Film commissioners from around the world gathered in Hollywood March 27-30 for AFCI Week 2023 – the premier global conference for film commission professionals. Held at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, the conference brought together more than 125 film commissioners who spent the week sharing best practices, meeting with colleagues and forging new relationships with production industry decision makers. The goal is to equip film commissioners from diverse locations with the tools and industry access they need to succeed.
“Film commissioners are the unsung heroes who help create production jobs and production-related economic development in their territories,” said new AFCI Executive Director Jaclyn Philpott. “AFCI Week provides them with unique opportunities for learning and collaboration.”
Philpott added that global spending on film and TV production this year is expected to reach $238 billion and that the industry relies on film commissions to help navigate the highly competitive production landscape.
This year’s conference covered a range of topics, including workforce development, government relations, sustainability, virtual production and AI, diversity and inclusion, incentives, and location management. One of the many highlights was the annual Physical Production Power Brunch co-hosted with The Hollywood Reporter.
Attendees also had access to one-on-one consultations with global consulting firm Olsberg SPI, as well as a tour of Orbital Virtual Production Studios in downtown Los Angeles, and a wrap-up celebration at Tom Bergin’s (L.A.’s oldest Irish pub) to launch Cineposium 2023, which will be held in Limerick, Ireland September 26-28.
Networking receptions hosted by Entertainment Partners and Amazon also enabled AFCI members to meet industry decision makers. Such direct access is one of the benefits that sets AFCI Week apart from other industry conferences.
AFCI is currently in the midst of an organizational transition, with Jaclyn focused on growing what is already the most geographically and culturally diverse membership roster in AFCI’s nearly 50-year history. She is also focused on helping AFCI members work more effectively with government policymakers to recognize the positive impact a vibrant screen sector has on regional economic and cultural development, job creation and tourism.
After wrapping up AFCI Week, Jaclyn is excited about upcoming meetings at Cannes and is ready to begin planning AFCI’s first Cineposium in Ireland.
