Introduction

The Virginia Film Office, an affiliate of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Tourism Corporation, is a marketing organization whose mission is to increase film and video production in the state. Our client objective is to bring revenue, jobs and visibility to the Commonwealth. We work with companies that produce feature films, independent films, television programs, documentaries, commercials, music videos and still photography from the beginning of their projects until completion, and also work to support the indigenous film industry in Virginia.

Since the Virginia Film Office was founded, the state has benefited from a significant increase in film production. Since 1980, Virginia has hosted more than 165 major projects, and production-related revenue has added more than $500 million to the economy. Film, commercial, documentary and video production have also had a positive impact on Virginia's thriving tourism industry and localities have found that having a film project in their area can also be a great community- building experience.

Today, all fifty states, every major city, and many regions have offices dedicated to the attraction of the film and video industry. At one time, the vast majority of film projects were made in California and New York. However, in recent years filmmakers have discovered that it is more economical, efficient and artistically satisfying to film on location, and the states and localities are reaping the benefits of this new shift in the industry.

This booklet is divided into three sections. The first, entitled Marketing to the Film Industry, is designed for those who are interested in bringing film, television and video projects to their areas. The second section, What to Expect, speaks both to local representatives and property owners about what to expect when they have been selected as a location. The final section is the appendix which has information on taking location photographs, and includes a glossary and sample location agreement.