Finding The Spot: The 2009 AFCI Locations Trade Show

The AFCI Locations Trade Show in Santa Monica bridges the gap between tourism and film in a way that is becoming ever more apparent. The inclusion of resorts, food and entertainment within the context of a local economy is becoming ever more intrastructured with filming. With different states and countries vying for the elusive dollar or euro, the allure of uniqueness of visual capture and experience to imbue a production is all important as is the aspect of incentives.South America made a big perception this year with the aspect of Colombia coming into view. While being only a short jaunt in all regards to Miami, it becomes a good aspect for East Coast productions searching for Old World and jungle settings as well as a balance of contemporary. Known to Americans as a setting for "Romancing The Stone", the basis in Bogota also is highlighted by an interactive multi-use Americas Media Complex that can be integrated into production. The Bogota International Film Festival is also making itself more known which can act as a starting off point for integration. Film Brazil, based further down in the Continent out of San Paolo, offers a conglomeration of production companies to integrate with the local production teams. Peru on the West Coast also boasts the integrated city center of Lima with access to the Amazon.Jumping over the Asia, there is a bevy of possibilities especially with alternative tropical and urban settings. The Phillipines seems to lead the charge with a diversity of production value and assistance in Manila which is bouyed by the Phillipines Tourism Board. There is also extensive possibility with Cinemanila and the Asian Film Market that highlights it in Pusan. Further in the Asian territories, Thailand with the richness of Bangkok to the sprawl of Isan to the paradise of Phuket offers an energy supported by the Thailand Film Office. The balance of the film festivals in Bangkok and Phuket as well help this along. With the advent of their very successful horror and sci-fi genre hits, South Korea is also becoming a leader in the world market with many of their locations highlighted and copied in American remakes but with most not comparable to the original vision. The aspect of the possibilities is bridged by the Asian Film Commissions Network and the Pusan Film Festival which is linked to the aforementioned Asisan Film Market.Europe is made interesting by the extremes of structure of what is possible. Bruges in Belgium came out of nowhere with the surprise international hit "In Bruges" with Colin Farrell which completely highlighted the city. A boat ride through the canals to music featured as an extra on the film's DVD is a glowing advertisement. Film London highlights the rich possibilities the city has and continues to have. Being the location home to the biggest films ever made, it is tailor made for anything that needs to be done. Film Tourism is also becoming a big aspect of the city since everyone seems to want to know its history which is only buoyed by Film London's interaction with the London Film Festival.Elsewhere in Europe heading into the East is the essence of Bavaria and Hungary which have become hotbeds for production in recent years because of their ease and economy of production and materials. Bavaria Film is quite known for their incentives and working with filmmakers while ITD Hungary is comparable in their pursuit of business development opportunities in this vein. They are buoyed by their production arm at Film Team which highlighs a bevy of studio, stage and location possibilities in the country.Heading back towards North America, the Carribean has been getting its share of highlights. The Bahamas played host in the past year to both "Fool's Gold" as well as "Quantum Of Solace" and has always been a favorite because of its close proximity to Miami. Their location is also buoyed by the fact of some of its famous residents including Sean Connery who helps heighten its visibility as well as the Bahamas International Film Festival. Elsewhere in the Carribean, the US Virgin Islands also makes extensive use of its tropical location and ease to the mainland.Meanwhile, back on the mainland, in deference to the domestic film scene, some locations are making their presence know. While both New Mexico and Connecticut have been making their presence known as of late, Alabama is in the midst of passing a film incentive law that should be in effect by late October of this year which will be very helpful to filmmakers as the next big thing. Film Florida has always been a big proponent because of its tropical perceptions within a domestic setting which is now buoyed in Los Angeles by a working film liason located in the city. This in addition to their continued presence at film festivals such as South By Southwest and Cinevegas increasing their proximity to filmmakers. In specific, The Florida Keys & Key West, which have played host to films such as "True Lies" and "License To Kill" continues to be a big draw.Further back on the East Coast, Kentucky is making their presence known and with an exceptional list of talent and backing, the state looks to be even more possible in what might be possible. Atlantic City, recently becoming even more accessible with train service from New York City, is building up its ranks. With exceptional food, a heightening film style and some great new hotels like The Chelsea and production centers it continues to grow and aspects of its outreach like The Downbeach Film Festival will continue to buoy the city. The last of the domestics which truly has made its presence known is Wisconsin, which was recently base and filming location for Michael Mann's upcoming "Public Enemies" about John Dillinger starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. It is an untapped area of the country with a definite vibe which was recently highlighted at the Wisconsin Film Festival in Madison.The AFCI Locations Trade Show this year showed the increasing diversity of locations available overseas and domestically to the emerging and established filmmaker.