A forecast from behind the scenes

‘NCIS’ writer, producer added to SCV Economic Development Corp. marquee event

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp. has added a fourth speaker to the lineup for its marquee event of the year.

Scott Williams, a writer and producer who is best known for his work on “NCIS,” which has been on the air and filming in the SCV since 2003, will speak at the 2018 Economic Outlook Conference, the SCVEDC announced Monday in a news release.

“The film industry is an important component of the SCV economy, and ‘NCIS’ has been filming here for well over a decade,” said Holly Schroeder, CEO of the SCVEDC. “Scott Williams will give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, and of the many SCV places that stand in as locations around the globe.”

Back in 2016, the long-running TV show, which stars Mark Harmon, celebrated the filming of its 300th episode on the backlot at the shows studio in Santa Clarita in February of that year.

The 300th episode aired March 15, 2016.

“It was a lofty benchmark to get to,” said Evan Thomason, economic development associate for the city of Santa Clarita’s Film Office, at the time of the production. “It’s almost unheard of in the TV industry. It really speaks to the tremendous popularity of one of America’s favorite shows.”

A recent news release with information about how to get tickets also hinted that he might not be coming alone.

“He has filmed extensively in the Santa Clarita Valley and will be discussing film and television trends (and he might even bring along a celebrity guest),” the release reads.

The March 8 event will also feature Dr. Mark Schniepp, director of the California Economic Forecast; Robert Tucker of Innovation Resource Consulting Group, a global research and executive development firm with clients in 48 countries; and Dr. Mark Vitner, a Wells Fargo senior economist.

In addition to his producing and writing work, Williams is co-founder of Shane’s Inspiration, a non-profit organization that builds playgrounds that allow disabled children to play with their able-bodied peers.

The three-hour Economic Outlook Conference, presented by Wells Fargo, will be staged this year for the first time at TPC Valencia.

The event will take place on March 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. Registration opens at 1:30 p.m..