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| Resources Galore in the South Dakota Film Industry |
(posted May 15, 2007) |
The South Dakota Film Industry is full of resources.
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PIERRE, S.D. – One of the most important things production crews look for when choosing a location destination is in-state resources; and South Dakota is no exception.
“A lot of producers are surprised when they find out how much equipment, talent and resources are available in the state,” said Jeff Zueger, president of Spectrum Films Inc. “The production community in South Dakota has really grown in the last 10 years.”
Spectrum Films, Inc., located in Sioux Falls, is a full service production services company offering camera, grip, lighting and crew services to the motion picture and television industry.
Linn Productions is a full service production house and ad agency in Rapid City. The agency does film work for national projects such as HBO, CNN, ESPN, the History Channel and more.
“South Dakota has an incredible variety of landscapes and locations within a two-hour radius of Rapid City,” said Carolyn Linn, producer and administrator of Linn Productions. “People experienced in various facets of filmmaking can also be found across the state.”
“It’s extremely important to have talented people in the industry right here in South Dakota,” said Buddie Hasty, president of Hayze Entertainment Group, LLC. “The most important thing for a director or producer when looking for a filming location is topography and crew.”
Hayze Entertainment Group, LLC recently acquired Aberdeen Recording Studio. The full staff has knowledge in high definition projects, 35mm projects and offers plenty of talent around the area. The studio is home to one of seven Neve sound boards in the world. Hayze Entertainment Group, LLC is located in Aberdeen.
“With the fabulous scenery and locations South Dakota provides, film companies can produce the look they want with less hassle and at a lower cost than other locations,” said Chris VanNess, president of Crow Ridge Productions.
Crow Ridge Productions has been in business for over 15 years. Located in the heart of the Black Hills, Crow Ridge Productions works with clients to promote their business, products and services through video and television advertisements. Crow Ridge Productions has the only grip truck in western South Dakota.
These are only a few examples of the many crew and services offered across the state. Besides crew and services, South Dakota is home to some active film councils. The Black Hills Film Resource Council was founded to encourage film projects to come to the Black Hills area. The council assists crews in finding people and resources they need while filming in South Dakota.
The Northern Plains Film Commission was formed in 2005, and is an association of Native American and non-Native film professionals, politicians, businessman and locals working to build a viable film and television industry in South Dakota through networking, shared resources, ideas and artistry. The goal of the film commission is to build awareness and development for a broader entertainment industry in both state and local regions.
The film division of the Northern Route to the Black Hills is an organization focused on stimulating the South Dakota economy via unique ventures including tourism and filmmaking.
“Our mission is to promote independent, specifically Native American, film by providing financing and distribution for those projects,” said Buddie Hasty, President of Hayze Entertainment, LLC.
The South Dakota Film Office works with film crews to pinpoint sites and/or resources to match script requirements and works hard to market those areas. The office also works with public and private landowners in securing filming locations. A big part of the office’s service to film crews is simply providing as much information as possible to meet production needs. Whether it’s lodging, food services, labor, transportation or state laws, the office is here to help make their time in South Dakota an experience they’ll never forget.
The efforts of the South Dakota Film Office, a component of the South Dakota Department of Tourism and State Development, are part of Goal 1 of the 2010 initiative to double visitor spending in South Dakota. The Office of Tourism serves under the direction of Richard Benda, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development.
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Contact:
Lesa Jarding
(605) 773-3301
Lesa.Jarding@state.sd.us |
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