Big Island Film Office

Contact Information

John Mason

Film Commissioner
Telephone: (808) 323-4705
Fax: (808) 323-4701
E-mail: film@bigisland.com
Website: http://filmbigisland.com

Background

The Big Island Film Office was established in 1995 in the aftermath of the completion of a principal film production, Waterworld, a Universal Studios feature film starring Kevin Costner. Shot in its entirety on Hawai‘i Island, the film pumped millions of dollars into the local economy, employed dozens of residents, and local businesses benefited through services provided. It was clear then, and continues to be apparent, that the film business is a good business to encourage by residents. Revenues generating between $3 to $5 million dollars and banner years, such as 2007 and 2008, approaching $20 million each with the production of Wheel of Fortune, Indiana Jones Kingdom of Chrystal Skull and The Tempest.

Program Goals

1. To market and promote Hawai‘i Island as a location destination to filmmakers worldwide.
2. To provide support for local filmmakers and a climate of positive film appreciation in communities throughout the island.
3. To expand the local infrastructure for film through participation in various activities including conferences and workshops, education and training for skills and workforce development, film festivals and screenings, support for film friendly legislation, public presentations to build collaboration and awareness, expansion of services to filmmakers, etc.
4. To cultivate a "film friendly" environment by partnering with state and county government, business, and the larger community.

Program Focus Areas

The Film Program focuses on three key areas to promote its goals:

• Education and Outreach - Plan and develop educational seminars, workshops and other forums for education and training about various aspects of the film business, production and careers in film, and offer these programs to the general public and production community.
• Infrastructure - Work to put the tools, capabilities, resources, facilities and workforce requirements in place to make the island a film friendly place and one that can support continuous, high level production.
• Policy - Work with other county and state film offices, government agencies and related community associations to advocate for legislation and policy that encourages and offers incentives for production through competitive tax and/or investment programs and which leads to streamlined bureaucratic operation.