Contact: Jeanne Corcoran
NFO Production Manager
Phone: (702) 486-2713

For Immediate Release
January 30, 2004

Las Vegas Ranked in "Top Ten Best Cities" for Independent Moviemakers Third Year in a Row

LAS VEGAS, NV. For the third year in a row, Las Vegas has ranked in the top ten cities for independent filmmakers in the United States according to MovieMaker Magazine, moving up in rank from 8th in 2003 to 6th in 2004. This annual evaluation factors in many elements including: feedback from filmmakers, resources available to productions, expense of permitting, accommodations both above and below the line, weather, depth of crew and skilled staff available in the community and film commission strength and support.

"Las Vegas has always been a premier worldwide destination for recreation, relaxation, entertainment and excitement, and this is another jewel in its crown", says Lieutenant Governor Lorraine T. Hunt, Chair of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development which oversees the Nevada Film Office (NFO). "We are so pleased with this recognition, and will continue our efforts on all fronts to grow our filming industry here. One of Nevada's most recent efforts has been to offer free permits to shoot on general public property, which has been enthusiastically received by filmmakers."

Nevada has had record-breaking production levels in recent years, averaging more than $100 million in filming revenues for each the last four calendar years in a row. This is in stark contrast to a nationwide pattern of decreased film industry activity. The impact on travel due to the events of September 11th, the war in Iraq, the exchange rate of the dollar, and the Arunaway production crisis of business lost to Canada, Mexico, and other nations that offer rebates and tax incentives on a federal level unmatched in the United States, are just a few of the factors creating the downturn in filming in America.

"Service to filmmakers is a key element in not only bringing filming to Nevada but creating repeat business", says Charles Geocaris, Director of the Nevada Film Office. "We aggressively pursue productions seeking to draw them here through advertising, marketing, trade events, film festivals and other methods, and we want them to come back time and again. So, from first contact through final frame shot in Nevada, we're committed to meeting their needs quickly and thoroughly."

The NFO works closely with other governmental agencies and the private sector to reduce red tape, expedite permitting, provide locations assistance, scouts and familiarization tours, create and distribute materials and coordinate resources, publish directories of manpower, equipment and vendors, assist with research and supply information of all kinds.