Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
RIVERSIDE, CA- Hollywood is honoring four finalists nominated by Riverside County on Sunday, marking the first time the county has had any nominees at the annual California On-Location Awards.
Two film professionals, one location management team and a City of Palm Springs employee who assists production companies were nominated by the Riverside County Film Commission, a one-stop resource for film and TV production. The commission is recognized by the California Film Commission as the official advocate for filming interests in the region.
“We’re thrilled that the film industry is honoring the expertise these professionals have provided in finding exceptional locations in Riverside County,” said Riverside County Film Commissioner Bettina Breckenfeld. “The industry now is aware of both the quality of service provided by professionals in Riverside County and the amazing benefits of locating here.”
The Riverside County Film Commission nominated the four finalists, which were selected by the Film Liaisons in California, Statewide, a professional organization of film offices that promote and facilitate in-state filming. This marks 23 years that the organization has hosted the California On-Location Awards, which is the premier awards ceremony saluting location professionals, production companies and public employees for professional excellence while working on location in the State of California.
The winners will be revealed during a formal invitation-only ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The ceremony will be streamed live atwww.californiaonlocationawards.com, and one of the platinum sponsors is the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. Finalists and winners were determined by a vote of the Film Liaisons in California, Statewide (FLICS), a steering committee from Teamsters Local 399, and location manager award winners from the past 10 years.
“I’m humbled by the acknowledgment for doing a job that I love so much” said Janice Lopez, program coordinator for City of Palm Springs.
The finalists nominated by Riverside County are:
Location Manager – Studio Feature Film: Steve Mapel for “A Star is Born”
Location Manager – Independent Feature Film: Kevin J. Collins for “Senior Moment”
Studio Feature Films – Location Team: Team for “A Star is Born”
Rick Schuler – Location Manager
Steve Mapel – Location Manager
Scott Fitzgerald – Key Assistant Location Manager
Kirk Worley – Key Assistant Location Manager
Scott Kradolfer – Key Assistant Location Manager
Suzanne Shugarman – Assistant Location Manager
Public Employee in the City Category: Janice Lopez – City of Palm Springs
Scenes from “A Star is Born” were shot in an unincorporated area of the Coachella Valley, which doubled for a road in Arizona. The film stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) and is scheduled for theatrical release May 18 in the United States. In the film, a movie star helps a young singer/actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
“Senior Moment” was shot in Palm Springs with William Shatner as a retired pilot whose life falls apart after he loses his driver’s license. Christopher Lloyd co-stars in the romantic comedy, which features Jean Smart as Shatner’s love interest. No release date has been scheduled.
Lopez was key to assisting both “A Star is Born” and “Senior Moment,” which needed extensive help in April 2017 with quick permit turnarounds, road closures, parking needs and resident notifications in the City of Palm Springs. Lopez was able to meet their needs, allowing them to capture the footage they needed on tight timeframes.
The nominees plan to attend the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The Riverside County Film Commission assists with easy online permits, incentives, locations and much more for films, TV shows and commercials, music videos and other kinds of productions in unincorporated areas of the County. The office provides professional, expedited concierge services from start to finish. Go to www.FilmRiversideCounty.com for more information.
