By Brian Flock (Mexidata.info)
Mexican President Felipe Calderon, while visiting Baja California on March 9, pledged incentives to attract international filmmakers and productions to Rosarito Beach (Playas de Rosarito). The president implemented the “Program to Support the High-Impact Cinematographic and Audiovisual Industry,” which is designed “to once more attract large movie productions to the Rosarito area and the rest of the country.”
Speaking to an audience of about 400 people, Calderon pledged an initial US$20 to $40 million to strengthen the country’s film industry, plus incentives to attract productions from around the world. Major movie productions will be given financial incentives through a 7.5% cash reimbursement for proven local expenses that firms incur in Mexico, plus international investments will have an incentive of up to 17.5% in reimbursement of expenses for productions costing at least US$5.5 million.
“The federal government has proposed taking the necessary measures to give a fresh impetus to the high-range audiovisual and cinematographic industry in Mexico, through programs it is supporting in this marvelous renaissance of Mexican cinema, this second Golden Age it has experienced during the first decade of the 21st century,” the president declared.
“I am sure that the age-old magic, culture, imagination, history and talent of our country will provide the ideal framework for producing successful, unforgettable films and, at the same time, provide work and a decent income for Mexico’s young creative talents, and give work to actors and movie workers in our country,” he said.
Calderon made his remarks at Baja Studios in Rosarito Beach (formerly Fox Studios Baja), which was built for the production of James Cameron’s “Titanic” and where portions of other blockbuster movies, including “Master and Commander” and “Pearl Harbor,” have been filmed.
The president was received by Rosarito Mayor Hugo Torres. Other dignitaries attending included Baja California Governor Jose Guadalupe Osuna Millan and additional government officials.
Actors Edward James Olmos and Diego Luna were featured guests. Other attendees included Punta Brava developer Brian Tucker and The Baja Blondes, a new American lifestyle reality show troupe who live and work in Rosarito Beach.
“Rosarito has become a place of great importance for the film industry, [which] is precisely why it is here we announce this program for the promotion of film production,” Calderon said. He stressed that the film industry has great importance in the global culture, plus it is an excellent source for jobs, income and regional promotion.
“Rosarito has shown that it is possible to offer world-class services to the film industry,” Calderon said. “Productions here have brought international fame to the city.”
Rosarito Beach has been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn and by day-tripper negative perceptions of security issues based on U.S. media reports. The town, meanwhile, has registered a 21% reduction in crime as a result of various law enforcement improvements and crackdowns.
For his part, Mayor Torres reiterated the importance of promoting the film industry. Torres noted that film production can be a key to the area’s economic recovery as well as a boost for tourism.
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Brian Flock, a MexiData.info contributor, is a licensed California real estate broker, as well as a degreed and certified broker in Mexico. He may be contacted at Flock Dream Homes (www.flockdreamhomes.com), brian@flockdreamhomes.com, or (619) 793-5224.
