Today, in nearby Millbrae, just over the Burlingame border, in front of the new Caffe Roma, which I believe is owned by Burlingame residents, a Ford commercial was being filmed. It features Mike Rowe, the Ford spokesperson and host and creator of "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery Channel.
Two thoughts came to mind when I saw the set.
a.) Gotta give credit to Mike Rowe, he was once the co-host for a bay area news station's version of an evening magazine show with Malou Nubla. Kinda like an Eye on the Bay or PM Magazine like show. It was only a couple of years ago that I remember watching a few episodes. Rowe has come a long way in a short time. At least it seems that way. Good for you, Mike.
b.) The second thought was one I have had before. Film production is an excellent way for local cities to generate revenue. A town like Burlingame with it's hotels, restaurants and shops can certainly handle large film crews that are often associated with film production. Our scenery is a diverse mix of looks...from Victorian, to bungalows, to large estates. From historic feel of downtown to our historic train station to the modern look on the East side of the freeway. This diversity is what location scouts look for because it saves them the expense of traveling from one location to another. In short, I suggested at one time to my council colleagues that perhaps we could pay more attention to developing an interest in Burlingame as a site for filming. I believe former mayor,Mike Spinelli also suggested the the same idea. The California League of Cities has suggested it as a way for cities to bolster their economy in the short term while film crews work and long term by publicizing the unique aspects of the town to those who see the finished production.
Kudos go to the San Mateo County Convention and Visitors Bureau if their film commission had a part to play in luring this particular production. However, I believe more work is needed in this area to truly make Burlingame a filming destination. Perhaps the duty could fall on the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce or perhaps one of our council members can take this on as a project? It wouldn't be much more work than starting a pet parade or a clean up crew and it would earn some money for the city at the same time.
Yes, our Film Commission was "on" this production, just as we're on many more. The Burlingame City Staff is always supportive of our efforts!
One of the best things people who support filming (and the accompanying revenue) can do to help is to take pictures of unique venues in the area and send them to our film commissioner: Brena@smccvb.com w/ a description of where the picture was taken. We are always gathering shots of homes people might be willing to make available for filming, restaurant interiors, industrial facilities--you name it. We keep them in a photo database ready to shoot out to producers and scouts at a moment's notice.
Posted by: Anne LeClair | December 11, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Brena Bailey here, San Mateo County Film Commissioner, for more information about this, as well as, future filming projects we are working on, please visit www.facebook.com/Film.SMC
Posted by: Brena Bailey | December 11, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Sort of film related..
BlockBuster Video is closing this Sunday-12/13/09 for good.
Block Buster will be selling all their inventory starting tomorrow.
Rental customers will have to visit the San Mateo Store for rentals.
Another large empty building/business to blight the Downtown.
So sad
Posted by: Holyroller | December 12, 2009 at 10:43 AM