CFC director to ankle
Topper's move expected, will join marketing firm
Stolken-Archuletta confirmed her exit Saturday at Locations '99, the three-day trade show sponsored by the Assn. of Film Commissions International at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Stolken-Archuletta's departure was expected following the election of Gov. Gray Davis, who is expected to name a replacement in the near future. Archuletta will join the K2 Communications, the commission's marketing firm.
"It's a lifestyle decision," Stolken-Archuletta said. "Located in Manhattan Beach, I'll be closer to home and my son."
Stolken-Archuletta said she was proud of the commission's work during her tenure. "Film production has exploded over the years, and that's in no small part due to our efforts."
In remarks at the confab Saturday, she noted that while other states are working harder than ever for a share of the $28 billion film business, California is intent on sending the message that it intends to keep its "homefield advantage."
Stolken-Archuletta said, however, that SAG and the DGA will release a report in April revealing a downturn in California production. While the trend is no reason for panic, she said, California's commission needs to make it clear they aren't taking the industry for granted.
With the devaluation of the dollar in countries like Canada and Australia, the bottom line is that producers can save money by filming elsewhere, Stolken-Archuletta said. She suggested targeted tax credits and improved servicing as a means of bringing back business.
Canada was out in force at the trade show with 21 booths, second only to California's 38.
Stolken-Archuletta also said the state commission could use some more money. California's annual budget of $50,000 is dwarfed by the $250,000 North Carolina works with, for example. The presumption, Stolken-Archuletta said, has been that since the film biz is here, there's not as much need for marketing and advertising.
Stolken-Archuletta said that proximity and the state's willingness to work with the industry are indeed major advantages.
"No other state has such an incredible model for cooperative partnerships," Stolken-Archuletta said. "There is power in unity if we work together."
Her first venture with K2 will be promoting the "California Experience," a MacGillvary Freeman-produced IMAX film to celebrate the state.
Delegations from foreign countries and several states joined filmmakers and studio reps at the confab.
