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Tom is a filmmaker, producer, and marketing specialist based in Los Angeles.
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Known for its scenic beauty and expressive individuality, Oregon is a wellspring of creativity. For filmmakers seeking inspiration in the Beaver State, the Oregon Film Office—officially the Oregon Governor's Office of Film & Television—is an essential resource.
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into everything the Oregon Film Office has to offer, from production support to workforce development programs to film funding. By connecting filmmakers with the tools they need to achieve their visions, Oregon Film sets the stage for fruitful and collaborative production in the state of Oregon.
Officially known as the Oregon Governor's Office of Film & Television, the Oregon Film Office is the central hub for filmmaking and production in the Beaver State.
Established in 1968, the Oregon Film Office is the oldest state film office in the country. Since the Office’s inception, the people at Oregon Film have worked tirelessly to promote and develop the state's film, television, commercial, and digital media industries.
Their commitment to Oregon production is evident in the state’s lasting film legacy. Cinematic classics including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Goonies, and Stand by Me were all filmed in Oregon and made possible through the Oregon Film Office.
Today, Oregon Film is led by Executive Director Tim Williams, who brings over 25 years of experience as an independent producer to the role. Wrapbook founder Cameron Woodward recently spoke with Williams about all Oregon Film has to offer on Wrapbook’s On Production podcast—check out the episode here!
With their proactive and collaborative approach, Williams and his team play a pivotal role in fostering a thriving creative economy and making Oregon an attractive destination for all types of media production. Their mission is to support the creative community while driving economic growth.
Over the last few decades, Oregon Film has delivered on that mission and built upon its already impressive track record by supporting a host of projects including Coraline, Portlandia, and The Rehearsal among many others.
Productions like these are enabled by the multitude of resources and programs provided by Oregon Film.
The Oregon Film Office offers a range of support services aimed at making every step of the production process easier. From scouting locations to navigating permits, their team provides invaluable assistance to filmmakers working in the state.
Here are a few of the ways the Oregon Film Office supports production:
Oregon is a state of staggering beauty, from its rugged Pacific coastline and towering timber forests to distinctive cities like Portland, Salem, and Eugene. With so many picturesque locations to choose from, finding the perfect Oregon filming location could be overwhelming if not for the help of the Oregon Film Office.
Their team’s in-depth knowledge of the state’s varied landscapes and film-friendly jurisdictions helps ensure productions of all types and sizes find the right locations for their needs.
With Oregon Film’s location database, filmmakers can browse over 5,000 unique Oregon filming locations before they even step foot in the state. In conjunction with the Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA), Oregon Film also connects productions with vetted location managers, assistant location managers and location scouts who can help navigate Oregon’s diverse terrain.
Utilizing Oregon filming locations allows productions to unlock another vital Oregon resource: generous production incentives administered through the Oregon Film Office.
There are two main production incentive programs in Oregon: the Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF) and the Greenlight Oregon Labor Rebate program (GOLR). Both programs offer rebates to projects that spend more than $1 million in Oregon. They can be combined together to rebate 26.2% of in-state payroll expenses and 25% of goods and services bought or rented from Oregon registered companies.
Oregon Film is committed to making these production incentive programs as accessible and production-friendly as possible and Director Tim Williams often goes above and beyond to help productions succeed. In the past, he has even individually reviewed certain projects’ Oregon budgets to help them make the most of the program.
For more information on Oregon’s OPIF and GOLR programs, as well as local and regional Oregon Production Investment Funds organized under the OPIF program, check out Wrapbook’s comprehensive guide to Oregon production incentives.
With such a robust production community, it’s no wonder that Oregon has a thriving film festival scene as well.
Events such as BendFilm, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the Portland Film Festival provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, network, and gain valuable industry exposure.
The Oregon Governor's Office of Film & Television actively supports these film festivals and many others across the state by sponsoring and attending as many of these events as possible. Oregon Film also works to connect filmmakers with festival audiences and organizers and is available to answer any questions filmmakers might have about film festivals in Oregon.
Navigating the permitting process can be one of the most challenging aspects of production, but the Oregon Film Office makes obtaining film permits in the state simple.
The Office acts as a liaison between filmmakers and the local authorities who issue necessary film permits. Their team provides guidance on obtaining permits, understanding regional regulations, and working with city and state agencies.
Whether you’re applying for permits to film in one of Oregon’s many state parks, cities like Portland and Eugene, or any of the various counties across the state, the Oregon Film Office can help point you in the right direction so you can move forward smoothly and compliantly.
Along with helping projects secure permits and navigate filming locations, the Oregon Film Office can also help productions crew up for their Oregon shoot.
In collaboration with the Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA), Oregon Film hosts an extensive directory of crew members, vendors, and service providers which connects filmmakers with skilled local talent and trustworthy production support.
This directory encompasses a wide range of professionals, including directors, cinematographers, set designers, makeup artists, and more.
Oregon Film’s commitment to growing and supporting the state’s crew base doesn’t end with the OMPA’s directory. The Oregon Film Office is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of industry professionals through career education and training programs.
Chief among these is the Pathways Program by which the Oregon Governor's Office of Film & Television provides entry-level professionals a supportive introduction to the production industry through training and job placement.
With dedicated funding from the Oregon Production Investment Fund, Oregon Film also administers the Creative Opportunity Program, which provides grants, training, and other programs to creative professionals.
Initiatives such as these empower local talent, create job opportunities, and contribute to the long-term growth of the film industry in Oregon.
The best way to learn more about the Oregon Film Office and connect with their team is to visit Oregon Film’s website. On it, you’ll find links to many of the resources mentioned in this article and a comprehensive Knowledge Base with answers to many frequently asked questions.
You can also reach the Oregon Film Office by email at shoot@oregonfilm.org or phone at (971) 254-4020. In-person visits are welcomed by appointment, and appointments can be made by calling the Office.
For updates about the latest production programs, news, and events in Oregon, there’s no better resource than the Oregon Film Office’s monthly newsletter. You can sign up for the newsletter here.
In addition to the Oregon Film Office’s statewide efforts, several regional film offices across Oregon provide tailored support and resources to productions in their specific areas. These regional offices play a vital role in enhancing the overall film ecosystem by offering localized expertise, connections, and logistical assistance.
Here’s a look at some of the key regional film offices in Oregon:
The Portland Film Office serves as a dedicated resource for productions based in or filming in Oregon’s largest city. Portland’s vibrant arts and culture scene, unique architecture, and diverse neighborhoods have long made it a sought-after filming location.
The Portland Film Office works to make the city film-friendly by assisting with permits, location scouting, street closures, and more. Their goal is to facilitate seamless productions while fostering positive relationships between filmmakers and the local community.
From indie films to major commercials and television shows, the Portland Film Office ensures that productions have the support they need to thrive in the city.
The Central Oregon Film Office serves as a key regional player dedicated to promoting and supporting productions in Central Oregon. Known for its stunning landscapes, including the Cascade Mountains, high deserts, and crystalline rivers, Central Oregon has become an increasingly popular location for filmmakers.
The Central Oregon Film Office acts as a local guide and advocate, assisting with permits, location scouting, and connecting filmmakers with regional crew and businesses. By working closely with both local governments and the Oregon Film Office, the Central Oregon Film Office ensures productions in the area run smoothly while making the most of Central Oregon’s unique scenery and resources.
Film Southern Oregon is another important regional office dedicated to supporting productions in Southern Oregon, an area known for its scenic beauty, historic towns, and diverse settings. Film Southern Oregon serves as a one-stop resource for filmmakers looking to capture the region’s distinct character on camera.
The Film Southern Oregon office provides critical support services such as location scouting, permitting guidance, and connections to local crew and vendors. Their efforts are complemented by the Oregon Film Office’s broader initiatives, ensuring that Southern Oregon continues to be a welcoming and accessible location for creative projects.
With its breathtaking natural beauty, robust production resources, and welcoming creative community, Oregon is the perfect home for film and media production. The Oregon Film Office is your gateway for taking advantage of all this incredible state has to offer.
To learn more about how the Oregon Film Office can support your next project, check out our breakdown of their production incentive program or listen to our full interview with Tim Williams, Executive Director of the Oregon Governor's Office of Film & Television.
For more on production incentives across the country, visit Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center. Our Production Incentives Finder and State Incentive Map can help you find the perfect state for your next shoot.
