and the UK. Providing integrated, cloud-based digital solutions for every phase of production, EP is the global production partner in the evolution of the entertainment industry. Learn more about Entertainment Partner and how they’re driving changes: http://www.ep.com

Join us at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel from August 25-28, 2024. Secure your spot today! https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

Only four and a half weeks to go until AFCI Week 2024! This year, we're setting records with our highest number of attendees to date and unprecedented international participation, making this the most diverse and engaging edition yet with representation from over 35 countries.

🔶 Introducing an AFCI-First: The Film Industry Challenge
This interactive workshop will harness the collective expertise of AFCI members, producers, studio executives, and location managers to tackle pressing industry challenges like AI, technology and location use. Participants will experience innovative facilitation, live illustration, and collaborative problem-solving to create impactful insights for AFCI's inaugural Global Insights Paper. Attendees will gain exclusive early access before it becomes available for public purchase in the subsequent months.

🔶 Get Ready to Use Our Event App
Soon to be launched in partnership with talque, our app will enhance your event experience by enabling you to set up a personal profile, schedule meetings, customize your agenda, connect with other attendees, and get the latest event updates. Stay tuned for your invite!

Join us at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel from August 25-28, 2024. Ticket sales will close on August 16 at midday. Don’t miss out!

👉 Secure your tickets now:
For AFCI members: https://afci.org/product/afci-week-2024-members-only/
For non members: https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration-non-members/

Only 6 weeks until AFCI Week 2024! We’re thrilled to announce Monarch Private Capital as the panel sponsor for “The Independent Perspective.” Join us as producers (commercial, gaming, TV/film) gather to discuss bringing their visions into reality and will also examine the strategic use of locations and incentives in the gaming industry.

Monarch’s film division, Monarch Film Credits https://monarchfilmcredits.com/, has placed over $1.5 billion in film and digital media tax credits since 2008. They help major studios and independent productions place tax credits generated in U.S. jurisdictions offering transferable tax credits. Monarch also assists Fortune 500 companies, private companies, and high-net-worth taxpayers in using film tax credits to offset their state tax liabilities. For more about Monarch Private Capital, visit https://www.monarchprivate.com/

📅 Join us at AFCI Week from August 25-28, 2024 to engage with industry leaders: https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

For the first time, we’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome not only to AFCI members but to all screen sector professionals, including top studio executives, leading industry experts, government officials, producers, and location managers.

We offer a variety of packages tailored to fit your professional interests and needs, enhancing your experience at every level.

🔶 Sunday Educational Session & Reception for Producers and Location Managers: Gain access to the educational session “Approaching the Production Incentive Application Process” followed by a networking reception to mix and mingle with 130+ Global Film Commissioners and other industry leaders.

🔶 One-Day Pass: Enjoy a full day of sessions and panels on Monday, complete with a Happy Hour and Opening Reception. Food and beverage service will be provided.

🔶 Two-Day Pass: Access all panels on Monday and Tuesday until 1:40 PM. Includes food and beverage service and entry to our Monday Happy Hour and Opening Reception, providing abundant networking opportunities.

🔶 VIP Pass: Exclusive access to “The Variety Ten - Leaders and Innovators in Physical Production” panels and evening receptions. Enjoy a 25% discount on AFCI membership if purchased by July 31. This pass grants full access to all activities on Monday and Tuesday, including all major receptions and meal services.

Check out the full agenda: https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-agenda/

Ticket sales end on August 19, 2024. Don’t miss this extraordinary edition of AFCI Week. Engage directly with screen sector professionals, expand your network, and advance your career.

Secure your spot now at AFCI Week 2024! https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration-non-members/

AFCI expands industry access to Global Film Commissioner Conference Motion Picture Association chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin to deliver opening keynote.

7 weeks countdown to AFCI Week 2024!

Join us from August 25-28 in Los Angeles at UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel. This is your gateway to unparalleled networking and learning opportunities with global film commissioners, top studio executives, leading industry experts, government officials, producers, and location managers.

We’re thrilled to introduce our keynote speaker for AFCI Week - Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the leading advocate of the global film, television, and streaming industry.

“AFCI Week brings filmmakers, policy practitioners, and other key stakeholders together to navigate the state of the industry today, map out the potential for production tomorrow, and chart a course for our creative community long into the future,” Rivkin said. “The MPA is in the business of opening markets to the producers, actors, writers, casts, and crews who bring the magic of film and television to life – and AFCI presents an ideal setting to showcase how this industry’s inspiring content will continue to stand at the intersection of cultural resonance and economic impact.”

Secure your spot at AFCI Week 2024 today: https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

AFCI Week 2024 - Registration Register for AFCI Week 2024, taking place at the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center in Westwood, CA from August 25-28th.

📢 Exciting news from AFCI’s member, the Mongolian National Film Council:

Japanese broadcaster TBS’s drama series ‘Vivant’ marks the first international project to benefit from the filming incentive scheme launched by the Mongolian National Film Council (MNFC). Garnering a significant rebate of around $799,033, the series captures an epic adventure set against the urban and natural landscapes of Darkhan and Ulaanbaatar, highlighting Mongolia’s stunning scenery.

Explore the opportunities for shooting in Mongolia by checking out the incentive flyer and more details in AFCI’s global directory: https://directory.afci.org/listing/mongolian-national-film-council/

With only 8 weeks to go until AFCI Week 2024, we are thrilled to announce our Platinum Sponsor, Texas Association of Film Commissions. ( )

Don’t miss their hosted panel at AFCI Week: “Film Texas - A Legacy of Filmmaking, A Future of Innovation.” Join members of the as they discuss their shared history of cooperation, incentives and support for the film industry in Texas. Hear from a panel of experts including major studio executives, line producers, location managers, and infrastructure developers.

🗓 Monday, August 26, 2024

Discover more about how fosters and promotes the state’s visual media industry in order to further industry development and economic impact for the state.

Check out their website: www.txafc.com

Book your tickets for AFCI Week 2024 now and gain access to industry panels, keynotes and exclusive networking receptions! https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-registration/

Enjoy a special rate of $269/night plus tax at the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center & Hotel– the official venue for AFCI Week 2024. This offer is valid for stays from August 23-28 for both single and double occupancy. HURRY! Rooms must be secured by July 22nd to receive the discount. https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-hotel/

After a day of action-packed panels and networking at AFCI Week 2024, explore the vibrant local culture right at your doorstep in Westwood Village. Step out to enjoy a range of dining options from global cuisines, chic bars, and cozy cafés. Stay fit and refreshed with access to local fitness centers.

The UCLA campus adds more fun to your stay—visit the Hammer Museum, the Fowler Museum, the J.D. Morgan Center Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the Sculpture Museum, the Sunset Village Recreation Center, and Boelter Hall, known as the birthplace of the Internet.

Book your hotel room now: https://afci.org/afci-week-2024-hotel/

AFCI Week 2024 - Hotel HOTEL August, 25-28 | Los Angeles REGISTER HOTEL UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center425 Westwood PlazaLos Angeles, CA 90095Phone Number: (855) 522-8252 Room code for guests: PMSGroup ID: LG2408AFCB BOOK HOTEL […]