Cineposium spotlights prod'n woes

Pic commissioners, producers produce friction

By TIM AVIS

LONDON -- Cineposium '99, an annual gathering of the Assn. of Film Commissioners Intl., exposed an ambivalent relationship between producers and local film commissioners.

Several producers of big Hollywood pics suggested that local film commissions cannot always deliver on their promises because of obligations to the communities that fund them.

During one of the most heated panels, "Entrapment" producer Iain Smith threw down the gauntlet: "Film commissions said, 'We are here to help,' and we don't believe that. Some are operating on a different agenda."

In contrast, location manager Ivan Schwartz said that in his experience, commissions had bent over backwards to be helpful and that production companies should be more specific in their briefs.

Out of this exchange surfaced film commissioners' resentment about how they are treated.

"I have no expectations; I don't even expect a thank you," said Joe O'Kane, film and video commissioner for San Jose, Calif., "but a little respect would be a nice."

Savannah, Ga., film commissioner Jay Self expressed concern over blatantly abusive onscreen portraits of the community that jeopardize carefully nurtured relationships.

Filmmakers' expectations and escalating demands are often sources of friction, as are directors who will sometimes do anything to realize their vision, even when refused permission.

Event took place in London July 16-20.