By Timothy Owase

Creating a film friendly environment that promotes and encourages production of filmed entertainment in all of our communities in Kenya should be considered as a priority by all. Today I take you through a journey that outlines the processes involved in a production, with a broader look at how communities can attract, retain and co-exist with filming.

To have a successful filming activity in Kenya, key actors get involved, and include; permitting authorities such as Immigration, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Film Classification board, County governments, location owners, services providers, lobby groups, security agencies, visitors’ bureaus, neighborhood associations and residents and crew among others. These players represent a tool for community promotion and economic development.

Why is filming important to your county

Production of filmed entertainment creates and generates revenues for the local economy. Ksh. spent by a production company have a long life; it keeps going, and going, and going. A film production company in your community is likely to patronize hardware stores, florists, dry cleaners, neighborhood restaurants, hotels, money transfer services, technology, transport, local skills, and knowledge transfer among others.

Across the world, cities and small towns, states and geographic regions seek to attract producers to their areas in hope of attracting a feature film or television projects. It has been proven that, just one good-sized production can translate into economic good times for your town or community. Thus attracting filming business to your county will offer the key economic solutions that we are seeking to fill.

Types of Productions

• Features

A feature project is typically two hours in length with a cast and crew size of generally 85 to 100 people. Preparation time can begin up to 60 days in advance of the start of photography. During that time, budgets are set and locations are chosen. The average shooting schedule for on-location photography is estimated at three months.

• Commercials

Commercials have a very short turnaround time, sometimes one day. They can be filmed and edited one week, and aired the next. Commercial producers are retained by an advertising agency and the advertising executives sometimes make final decisions on location filming.

• Made-for-Television Movies (MOWs)

While crew sizes are similar to those of a feature length film, budgets for MOWs are much smaller.

• Stills Photography

Stills Production makes up the vast majority of filming. Most crews are small and require little in the way of extra lights, catering etc. Locations to be used for a stills shoot are often only decided on short notice.

• Episodic Television

These are usually one-hour drama series, although occasionally some 30-minutes situation comedies will also shoot on location. Cast and crew sizes for television shows are slightly smaller than for features. Episodic television typically will film an episode in seven working days, with three to four days per episode shot on location.

Who gets involved in a Film Shoot?

• Location Manager / Scout

This is the person responsible for finding, selecting and finalizing the locations needed for the script. As a rule the location manager is the first person to make contact and arrangements with a potential location.

• Unit Production Manager

This is the executive in charge of all production arrangements, such as location contracts, negotiations and shooting schedules. The location manager reports to the Unit Production Manager.

• First Assistant Director

The primary job of the first assistant director is to assist the cast and work as an intermediary between the director and the cast and crew. He/She is in charge of the set and everything that happens on it.

What attracts filmmakers to your county?

• Accessible Locations

Every filmmaker wants accessibility to locations to get their perfect shots. A town may have perfect venue, but unless a company can get in to scout it, or subsequently rent facilities in it, it doesn’t do much to make your town film – friendly.

Discover what you have that is of special interest to filmmakers, package and present it in a way that is seen to fill a specific need or niche. You need to know what is unique about your county and the selling points associated with it. Know how your area fits within the larger context of your region.

• Consistent Rules

Conditions and rules for filming should be consistent and reasonable. For instance, a requirement that 100% of the neighbors surrounding a chosen film location sign their approval not only deters production companies from filming in your neighborhoods, it enables one or two individuals effectively to hold a production and your community hostage i.e. Some towns claim to have no permit requirements, yet require approval for street closures, parking or exceptions from noise ordinances.

• Reasonable Fees

Filmmakers typically don’t mind paying location fees: however make sure the rents are fair. Counties should do all they can to discourage property owners from trying to overcharge film companies. Have a good general knowledge of the cost of labour, permits, location fees, housing, production space and support services.

• One-stop Shopping

Eliminate the run-arounds and avoid sending location managers all over town to get their permits. Placing all the approvals (such as roads, parks and public safety, security, trade etc.) under one roof is an attractive plus. Location managers would rather be on-location than navigating county hall for permits.

• Emphasize Service

If a producer has a problem on location, solve it. If a neighborhood has concerns about the production, mediate it. Offer a world class service delivery.

• Marketing

Remember, your county is just but one of the many, thus make sure your information is accurate and easy to understand and visible. Filmed entertainment is very cost sensitive, hence develop marketing and location packages that are both compelling and exceptional representations of your area.

Always be sure that your packages are honest representations of what you have to offer. You must never misrepresent your area, or promise something you may not be able to deliver. Remember your brand is your promise!

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