Cebu City is considering the creation of a dedicated film and media office to expand support for local filmmakers, digital content creators and other creative workers under a proposed measure seeking to strengthen the city’s creative industry.
Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover is proposing to reorganize the Cebuano Cinema Development Council into the Cebu Film and Media Commission (CFMC) and establish the Cebu Film and Media Office (CFMO) to handle administrative, operational and technical functions.
The proposed ordinance would expand the city’s existing film-development programs beyond cinema to cover television and digital video production, animation, photography, independent filmmaking and other film- and media-related creative services.
Under the measure, the commission would serve as the city’s policy-making, coordinating and industry-development body, while the proposed office would implement programs, coordinate projects, maintain records and monitor their effectiveness.
The proposal identifies film and media as potential drivers of Cebu City’s cultural development, tourism, employment, education and creative economy.
It also calls for training, workshops, mentorship and skills-development programs for Cebuano and Cebu-based filmmakers, artists, creative workers and media practitioners.
The proposed commission would promote Cebu City as a location for film, television, digital media and audiovisual productions. It could also establish a directory of local filming locations, production facilities, technical suppliers, actors, filmmakers, crew members and other industry resources.
Another proposed initiative is a Film Permit Coordination System to help production teams coordinate with city departments, barangays and other government agencies when filming within the city.
The system would provide coordination, scheduling, referral and liaison services for production teams seeking to shoot in Cebu City.
However, the commission and its office would not have the authority to issue, waive or override permits, clearances, fees or other requirements that fall under the legal jurisdiction of other government offices and agencies.
The measure also provides for continued support for the annual Cebu City Film Festival, including possible film screenings, competitions, workshops, forums, lectures and other activities promoting local films and filmmakers.
The commission could establish partnerships with educational institutions, cultural organizations, businesses, production companies and other industry stakeholders.
It could also help connect local filmmakers with national and international markets, film festivals and institutions to broaden opportunities for Cebu-based productions.
Under the proposal, the commission could recommend financial, technical, logistical and promotional assistance, as well as incentives, grants and partnerships for qualified filmmakers, creative workers and organizations. These forms of support would remain subject to applicable laws, budgetary requirements and fund availability.
To track the industry’s development, the commission would prepare an annual report covering production activities, training programs, partnerships, preservation projects, accomplishments and challenges.
The proposed ordinance would preserve the institutional continuity of the Cebuano Cinema Development Council, allowing its existing programs, projects, partnerships and records to continue or be integrated into the reorganized body, where applicable.
If enacted, the measure would require the commission and its office to complete the organizational transition, establish the permit coordination system and develop a three-year film and media development roadmap within 90 days of the ordinance’s effectivity.
Funding for the proposed office would depend on the city’s annual appropriations process and the availability of funds.
The proposal would amend City Ordinance No. 2404, Series of 2014, which established the Cebuano Cinema Development Council to support local filmmaking, film-related programs and festivals, and the preservation of Cebuano film heritage.
Photo courtesy of Star of Mysore
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