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We've been reading lots of TV show news recently. The TNT show Leverage, which will wrap up shooting its third season on Friday, just announced it would be back in Oregon for a fourth season. Fans of the online series Thunderant will be happy to hear that it's being turned into a new show all about Portland, debuting next year on the Independent Film Channel. And then there's the CW show Life Unexpected, which is about to start its second season. It takes place in Portland but is shot mainly in Vancouver, BC. All of this got us wondering how the state is being portrayed on the small and big screens — and how the film biz is doing in Oregon since the last time we talked about it.
Have you produced, directed or acted in a film or television production in Oregon? Do you make a living in the industry in the northwest? What would make it easier for you to do what you do? Do you enjoy seeing your city or town on the small or big screen? What do you think shows get right — and wrong — about our region?
GUESTS:
- KEARIE PEAK: Co-executive producer of Leverage
- LANA VEENKER: President of Lana Veenker Casting in Portland, casting director for Leverage
- TODD FREEMAN: Independent filmmaker
- KEVIN KLOWDEN: Managing economist and director of the California Center
- KRISTI TURNQUIST: Pop culture reporter for The Oregonian newspaper
Tagged as: economy · film · tv
Photo credit: Leo Reynolds / Creative Commons
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Unless there is a new definition of slow food... go to: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/slow_food/
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i sooth that going forward no show set in portland will deal with anything "working class" in any way, it will be populated by pretentious, stylish, left-wing modern-day fops. which i'm sure to fred armisen is all he sees in portland when he visits.
I'm always drawn back to media coverage of Obama's huge waterfront rally in 2008, the media basically omitted the fact that enthusiasm for Obama may have been the result of citywide need for change after four years of a mayor frequently criticized for doing all but nothing, police abuses and soaring unemployment in the face a skyrocketing cost of living. it was instead all but taken as gospel that the crowd was a bunch of trustafarian artist types.
You'll never see anyone struggle to pay rent or feed their kid on show about portland made by someone from back east of california. they don't, frankly, care enough about our city to look beneath brochures and word-of-mouth for real stories. I guess it falls on us to make our shows/movies/media etc.
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Knowing the types of people that work at the highest level of this industry, it is not surprising that most of the productions that come to Portland from LA or NY, are staffed by and written to represent "pretentious, stylish, left-wing modern-day fops". Most of the audience for those particular productions fit the same description, and buy the products advertised by their sponsors.
There is production work going on in the Portland-area that appeals to working class, right-wing christians... it is called the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
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This is a shameless promotion for a local sight which has already been used in several feature films. The Oregon Maritime Museum's Steamer PORTLAND was featured in several films, most notably Maverick. We have hilarious photos of how our old steam tug was converted into a frilly floating gambling casino. I was not here when it happened, but the museum retains a piece of two of the white and blue railing, and we have a small exhibit about it, and a much older film with Jimmy Stewart. Right now we would love to invite any local filmmaker to come on by and see what it's like to keep a boat - and the museum that owns it - running! Thanks for the chance to shine a light on a great local cultural resource. Susan Spitzer, volunteer and board member, Oregon Maritime Museum
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Note to oregon; lower you incentive requirements for oregon born/living filmmakers, and create some sort of film fund each year for grants that reward these individuals for shooting in their home state. Its sad that the state depends upon outside productions for work, which is why a lot of residents spend their time elsewhere for work.
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While I fully support and endorse local production, I'm not convinced it should be any more than for an out of state company. Certainly should not come at the expense of outside productions. What's wrong with non-local folks coming to our state to spend money?
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To Dfilms81 The state did just that last year. It's a new program called IOPF. I've happily made a living here in film for almost 20years. If you would like to get involved more in helping shape policy in regard to the film industry I would suggest looking into the Oregon Media Production Associastion or The Oregon Producers Aliance. Both good groups working with state and local policy makers trying to make Oregon the best place it can be to produce both big and small productions. David Cress Producer.
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Thanks should be given to Oregon Senator Chris Telfer from Bend, Oregon who sponsored our legislation for Oregon filmmakers. Oregon has wide support for the industry not only from the Portland metro area, but from the areas around the state where projects are shot: Central Oregon, Southern Oregon, and elsewhere.
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One of the best things about film/tv production in Oregon is the mutual support and comaraderie in the community. We support each other's productions, work with each other, and don't have the cutthroat approach of other areas (e.g. Hollywood, but also stories I've heard from states like Florida and Louisiana).
Q: For those on the panel who have worked in other states, is this comaraderie unique to Oregon?
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with 50 years experience in the film & performing arts industry, my last 20 years in Oregon were the best. The crews are dedicated & work with integrity as a team. The scenery is spectacular, with every conceivable terrain option. Many producers, directors and actors have homes in Oregon or chose to raise their children in this creative environment, Cindy Williams is one of many examples. Our current Governor Koulongowski was particularly involved in bringing Hollywood to Oregon by streamlining the mountains of paper work.
Thank you Governor K. (Christina Fletcher, designer,stylist, writer)
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Most Americans including Oregonians don't know who is the current Oregon Governor or either US Senator. The other 3 million Oregonians are just lumberjacks, eco-yuppies or hippies....Plus there is Nike. I would argue the news and media buzz surrounding OREGON is dominated by 5 SEVEN- YEAR OLDS.
The Most Famous Oregonians as Viewed By National Media and the other 49 States:
1. Kyron Horman. 2nd Grader who did a report on Tree Frogs at the Science Fair. Not seen since. Disappearance followed nationally. Foul play is the draw.
2. Julie Murphy. 7 Year old who had a Lemonade Stand broken up by heartless city inspectors. She will be on the Tonight Show and has a national following. She is mob by autography seekers in California.
3. Lisa Simpson. Perennial 7 year old from the Simpsons Sitcom, the longest running television sitcom in history. She lives in Springfield,OREGON (sic). Her idealism is chronically stymied by her low brow, dysfunctional family.
4. Keiko the Whale. Seven year old killer whale who lived at the Oregon Aquarium. Made 3 hit films-- a better draw than 90% of Hollywood actors. Despite good intentions, died a tragic and cold death.
5. Tonya Harding: Tutu-wearing psychotic ice-skating boxing floosie. ( Mentally a 7 year old, but more infamous than famous.)
Seven year olds are just leaving the immediate orbits of their parents. The world is confused in how to treat these little idealist. They are not little adults.
The Media is a fickle mistress, and it bestows its influence unevenly and unfairly. By our current portrayal in the national media, OREGON is mean spirited, poor parents and bullies who deprive 7 year olds of Life, Liberty and Happiness. Plus it rains a lot.
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Not to be a nit-picker, but Lisa has been 8 years old (not 7) for 20 years.
But I (and I'm sure others) get your point.
Supplemental: I, for one, can name not only the current Governor of Oregon Ted Kulongoski), but both Senators (Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley), my Congressman (Peter DeFazio), my city council person (Mike Clark), the Mayor of my city (Kitty Piercy), the Attorney General (John Kroger), and my County Council Person (Rob Handy)...all without looking them up.
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Now that Leverage as re-upped for another season here in Portland, what the Producers should do is give local directors a chance to direct an episode. Todd Freeman, for example, would be great at the helm of a Leverage episode! And their are other talented directors in town like Devon Lyon and James Westby who would bring a unique approach to a Leverage episode.
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Howdy--
I understand how important incentives can be to draw business to a state, but sometimes these deals give too much away. For instance, Utah has long been a draw for film producers, both for its natural beauty and its right-to-work policies, which effectively shut out unions. So producers can get cheap labor and stunning backdrops at the same time. Though sometimes it does have to compete with other Four Corners locations, the state tends to sell itself short by adding incentives to the package.
The best example was "The World's Fastest Indian", which featured race sequences on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Since the flats are such a unique location, it would have seemed that Utah had a lock on the deal. Still, the state felt it was worthwhile to pay Hollywood to film in Utah. That's a little absurd.
Happy Trails,
Ron Georg
Corvallis
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I'm okay with some filming here and there around town, but I hope it doesn't get out of hand. I lived in a place (NYC) for many years where there was a lot of filming around town, and it can get really annoying and be a big inconvenience. Being told "no you can't cross the street right now" when you're just trying to get to work (or home from work) or get some groceries gets old pretty quickly. Plus, there's the tendency of PA's to take out their job frustrations on the public -- they turn into little Cartmans (as in "You Will Respect My Authoritah!") on a dime. There was just an incident last week in which an irate New Yorker headbutted a PA who was preventing him from getting to the store. I'd hate to see that kind of thing happen here.
Keep film/TV production in perspective, understand that people live here and Portland isn't just some giant backlot for Hollywood types to fly into for a few days a week.
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Speaking of long-running TV series shot in Oregon... what's going on with "Little People, Big World," the reality show about a family in Hillsboro area that's ran for 4 or 5 seasons on TLC? Do they take advantage of Oregon's incentive programs?
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First, thanks for such a great show. I wonder if the natural wonder and diversity of Oregon (not just Portland) is an attraction for filmmakers as well. That is, we have high desert (and great light), some magnificent small towns (with their David Lynch characteristics), and a great core of indie and small filmmakers (the Northwest Film Center, among others). I have to add that Portland would be a perfect site for a noirish detective style program -- all those rain-slicked streets in winter! When that happens, Portland will have arrived!
Michael Clark (PSU prof)
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What a disturbing show. Your very smug guest from Leverage (earlier in the hour) is clearly here to exploit as much as she can. She'd be on another talk show in another state in a heart beat if she could get her job done more cheaply. Are we really that starved for attention here? Sad.
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Patrick - pay attention. She already said that there are more states that had a better incentive program. It was the push from our governor that convinced them to shoot here. Don't be so cynical. It's not about attention, it's about building a non polluting, green industry.
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Patrick, I might suggest that you listen to the interview again on the podcast - Oregon isn't the cheapest place for her to produce her show. She mentioned three places off-the-cuff (Michigan, Louisiana, and British Columbia) that offer much higher incentives. In fact, take a look at the map in this article - http://orfilmandtvdollars.wordpress.com/2010/07/03/saturday-film-incentive-news-roundup/ (you'll have to scroll down to find the map) You'll see that Oregon's incentive plan is actually much lower than many states throughout the US - even Alaska offers more than we do.
I didn't find her smug at all - if anything, it was great to hear all the reasons she (and Leverage) like shooting in Portland beyond "how cheaply she could get her job done."
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This is the second time in the past 25 years that Portland has been on a progressive path to support the film & video industry. The industry concern now is if the new governor will continue supporting us as aggressively as our current governor. Also, the Portland Development Commission should get on the bandwagon and support our industry through working to bring other like businesses to the state. I'm suggesting that Portland hire a recruiting company to help us bring more businesses here. Portland is a natural for the film industry being close to LA and in the same time zone. I've been traveling back and more to LA since 2000 and see plenty of other industry people traveling back and forth from Portland to Burbank Airport. It would be great to never have to travel to LA again!
Sam Downey, Talent Manager
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Actually, both gubernatorial candidates have made statements of support for Oregon's film and TV industry; John Kitzhaber stated on his web site that the film and TV industry here in Oregon is a "traded sector" employer - and such employers are central to his plans for the state's economic recovery (http://orfilmandtvdollars.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/kitzhaber-diversifying-is-key-to-creating-jobs/)
Chris Dudley, said in an email (published at http://orfilmandtvdollars.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/dudley-campaign-positive-on-the-oregon-film-and-tv-industry/) that "Opportunities in the film, television and media production industry would be encouraged as it is not only a way for the state to make money during a time we are running a huge deficit, but also an opportunity for Oregon to be in the spotlight thus advertising the natural beauty our great state has to offer."
Personally, I'm more interested in hearing the plans of those running for the legislature this year, since they're going to be the ones who will need to renew the state's film incentive program before it "sunsets" in 2012.
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Hi there!
I own a production company in McMinnville, OR and we just wrapped on our first feature length film based off book that I wrote and published in 2003. We filmed in both Portland and McMinnville and partnered with Tri-Met, and other transit authorities.
The entire experience was amazing! Our budget was miniscule, and our cast and crew were entirely volunteer, so we didn't qualify for any of the incentives. However, we have a great feature that will paint Portland and it's residents in a positive light which will hopefully bring more and more filmmakers to this great state.
Also, I wanted to point out that several production companies exist outside of the epicenters, so for all of those aspiring filmmakers and actors out there, broaden your search!
Cheers,
Dawn Pruit
Owner of Miscellaneous Q Productions
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The biggest problem facing Oregon is job creation and economic development in the private sector. Not only for employment, but to create the tax base to fund state government.
OMPA is proud to support the industry in one of the few job creation programs that has a proven track record for 1) creating jobs and 2) returning investment to the state government.
Thank you Todd Freeman and Lana Veenker for pointing out the value of job creation in a 21st century, non resource-consuming industry.
Thank you as well for pointing out the value of the Indegenous Oregon Production Investment Fund. When OMPA and OPA drafted this program, our inspiration was to further encourage Oregon filmmakers to move to the next level to make bigger budget productions, and employ more crew, actors and support services. Thank you for your skill, resourcefulness and perserverance for building jobs and opportunities in the creative sector.
Tom McFadden
OMPA Executive Director
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I work on the grip and lighting side of the industry. I am also a local actor in town. I think the incentive program is very important to Oregon! I see friends of mine getting work on both sides of the camera and I see the company I work for purchasing more lumber from the local hardware company and overall spending more money in the community to supplement what we need in order to offer our services to shows like Leverage, Life Unexpected, etc.
I do have to disagree with Lana in that this is a 'green' industry. The amount of wast I have seen is enormous! Recycling does not seem to be a priority, nor reusing product when they can (lumber, gel and other expendables). I have seen carts of unused dry food get thrown in the dump. Office paper, newspaper, cardboard, plastic bottles (we are talking hundreds), and glass all tossed into the garbage instead of the recycling bin that is set right next to it.
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Well, it was an interesting show.
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One piece of the puzzle that is missing: post-production. As a motion picture & video editor, I strongly support the incentives that bring productions to Oregon. Even though I haven't earned a dime from them, several of my close friends and colleagues have landed work on Leverage.
Once these shows wrap the finishing & delivery work literally flies away to other cities. If Oregon had an equally attractive incentive for post-production an even greater number of professionals and facilities would be gainfully employed here locally. And I would much rather work here than having to seek out opportunities in Seattle or California.
Ethan Derner
Striped Shirt Cinema
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In assessing the value of Oregon filmmakers to Oregon, the benefits go beyond jobs and dollars. Oregon independent filmmakers bring those things to Oregon, but they also bring something else that is of incalculable value to the State. Every day, a little bit of Oregon history slips away, as memories fade, artifacts are lost, those who remember pass away. Oregon filmmakers play a special role in preserving our history, capturing it in colorful, illuminating and creative ways so that it will live on to speak to future generations of Oregonians. I am not confident that filmakers from outside the State have the perspective or the drive to focus on this area in the way Oregon filmmakers do. With some regret, I imagine what a wonderful story Oregon filmmakers could present if we could transport a film crew back to the 1850s to produce a documentary on Dr. John McLoughlin. Even with the extensive history we have on McLaughlin, the man and his times remain difficult to access. Oregon filmmakers play a vital role in preserving and presenting colorful and insightful views of modern John McLoughlins and the Oregon of the recent past and of today so that they will be accessible to the Oregonians of tomorrow. One such venture is the documentary work underway on the leadership style of former Senator Mark O. Hatfield, known as the Hatfield Project. I doubt that those outside of Oregon would have the same interest in pursuing such an Oregon-focused project. Oregonians should value the role Oregon filmmakers play in preserving this type of history.
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Thanks so much for the great show, and for taking the time to examine Oregon's steadily-growing film and TV industry!
I want to especially thank you for having Todd Freeman on, and for taking the call from the gentleman in Baker City who put together the film festival for his students. While big-budget, out-of-state productions like Leverage and Twilight tend to grab peoples attention, it's important to remember that we have several producers and directors here in Oregon who are making films, television shows, web series, video games, and a host of other projects. Our industry isn't just about supporting big projects that come in from out-of-state - it's also about Oregonians hiring Oregonians to produce projects they can market and sell outside the state (you can see a few of these Oregonian-produced projects right here, in fact!) The money that comes from these sales gets re-invested in Oregon - and it continues to build our local industry as those producers and directors move on to create their next project. That's why I started http://www.oregonfilmandtvdollars.com - to try and track the way these film and TV dollars -both from big-budget out-of-state projects and Oregon-produced projects - are re-invested into the state.
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Hello, my name is Scott. I am seeking info. regarding how to become an Extra on the show, Leverage. I have looked high & low without results. I worked for MGM on the moive, Bandits with Billy Bob Throton, Kate Blanchett & Bruce Wllis as an Extra. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreicated.
I believe the film industry in Oregon is by far one of the greatest economy boosters a city could ask for, however with such major players in town, there's give & take in all aspects of community. I for one enjoy the opportunity to work in an industry that is so multifarious in nature. Thank you Hollywood...
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Thanks to everyone who listened to yesterday's show! Had a great time talking about the state of Oregon film. It was awesome to represent the Indie Film Makers of the state and I look forward to the continued conversation of how we can better serve the business and each other.
Keep track of what we have going on at www.pollutedpictures.com
Also feel free to add me as a friend on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/todd.pollutedpictures
Thanks again for listening. Looking forward to keeping Oregon film strong!
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Hi there!
Questions and Comments for Lana Veenker for her interview tomorrow (Friday, August 13th):
Question 1: On your Twitter account bio you list "slow food" as something you enjoy. What is "slow food" and what is your favorite go-to comfort dish for "slow food"?
Comment: Visited your website www.slateplease.com and loved the overall design . The different vintage character headshots for each category were absolute fun. My favorite is the "Facilities" character; cat eye sunglasses, kerchief-covered hair, turned up collar and that chic, elegant cigarette holder! What was even more fun was that point and click was a mini-spotlight that highlighted each category. Kudos to whomever designed it!
Question 2: Your impressive bio highlights your rich and varied experiences living abroad in a number of countries, speaking several languages and educated as both an actor and a director. What are three things or life lessons that you carry with you to each project?
Thanks and wishing you continued and fulfilling success,
Jen Erickson