High Costs Drive Filmmakers Away from San Francisco

Paul Kmiech arrived in San Francisco nearly a decade ago, armed with a camera and aspirations. "San Francisco is a magical city," he remarked in an interview, highlighting its complex charm despite its challenges.

As a filmmaker, Kmiech has directed seven short films and is currently at the helm of the Santa Cruz Film Festival. His projects, including a quirky tarot card music video shot in Santa Cruz, showcase the Bay Area's unique landscape.

Kmiech is also collaborating with Oakland's Lauren M. James on a horror film titled "She Said, Yes," which he describes as "a messed up film about a messed up relationship." He emphasizes the importance of nurturing the local film scene, which he characterizes as small and supportive.

"Now is the opportunity during this disruptive time to protect cinema," Kmiech stated, advocating for the recognition of filmmaking as a vital economic sector.

San Francisco has served as a backdrop for notable films like Venom and The Matrix Resurrections. Recently, production crews have been spotted in the Mission District, signaling a potential resurgence in local filmmaking.

However, the San Francisco Film Commission's executive director, Manijeh Fata, pointed out that high costs deter many productions from choosing the city. "There are productions that will often be set here, but they're shooting in Vancouver or Atlanta," she explained.

To combat this trend, the city has introduced the Scene in San Francisco Rebate Program, offering up to $600,000 back to crews filming locally. "Five independent films used our incentive program, which was the most since 2013," Fata noted, indicating a positive shift for independent filmmakers.

Fata expressed optimism regarding two state bills aimed at increasing film tax refunds. Currently set at 20 to 25%, these credits are insufficient to compete with other regions. Proposed changes could raise this to 35%, with additional incentives for filming outside Los Angeles.

"We need to change the perception of being expensive," Fata asserted, acknowledging that cities like Vancouver offer more attractive financial conditions for filmmakers.

Kmiech echoed this sentiment, advocating for San Francisco to become a hub for independent cinema. "Recognizing and rewarding filmmaking as a crucial cultural asset is essential," he said, emphasizing the balance between artistic integrity and financial viability.

As technology evolves, Kmiech hopes the industry will remain grounded in its roots. "It's a place that's functioning between the ghost of what it was and the new gods presiding over it," he reflected.

In his role at the Santa Cruz Film Festival, Kmiech aims to foster collaboration with neighboring regions. "We want to learn how to incentivize filmmakers to shoot in Santa Cruz and the Greater Monterey Bay area," he stated, envisioning a future where San Francisco continues to shine as a cinematic backdrop.