Nevada Film Office
Charles Geocaris, Director
555 E. Washington Avenue, Suite 5400
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 486-2711
Fax: 486-2712

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

For Immediate Release
November 5, 2003

Lieutenant Governor Welcomes Reno Film Festival

RENO, Nv. B Lt. Governor Lorraine T. Hunt, Chair of the Commission on Economic Development which oversees the Nevada Film Office, will participate in the opening festivities to launch this year's Reno Film Festival. Thursday, November 6th, is the festival's kickoff with screenings, celebrity panels and other events packed into a schedule that continues through Sunday evening, November 9th. Event planners state the festival will be multilayered this year Awith seven diverse tracks that film lovers of all varieties will enjoy. This marks the fourth year of the event, and the Lt. Governor has been an ardent supporter of the festival since its inception.

"Film festivals are one more dimension of serving the film industry, which Nevada strives to do on all levels", says Lieutenant Governor Hunt. "Showcasing the art of film and the filmmakers themselves through festivals is important exposure for the host community as well as the event participants. Reno is well suited for this venue, as it is an extremely arts-oriented locale."

Nevada has had record-breaking production levels in recent years, averaging more than $100 million in filming revenues annually. "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 (NFO). "We aggressively seek productions to come 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."

Event organizers also state, the festival is pleased to screen the world premiere of Lion Gate's "The Cooler" starring William H. Macy and Alec Baldwin. "The Cooler", which was filmed in Reno, will open in New York City and Los Angeles shortly after its debut at the Reno Film Festival. The critically acclaimed project will be screened several times during the festival. "When films of all types and sizes shoot in Nevada, we make every effort to ensure their filming experience is a positive one", states the Lt. Governor. "AIt's gratifying to see these completed projects return in a festival forum, so we can further appreciate their success."

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.