Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission Recognized as California Nonprofit of the Year

This is a press release from the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission:

The non-profit Redwood Region Entertainment & Education Liaisons, Inc DBA Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission was recognized today as a California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Chris Rogers during a luncheon at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The organization was honored for its work stimulating the economy by supporting film production, tourism, arts education, workforce development, and cultural programming throughout California’s Redwood Coast region.

The award program is sponsored by the CalNonprofits in partnership with the state Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector

The recognition comes on the heels of a major international week for the organization and the California film industry. Executive Director and Film Commissioner Cassandra Hesseltine had just returned from the Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film in France, where the Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission was recognized as a finalist for the Global Production Award for Film Commission of the Year (Region), presented by Screen International.

During the festival, California received the Global Production Award for Film Commission of the Year in the State, Province and National category, recognizing the state’s leadership and continued efforts to support film and television production statewide.

While at Cannes, Hesseltine also participated in the FilmUSA panel “From The Pitt to One Battle After Another: Powering Production in California,” alongside California Film Commission Executive Director, San Francisco Film Commissioner, and One Battle After Another Location Manager. The discussion focused on California’s expanded film tax credit program and the importance of keeping production jobs in the state.

“It’s been my experience, Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission is the gold standard in how to attract, assist and act as a conduit for films to immerse themselves into a community. Both creatively and logistically, Cassandra Hesseltine and her team give productions the ability to get a quick start. Their combined production history in the community allowed us to pivot and turn on a dime without missing a step,” stated Michael Glaser, Location Manager for One Battle After Another.

The Warner Bros. production filmed extensively throughout Humboldt County before going on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, helping showcase California’s Redwood Coast as a destination for major studio filmmaking.

“For our organization to be recognized both internationally and here at home in California during the same week is incredibly meaningful,” said Hesseltine. “This recognition belongs to our staff, volunteers, board members, partners, and community. Everything we’ve built has come from people believing that storytelling, creativity, and the arts matter here.”

In addition to film commission services, Redwood Region Entertainment & Education Liaisons, Inc. operates initiatives including the Redwood Coast Museum of Cinema, Map of the Movies (featured in the Redwood Coast Film Experience App), and the annual Forest Moon Festival taking place next week.