On-Location Pros for 'CHiPs,' 'Silicon Valley' and 'Amazing Race' Among Winners at 22nd Annual COLAs

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 500 of California's most ardent warriors in the fight against runaway production filled The Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom November 13 for the 22^nd Annual California On Location Awards (COLAs), which recognize location managers, public employees and other professionals who help facilitate production across the Golden State.

This year's awards were presented amid a spirit of growing optimism, as California's expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 is helping the state retain its status as the world's production capital.

The upcoming Warner Bros. feature 'CHiPs' took home the most awards, earning top honors in two categories – Location Manager of the Year, Studio Feature Film (Rick Schuler) and Location Team of the Year,  Studio Feature Film.  Other winning projects included Hulu's 'Future Man,' ABC's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,' HBO's 'Silicon Valley,' CBS' 'Scorpion,' 'The Circle' and the Netflix original film 'Mascots.'

Awards were given to projects in categories covering studio and independent feature films, TV series, commercials and music videos, as well as public employees at the city, county, state and federal levels.

This year's COLAs also included presentation of the special Signature Award to California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch. The Signature Award is the highest COLA honor, and is presented only when an individual or group demonstrates extraordinary success in keeping production in California. It was last presented in 2014 to a team of industry professionals for their efforts to facilitate passage of the state's expanded tax credit program.

"No one has been a better partner and champion for filming in California than Amy Lemisch," said COLA Co-chair and Imperial County Film Commissioner Charla Teeters. "Amy has worked tirelessly to facilitate production and ensure California remains competitive. She is our state's best weapon in the fight against runaway production, and we can't think of anyone more deserving of this award."

Produced by Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), the COLAs have grown to become the largest awards program focused on the work of California location professionals.

The 2016 COLAs drew nearly 150 project submissions. Finalists and winners were determined via a vote by members of FLICS, past COLA winners and a steering committee of Teamsters Local 399 members.

The full list of 2016 COLA nominees is included below. For more information please visit http://www.californiaonlocationawards.com/.

About FLICS

Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS) is a 501(c) 6 non-profit corporation founded in 1988 to heighten the level of professionalism and visibility of regional film commissions/film offices across the Golden State. More than 40 member commissions/film offices benefit from the organization's development of quality standards, guidelines, education and marketing resources. Through its members, FLICS also provides the production community with a range of location support services. The organization's two signature events – the annual Film in California Conference and California On Location Awards (COLAs) -- facilitate, celebrate and honor California-based production activity and job creation.

Full List of 2016 COLA Winners:

Location Manager of the Year, Studio Feature Film
Rick Schuler
"CHiPs"

Location Team of the Year, Studio Feature Film
Rick Shuler, Location Manager
 "CHiPs"

Location Manager of the Year, Independent Feature Film
Michael Wesley
*Mascots"

Location Team of the Year, Independent Feature Film
Edward Mazurek, Location Manager
*The Circle"

Location Manager of the Year, Television One-Hour
Justin Hill
"Marvels- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." 

Location Team of the Year, Television One-Hour
Murray Miller, Location Manager  
"Scorpion" 

Location Manager of the Year, Television Half-Hour
JJ Levine
"Future Man"

Location Team of the Year, Television Half-Hour  
Kelly Harris, Location Manager
"Silicon Valley"

Location Manager of the Year, Reality Television
Deven Chierighino
"Amazing Race, Final Season"

Location Manager of the Year, Commercial
Frank Yoshikane
State Farm Insurance:

Location Manager of the Year, Music Video
Chris Gutierrez
*The Odyssey"

Public Employee of the Year, City
Steve Youel
"City of Placerville"

Public Employee of the Year, County
Deputy Josh Bisantz
El Dorado Sherriff's Office

Public Employee of the Year, State
James Valdez
California State Parks

Public Employee of the Year, Federal:
Elaine Hanson
Bureau of Land Management

Contact:

Charla Teeters
FLICS/Imperial County Film Commission
(760) 337-4155
filmhere[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Erik Deutsch
ExcelPR Group
(323) 851-2455
erikd[at]excelpr[dot]com

SOURCE FLICS