County Joins Local Film Commission

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to join in forming a film commission that could attract film production work locally.

The county will now appoint a representative from the unincorporated area to the commission. Neighboring cities will also appoint members to the commission, which will link with a state network that can refer filmmakers to the panel.

“It seems to tie it all together into one little ribbon,” Supervisor Frank Schillo said. “It’s all in one place where it should be.”

Formation of the commission, under the auspices of the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County, is still in the early stages, with only three cities--Oxnard, Camarillo and Ventura--agreeing to join thus far. But advocates of the commission, including Schillo and Bob Cooper of the nonprofit economic development group, are optimistic others will soon follow.

“It will give us higher visibility. That helps our economic vitality,” Schillo said.

The county already approves more than 300 permits to film each year, far more than any of the local cities.

Yet, there is still the question of who will be appointed to represent the county, Schillo said.

Frank Ugolini, who coordinates film permits for the county, has been the liaison for the county for the past six years, but the 67-year-old is nearing retirement.

“It’s too bad we just accepted his retirement just as we’re starting this film commission. Maybe we can entice him back,” Schillo said.