Existing California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger used his term to make some last minute appointments. On December 31, 2010, he appointed nine commissioners to the State’s prestigious California Film Commission. California’s Film Commission is one of the most sought after commissions because it covers the movie-making capital of the world: Los Angeles and California, in general.
Film Commissions can boost the local economy for a city, and it can also wheel and deal to give filmmakers and production companies a break on permits, fees, etc. Appointment commissioners are also instrumental in shaping a city or state’s “film face”, that is who, who’s organization, and who’s film festival is highlighted to represent an area.
Given the tons of entertainment money that African Americans have poured into the film industry through film, television, media and patronage, it’s amazing that not one African American is represented on this commission… Surprise!
The film industry seems to have given a new push to ignoring or overlooking Blacks in film, television and media, especially Black women. As residents in your own city, it’s imperative to know who is on your film commission …and how they got there. If they aren’t representing your community, then as a citizen it is your obligation to share your concerns –especially since your green money pays the same taxes as everyone else.
The Commissioners are:
- Hilary Rice Armstrong
- Fred Baron
- Steve Dayan
- Lindy DeKoven
- Christine Essel
- Janet Knutsen
- Aaron McLear
- Michael Miller
- Gary Tobey
The Wrap has detailed backgrounds on the new commission.
