In its report to the City of Cape Town, the Cape Film Commission (CFC) noted that the local industry's contribution to the Western Cape economy was estimated at R2.65 billion, of which about 77% was pumped directly into Cape Town's economy.

Simon Grindrod, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic and Social Development, Tourism and Property Management said: "In order to stimulate increased demand for Cape Town as a destination of choice for Film, Stills and Commercial production, I proposed and achieved the abolition of film location tariffs on Council land. This was approved by Mayco last week."

He said the revenue generated by the film industry certainly compared favourably to the turnover seen in other Cape Town based industries such as tourism.

"The phasing out of all tariffs charged to the film industry is one initiative that needs to be investigated as a vehicle to attract more business to the city in this sector. Capetonians also must be educated and encouraged to help the City become more 'film' friendly. This will require a shift in attitude from one of resenting the inconvenience of location shoots, to one of appreciating the direct benefits of the film industry," Grindrod said.

Film Commission CEO Laurence Mitchell said: "During the past year, the CFC has enjoyed immeasurable success, with stronger buy in from the industry, positive partnerships with both government and industry, and significant international investment into the region".

He was speaking in Cape Town during a presentation to the City's Portfolio Committee for Economic, Social Development & Tourism. "From July 2005 to December 2006, the Commission fielded 22 647 industry-related enquiries, provided assistance to 1 003 SMMEs and 416 BEE firms, trained 974 people, established 55 new businesses, hosted 74 industry events, and created over 2 000 direct and indirect jobs," says Mr Mitchell.

The CFC was established in 1999 as a joint initiative of the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape in response to the significant rise in filming activity in the region and it is key in supporting economic growth, job creation and skills development.

"It is one of six sector bodies funded jointly by the City's Economic & Human Development Department and the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment & Planning. Since 2002, the City of Cape Town has contributed R3,32 million to the CFC, while Province has contributed R11,2 million," says Mr Mansoor Mohamed, the City's Executive Director: Economic and Social Development.

The Commission operates both as a specialist agency marketing the region as a preferred global destination for local and international filmmakers, as well as a representative body for the film industry. The industry encompasses the entire 'value chain' which includes locations, servicing, and the production of feature films, television, videos, commercials, stills and animation formats.

"There are currently 150 production companies, 1 650 skilled supply companies, and six world-class equipment rental companies in the region. During 2005/06, filming activity included 2 100 photography shooting days and the production of 687 film and TV commercials and 30 feature films. These included the filming of international blockbusters such as Blood Diamonds and Goodbye Bafana.

"Our strategic vision is to position Cape Town and the Western Cape as a globally competitive film destination, thereby creating sustainable jobs and business opportunities, boosting tourism, and developing core skills," says Mr Mitchell.

According to Mr Mohamed, the Commission's strategy is aligned to the City's Economic and Human Development Strategy as well as the Provincial Micro Economic Development Strategy. "With the adoption of the City of Cape Town Film Policy and Protocol in 2004, the City recognised the valuable contribution of filming to the city's economic and cultural environment. The City also introduced a by-law in 2005 to provide the legal framework to regulate filming activities in Cape Town.

'In order to facilitate a sustainable, film friendly environment, the Film Permit Office co-operates closely with all City directorates to provide services such as issuing of permits, liaising, coordinating and mentoring and traffic control," says Mr Mohamed. The City also funded research into the economic and social impact of the filming industry on Cape Town and the Western Cape, which has been completed recently.