The California Film Commission board of directors has elected Christine Essel chair and Thomas Brodek vice chair for 1998. Essel, a CFC board member since 1993, is senior VP for planning and development/public affairs for Paramount Pictures Studio Group, where she oversees company projects working with various cities, counties, local civic organizations and state government. She also oversees real estate planning and capital construction projects for Paramount.
Essel's civic involvement extends to L.A.'s Community Redevelopment Agency, where she serves as chair with a special interest in the redevelopment of the Hollywood area, which she describes as "one of the hottest project areas." She also is a member of the Motion Picture Assn. of America California Group. Essel takes over for outgoing board chair Bob Relyea -- president of production at MGM -- whose one-year commitment ended last month.
Brodek, a three-year board member, is an L.A. independent TV producer.
Ann Jacobus, CEO of Crossroads Prods. and a member of the Independent Producers Assn., was elected secretary.
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