Mendocino County Film Commission's Efforts Generate $3 Million for Mendocino County!

FORT BRAGG, Calif., Oct. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- "Breaking Bad's" Aaron Paul was just one person in the 160 person cast and crew which helped to boost the economy of rural Mendocino County earlier this year. Paul stars in the upcoming film produced by DreamWorks Pictures, NEED FOR SPEED, which filmed in Mendocino County and San Francisco before moving on to film in various locations across the country. Click here for film spending report.

NEED FOR SPEED is based on the popular Electronic Arts video game and marks an exciting return to the great car culture films of the 1960s and '70s, tapping into what makes the American myth of the open road so appealing. The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country journey for our heroes—one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. Driving scenes showcased the spectacular Mendocino coastline, wine country and rolling hills, filmed in the county, thanks to the support of businesses, residents, county supervisors, cities and the Mendocino County Film Commission. 

The direct spend in the county was about $3 million, which included $490,766.66 in lodging expenses alone! Catering, groceries, location fees, hardware, lumber supplies, office rental, equipment, supplies, local wages, local purchases, gasoline, city, county, other government permit fees, off duty personnel (police & fire) are examples of some of the expenditures.

According to the LAEDC (Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation) every dollar spent has a multiplier effect of 2.95. Which means each dollar spent on film production in California generates total output (business revenues) of $2.95 statewide, including the initial dollar.

Carmel Angelo, CEO for Mendocino County said, "Films like NEED FOR SPEED bring much needed revenue to Mendocino County. As Chief Executive Officer, I'm always looking for ways to improve the financial picture. Producing films here is one way to enhance our local economy."

Mendocino County Film Commissioner Debra De Graw worked with Location Manager Patrick Mignano and Director Scott Waugh. The permit process alone began as early as August 2012 and involved liaising and problem solving with multiple government and film agencies.

Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Chair, Dan Hamburg, said, "The Board of Supervisors strongly supports having the film industry at work here in Mendocino County."

Release date for the film is scheduled for March 14, 2014.

SOURCE Mendocino County Film Commission