Film Consortium San Diego: Harder Better Faster Stronger

San Diego Filmmakers are serious about turning America’s finest city into the next filmmaking mecca of the nation. Filmmakers are mobilizing, and the Film Consortium San Diego is spearheading that movement. 

While in the past, Hollywood productions graced the city of San Diego; the productions are coming farther and farther in between. As a matter of fact, the last production listed in the Film Commission’s website Filmography page was in 2008, Beverly Hills Chihuahua (South of the Border).

It appears that production companies from around the nation, specifically our Los Angeles neighbors, may not be aware of the potential that San Diego holds for filmmaking. Nevertheless, there are great efforts being made to change that.

Recently, The Mayor, Bob Filner met with the Founder of Film Consortium, San Diego to discuss its mission to build a thriving local film industry in San Diego and to increase San Diego’s appeal as a filmmaking destination for outside productions. The Mayor is also set to speak in the next Film Consortium Pitchfest & Mixer, San Diego’s event on May 3, 2013 from 5-10 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton.

“The mayor was very interested in our ideas and the opportunity we see to not only increase production within San Diego, but also attract production to the region, ”said Film Consortium Founder Jodi Cilley.

The mission of the Film Consortium is to increase the quality and quantity of productions coming out of San Diego and to increase funding, distribution, exhibition and job opportunities for local filmmakers, cast and crew. Although the Film Consortium is a new development, their events have become extremely popular, a definite sign of the interest and potential of film production in San Diego. Drawing crowds of over 1500 people in their events – including independent filmmakers, local talent, production companies, investors and entrepreneurs – the idea of developing San Diego into a filmmaking mecca, seems more tangible than ever.

Some of the events that will be held in the Film Consortium Pitchfest & Mixer on May 3, 3013 are:

Pitchfest – Showcasing two-minute pitches from local producers and screenwriters. Participants may not only find cast and crew but also assistance with marketing and screening.

Screenings – This evening’s lineup include locally produced short films, a horror short film screening, Platt College San Diego Video and Animation Department showcase. Almost 3 hours of locally produced work will be shown.

Convention-Style Floor –Hosted tables by more than a dozen businesses including UCSD Extension Digital Arts Center, Platt College San Diego, The Testmarket Evolution, NewBlueFX, New Media Rights, Act One Pictures, Media Arts Center San Diego, 48 Hour Film Project, Oceanside Film Festival, Full Moon Drive In, New Media Rights, Pixel Productions and more.

To learn more about this exciting movement or to become involved, attend the Film Consortium event happening on Friday, May 3^rd Pitchfest & Mixer.