How to Be an Effective Film Commission

If you're a producer or content creator, there's a free resource available to you almost anywhere in the world that can save you time, money, and a significant amount of logistical headache — and chances are, you've never used it. Film commissions exist in cities, regions, states, and countries across the globe, and their entire purpose is to support productions like yours. Understanding what they are and how to work with them isn't just useful — it can be the difference between a smooth shoot and an expensive, preventable mess.

Yet for most producers, film commissions remain an afterthought, if they're considered at all. Some aren't aware they exist. Others assume a film commission is only relevant if there's a tax incentive involved. And many simply don't know what to ask for or when to reach out. The result is that productions move forward without tapping into location directories, permitting assistance, local government connections, and community resources that are sitting there, ready to use, at no cost.

Your instructor is Marjorie Galas, Senior Director of Membership and Programming at AFCI — the Association of Film Commissioners International. Marj leads member engagement and oversees educational programming that connects the global production community with film commission resources. Before joining AFCI, she served as Editor of Variety 411 and has reported for Variety, Below the Line News, and other industry outlets. She came up through production and editorial, which means she understands both sides of this conversation — the commission and the creative.

In this session, you'll get a clear picture of what a film commission actually is, how it's structured, and the full range of services it provides — from location scouting and permitting support to visa assistance and community connections. You'll learn when to reach out, what to ask, and how to use the AFCI's global directory to find the right commission for your project, wherever you're filming. By the time you're done, you'll know that a film commission should be your first call — before you lock your location and before you roll camera.