Palm Springs, Calif., 2013-03-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism has launched a new website, www.psfilmfriendly.com, for film makers and producers sourcing locations in Palm Springs for upcoming movies, television commercials and advertising photo shoots. The new “virtual film office” features an image library, a free film permit application and procedures and a directory of film-friendly locations.
“We created this online resource to showcase our diverse locations and the benefits of going to Palm Springs,” said Mary Jo Ginther, Director of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. “We have always been “film friendly” and we are now taking it to the next level. From small filmmakers to Hollywood hot shots, we are here to help make their project come to life.”
The City of Palm Springs recently launched a new “Film Friendly” Incentive Program, which includes the waiver of film permit fees and a limited quantity of $5,000 grants, either in cash or in-kind services, for production expenditures in the city that total a minimum of $25,000.
On Wednesday, March 6, the Palm Springs City Council presented the first $5,000 grant to Barry Barnholtz, the producer of “Hidden Away,” a new Hollywood production that was recently filmed in Palm Springs starring Emmanuelle Vaugier, Sean Patrick Flanery and Elisabeth Rohm, which will premiere at the Annenberg Theater this June.
“Just a two hour drive from Hollywood, Palm Springs is an easy and naturally beautiful location destination for filmmakers,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet. “I want to thank the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism for their continued efforts in promoting our destination and there is no doubt in my mind the new Film Friendly Incentive Program and Web site will further boost the city’s reputation as a great place to produce movies and film.
Since the 1930s, Palm Springs has been a set for many movies, commercials and photo shoots. Most recently, Academy Award winning actors Michael Douglas and Matt Damon were in Palm Springs shooting scenes for the new movie, “Behind the Candelabra,” about the life of Palm Springs resident Liberace. In addition, the City of Palm Springs was the premier destination for the 9th season of “Occupation Double,” the top reality television series in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
About Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism
The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism is the City’s official destination marketing organization whose focus is to promote the City to consumers, the media, and domestic and international trade buyers, thus increasing the transient occupancy taxes and sales taxes generated for the City, and increasing the City’s exposure as a world-class year-round leisure destination. The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism is operated and managed by SMG. For visitor information, go to www.VisitPalmSprings.com.