In these tough economic times, attracting new industries to town is the name of the game. The newly formed Turlock Film Commission is setting its sights on the movie industry.
“It’s all about bringing jobs to the community,” said Michael Everett, Turlock Film Commission director and co-owner of local business, The Creation Lab.
The Film Commission is the brainchild of Everett and Turlock Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Sharon Silva. The commission’s goal is to woo film producers to do business in Turlock.
“The commission is an economic development tool for our community,” said Silva.
The commission works as a liaison between film producers and local vendors, making it easy for a producer to find all the services they may need in town. From hotels, to catering and limousine services, the commission is a one-stop resource for those looking to film in town. The commission also has a list of potential locations for filming.
“Our philosophy is to make the producer happy,” said Everett. “And Turlock is a prime location.”
Film producers have been looking outside of Hollywood for quite some time now.
Cities like Shreveport, La. are fast becoming known for being film-friendly. According to local news station ktbs, officials said Shreveport-Bossier ranked No. 4 nationally in motion picture industry growth by Business Facilities Magazine July 2010 and No. 3 out of the top 10 cities to live, work, and make movies by MovieMaker Magazine last year.
Building up a permanent film industry in Turlock is the ultimate goal of the Turlock Film Commission, said Everett and Silva.
The Turlock Film Commission is starting out with a bang. Their first project will be shooting this weekend. Rich Correll, creator/director of “Hannah Montana,” “Suite Life of Zack & Cody” and “That’s So Raven,” will be filming two music videos right here in Turlock.
The videos will feature Modesto-based pop group The Prezcotts, who are part of Turlock record label Protégé Music. Open auditions for extras will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday at PetExtreme, 2840 Countryside Dr., in Turlock.
The production company will be casting 25-35 individuals, between the ages of 12-17 for nonpaying extras in the two different videos. Parent or legal guardian must be present at audition.
“This project is exciting for us,” Everett said. “It will jumpstart what we want to do with the commission.”
For more information about the Turlock Film Commission, contact Sharon Silva at 632-2221 or Michael Everett at 668-6770.
To contact Kristina Hacker, e-mail khacker@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2004.
