About

Film Commissioner

As the Regional Film Commissioner, Sabrina Jurisich is committed to supporting both out-of-town and local filmmakers while working to stimulate the local economy through the business of film production. “Our area provides an abundance of resources in a close proximity,” states Jurisich, “combined with low to no cost permits and an area known for hospitality, Upstate California provides a great backdrop for all kinds of productions.”

We look forward to welcoming your team to the place we call home.

Why Film Matters

As one of the top industries in the state, the film industry provides jobs – and lots of them! In 2021, California estimated 860,000 jobs related to film production throughout the state. There is no doubt that the industry is putting a lot of people to work! Throughout the state of California, production is surpassing pre-COVID levels. In fact, a recent report listed the film and television industry as the second highest economic driver in the State of California between agriculture (#1) and travel and tourism (#3). Another report released by the California Film Commission reveals that the California Tax Credit program is performing with a return of $24 for every $1 invested. There is no doubt that the film industry is thriving in California, and we are thankful for the increased opportunities to work with incredible filmmakers to help facilitate local jobs and to bolster our local economy as a result of the incredible economic impact from productions choosing our region as a filming destination. For more information on our activities, visit our News and Reports page.

Visitor Guides

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Board Members

Joy Thayer

President (Oklahoma)

Joy co-owns the award-winning production companies SperoPictures and Sawyer. Along with her husband, Matthew, they have been part of100’s of corporate & commercial projects, feature films, television show, and have been recognized for their unique storytelling abilities and powerfully transformative content. A few clients include the BBC, Verizon, Cisco, HP, UC Davis Medical Center, CNN, and so much more.

Janice Arrington

Vice President (Orange County, CA)

Janice has worn a variety of hats in the industry including directing, producing, and most recently as the Orange County Film Commissioner for over 25 years! She was a founding member of FLICS and the California On Location Awards Show. She has served the industry incredibly well and is known for unsurpassed kindness and professionalism.

Janet Shields

Secretary (Shasta County, CA)

Janet currently works as the Major Donor Officer for the Good News Rescue Mission. She has worked in the non-profit sector for 15 years and has extensive knowledge in fundraising, event planning, and brings a lot of fun to every occasion.

Barb Sumerlin

Treasurer (Shasta County, CA)

Barb Sumerlin is retired from the legal field, after a 20 year career as a certified paralegal in Washington State with experience as a case manager, preparing/filing of legal documents, professional representative for both clients and her attorneys. She has volunteered with local food banks and homeless shelters. Since moving to Northern California in 2019, Barb has volunteered as a site manager and as a Shasta County volunteer events coordinator. She has knowledge in event planning, organizational skills, professionalism and brings a willingness to serve the Commission as well as local and in-bound projects and productions. She believes continued growth of the Commission creates local jobs, increases tourism and has a positive economical impact on our communities.

Eve Honthaner

Member
(Los Angeles, CA)

Before her brief tenure as President of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) from August, 2021 through September, 2022, Eve was the Deputy Director of the California Film Commission (CFC) from 2013 through 2020. Prior to that, the primary focus of her career was production management, as she worked in television and on feature films, in various staff positions and every freelance capacity from PA to line producer. She was associated with companies such as DreamWorks and Legendary Pictures and worked on films such as Titanic, Just Married and Tropic Thunder.

From 1999 to 2018, Eve taught a six-week summer course she created for USC’s School of Cinematic Arts entitled Breaking Into The Film Industry. Through this class, she found a passion for teaching students the practical aspects of the business and giving them the tools they need to start and grow a career – lessons that took her years to learn the hard way. She has lectured at universities and colleges throughout the country and has created and moderated numerous industry panels.

She is the author of The Complete Film Production Handbook. Used by both industry professionals and students, it provides a step-by-step guide to setting up and running a production. Her second book, HOLLYWOOD DRIVE: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry is based on the USC summer course she created and was written for newcomers to the biz as well as for those already working in the industry who wish to move their careers to the next level.

As Deputy Director of the California Film Commission, Eve provided assistance to productions of all sizes; worked closely with CFC stakeholders and state partners; reviewed film ordinances, regulatory matters and legislation affecting the entertainment industry; encouraged film-friendly practices statewide; worked with a network of more than 50 regional film offices; produced special events and conferences and promoted production and production jobs throughout the state. She also worked closely with the FAA in order to disseminate federal guidelines relating to filming with drones.

From 2000-2008, Eve founded and ran the Los Angeles-based non-profit organization Film Industry Network. She is on the advisory boards of Cal State University’s Entertainment Alliance and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles and is a member of the Producers Guild of America.

David Shapiro

Member
(Marina Del Rey, CA)

David Shapiro came from New York to LA in 1976 after studying at the University of MD. He toured California and visited iconic locations from southern California beaches to the majestic Mt Shasta. After falling in love with the state, he continued his education at Pepperdine University and received a degree in Marketing/Business Administration. He began working in the aerospace industry and was responsible for bringing The Electric Blackboard to this country. For the last 35 years, he has been publishing the CREATIVE HANDBOOK for television, movie and event planners throughout California. The Handbook is distributed to industry professionals by direct mail, at trade shows, and location shoots. Dave believes that film commissioners are the best liaisons the industry has for permitting needs and to aid in seamless production activities.

Marni Sanders

Member
(Yuba-Sutter Counties, CA)

Marni Sanders’ passion for the Yuba Sutter community has been evident in her most recent role as CEO for the Yuba Sutter Chamber of Commerce, where she devoted her attention to helping Yuba Sutter businesses grow and thrive. In her new role as Executive Director for Blue Zones Project Yuba Sutter Marni has taken her passion for community and her many community connections and put them to use in building momentum and engagement towards better health and well-being for Yuba Sutter.

In Marni’s tenure at the Chamber one of her major accomplishments was bringing Film Yuba Sutter to the community. She had a passion for creating opportunities for the community to build revenue, excitement and pride in the community and Film Yuba Sutter was the program to do that. In the time that she has been involved, her interest in the film industry has grown and her commitment to seeing the program’s success continues.

In addition to Marni’s leadership at the Chamber she has over 20 years of experience in fundraising and community engagement. In her down time, she loves to spend time outdoors, running, hiking and practicing yoga. She also enjoys volunteering in the community and serves on the board of directors for the Yuba Sutter Salvation Army and is a member of Early Risers Kiwanis. Marni is dedicated to helping the Yuba Sutter community be more thriving and more vibrant.