Title
Phoenix Film Office 50th Anniversary
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee with an overview of the Phoenix Film Office as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix Film Office was established on October 8, 1974. The Film Office focuses exclusively on marketing to filmmakers, providing location referrals and logistics assistance, permitting, creating talent and crew employment opportunities, industry development, and promoting local vendors. Phoenix is the only city in the metropolitan area with a dedicated office to service filmmakers and is one of only five film offices in Arizona that is certified by the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) and is overseen by an AFCI-certified Film Commissioner. Throughout its half-century of operation, the Phoenix Film Office has played a crucial role in developing and supporting the City's vibrant film industry ecosystem.
The Film Office works with all types of commercial multimedia projects including commercials, documentaries, educational projects, feature films (Indie and studio), industrial/corporate, music videos, still photography, television (reality and scripted), and social media content. Major brands such as Honda, Nieman Marcus, Mastercard, Nike, Ford, Nesquik, and Dick’s Sporting Goods select Phoenix for its climate and diverse geography that can replicate “Anywhere, USA” to their audiences.
Some well-known movies filmed in Phoenix include Transformers V: The Last Knight (Paramount), Everything Must Go (Temple Hill Entertainment), Noele (Walt Disney Pictures), The Kingdom (Universal Pictures), Bad Santa (Columbia Pictures), Psycho (remake) (Universal Pictures), Jerry Maguire (Tri-Star), Days of Thunder (Paramount), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Interscope), and Raising Arizona (Circle Films).
The Film Office has been a significant economic driver for the City over the past 50 years.
- Over the past five years, the Film Office has issued an average of 93 permits annually, showcasing consistent demand for Phoenix as a filming location.
- These productions have resulted in an average annual industry expenditure of $16.8 million in Greater Phoenix, injecting substantial funds into the local economy.
- The film industry has created an average of 4,430 technical crew and talent positions each year over the past five years, providing valuable employment opportunities for local residents.
Looking ahead, the Film Office is well-positioned to build on this strong foundation, continuing to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance Phoenix's reputation as a premier filming destination for the next 50 years and beyond.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.