Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission exhibiting for first time at FOCUS 2018

FOCUS talks to Cassandra Hesseltine of the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission in California.

The Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission will be exhibiting for the first time at FOCUS 2018. Focus caught up with Cassandra Hesseltine, Film Commissioner and the current president of FLICS, a statewide professional association of film commissioners and offices dedicated to promoting filming throughout California.

Cassandra what brings you and the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission to FOCUS this year?
Ever since FOCUS launched, I thought it was an amazing opportunity to network with international productions and knew I needed to make it a priority to go. After hearing from another California based film office that saw results after attending FOCUS, I knew this was the year to attend!

What are you hoping to get out of the event and what in particular will you be promoting at FOCUS 2018?
At FOCUS, we hope to market the region to a new audience that may not know yet about our stellar locations. We plan on showcasing our world’s largest remaining old-growth forest of coastal redwoods, our Victorian architecture, rocky coastlines, and more!

What productions have recently been filming in Humboldt-Del Norte.
The area has most recently been featured in ‘Bird Box’ (an original Netflix feature film starring Sandra Bullock and directed by Susanne Bier), a Subaru TV commercial, and HGTV’s ‘Mountain Life.’

Please tell us briefly what Humboldt-Del Norte has to offer as a location filming destination?
Due to the fact that Humboldt-Del Norte has celebrated over 100 years of filming, our region knows what it means to be film friendly: easy permits, crew accommodating hotels, locations that understand a production’s needs, and student/professional crew to supplement a team.

What incentives will you be promoting to producers and production professionals at FOCUS 2018?
Humboldt-Del Norte falls under the California Film & TV Tax Incentive Program and we couldn’t be more proud! Our last three movies all came through the program. Because we are outside of the Hollywood zone, there is the potential for an extra 5% uplift if a project (feature film, Movie of the Week, new TV series & pilots) qualifies for the 20% tax credit. Independent films and relocating tv series automatically receive a 25% tax credit if they qualify.

Will you also be wearing your FLICS hat too on the Humboldt-Del Norte stand at FOCUS?
How could I not! I am proud of all our 40+ offices throughout California. If Humboldt-Del Norte doesn’t have what you are looking for then chances are one of my many other offices will. Or perhaps, like many other productions, you will find all your many looks throughout the state meeting all your needs!

Cassandra many thanks for your time and we are very much looking forward to seeing you and the Humboldt-Del Norte team at FOCUS 2018 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London on the 4th & 5th of December 2018.

Cassandra Hesseltine began her career in film, prior to being film commissioner, as a producer, 1st AD, and casting director. Since 2010, Cassandra has been the Film Commissioner for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties in northern California. She, also, is the President of the Board of Directors of Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS) and a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI).