News Summary
The 24 Hour Film Festival in San Diego features over 60 competing teams of local filmmakers who must complete and submit short films within 24 hours. This year’s festival aligns with the launch of the San Diego County Film Initiative, aimed at revitalizing the local film industry, which has faced downturns in recent years. The initiative and new tax incentives are expected to attract more productions back to the area, enhancing the economic impact of filmmaking in San Diego.
San Diego Hosts Annual 24 Hour Film Festival with 60 Competing Teams Amid Film Initiative Revival
More than 60 teams are competing in the annual 24 Hour Film Festival across San Diego County this weekend, showcasing local talent and creativity. Each team is composed of volunteers, including directors, actors, and crew members, who are tasked with submitting a completed short film by Sunday evening. The kick-off event, which took place on Friday, determined the genres and other key elements for each team through a fun spin of a wheel.
This annual festival coincides with the recent launch of the San Diego County Film Initiative, aimed at revitalizing the local film industry. The initiative was introduced in July 2023, following a petition drive seeking government support for the return of major movie and TV productions in San Diego. Prior to this initiative, the San Diego Film Commission was closed in 2013 due to insufficient funding, leaving production companies to navigate a more complicated approval process through the City of San Diego’s permits department.
As a result, the local film industry has seen a significant downturn. Historically, the industry generated over $100 million annually for the region’s economy, but it has greatly diminished in recent years. Filmmakers and local industry advocates are now seeking to reclaim this economic impact through renewed attention and investment in the area. The new state film and TV tax credit, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, offers $750 million in incentives for production companies to either remain in California or establish new projects in the state.
Filmmakers like Jordan Jacobo are focusing on revitalizing the region’s production capabilities, emphasizing that San Diego can attract projects that might typically be drawn to larger cities such as Atlanta or Los Angeles. Jacobo converted an underground photography studio into a set for his entry in the competition, titled “Quality Trauma Bonding.” His efforts reflect a growing belief among local creatives that San Diego has the necessary infrastructure, talent, and favorable climate to sustain and grow the film industry.
In addition to Jacobo’s contributions, Mike Egbert serves as the director of the team ‘Breakfast for Dinner’. Under his leadership, the group focuses on effective communication and maintaining team morale throughout the intensive filmmaking process. Egbert’s involvement with the festival is indicative of the collaborative spirit within the local film community as they work to produce creative works within a tight time frame.
Support for the revival of the film industry in San Diego is echoed by Greg Sowizdrzal, president of IATSE local 122, who advocates for improvements in investment and infrastructure to attract more productions back to the region. With the launch of the San Diego County Film Initiative and recent tax incentives, there is optimism that the area’s filmmaking landscape can be rejuvenated.
The annual 24 Hour Film Festival not only provides an opportunity for local filmmakers to showcase their work but also serves as a catalyst for conversations about the future of the film industry in San Diego. It represents a community effort to bring creativity and economic benefits back to the region, highlighting the need for continued support and development of the local production scene.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- Film Festivals
- Google Search: San Diego film industry
- CBS 8
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google News: San Diego County Film Initiative
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
