City aims to boost filming

SAN DIEGO — San Diego’s status as a popular filming destination for movies such as “Top Gun” and “Anchorman” could revive under a new city proposal.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s proposed budget includes $266,000 to help create a new regional film office that would essentially replace the San Diego Film Commission, which fell victim to the budget ax during the recession after nearly four decades of coordinating local productions.

More filming in San Diego would boost the city’s image, create high-paying jobs, encourage more tourism and generate additional revenue for hotels, restaurants and local attractions, city officials said.

“The potential for the film industry’s growth in San Diego is huge,” Faulconer said Thursday. “It could translate into hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs and put our city back into the spotlight as a great place to film.”

The state recently increased annual subsidies for film and television production from $100 million to $330 million to fight a trend of more production taking place in other states.

“San Diego has been a location for classic films like ‘Citizen Kane’ and ‘Some Like It Hot’ and big hits like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Anchorman,’ and it’s time we were back in the business of attracting major productions and the jobs and economic activity they bring,” said Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego).

Nearly a dozen projects have already received $83 million under the state’s expanded subsidy program, including four ongoing TV series that will move production to California.

City Council members have expressed strong support for Faulconer’s desire to revive the film commission, with some suggesting the city should nearly triple its contribution to $750,000.

“This effort has the potential to bring $100 million in local spending by film and television companies each year,” Councilman Todd Gloria said in a budget memo lobbying for the higher contribution.

Members of the local film industry have hailed the effort and emphasized that the new state policy makes it important to move quickly.

“This would enhance San Diego’s image on a global basis,” said Francine Filsinger, president of the San Diego Filmmakers nonprofit. “Time is of the essence if San Diego is to regain its position as a film and industry leader.”