LOCAL BLM & FILM OFFICES

 RENEW MOU

Agreement Ensures Smooth

 Film Production on Public

 Lands 

(Ridgecrest)---What began in 1994 as an experiment to streamline commercial film production by creating a public-private partnership has expanded to a successful proto-type of filming on public lands.  On December 8^th Ridgecrest Regional Film Commissioner (RRFC) Ray Arthur and Ridgecrest Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Manager Hector Villalobos signed a Memorandum of Understanding that extends the two organization's relationship through 2010.

One of the key elements of the MOU allows the RRFC to prepare and submit applications for minimal impact filming on area BLM land to the Ridgecrest BLM office.  According to the RRFC's Ray Arthur this procedure saves time for all parties involved, "The preparation of a film permit application can be a confusing process to the film industry, necessitating numerous ‘question and revision' phone calls.   After BLM training the RRFC can dedicate our time to completing this task quickly and efficiently.  This allows the BLM staff to use their resources more productively.  Everyone wins."

Arthur noted that the original 1994 MOU was so successful it became a template for many other public land jurisdictions throughout the southwest, shortening a process that took over two weeks to under three days.

Ridgecrest BLM Field Manager Hector Villalobos has seen the benefits of continuing the MOU into the next decade, "Every year we process an average of about 50 minimal impact film permits.  This agreement allows the BLM to work in partnership with the Ridgecrest Regional Film Commission to streamline the permitting process. This benefits the film industry, our community, and the BLM."

Film production in the greater Ridgecrest region produces an average of $4.2 million in local revenue.   While that figure has decreased over the last two years, due in part to "runaway production" to other states and countries that offer large financial incentive packages with which California's struggling economy cannot presently compete, both the BLM and the RRFC see the results of this MOU as a small incentive to help increase the economic development of film production to this Mojave "High Desert" community.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Attached is a photo of Ridgecrest BLM Field Manager Hector Villalobos (right) and RRFC Film Commissioner Ray Arthur (left) at signing of MOU