The San Francisco Film Society announced today the creation of the SFFS FilmHouse Residencies, a new program developed in partnership with the San Francisco Film Commission that is designed to support local independent filmmaking. Under the terms of the innovative new agreement, the SFFS FilmHouse Residencies will make 2,800 square feet of production office space available free of charge to local independent filmmakers actively engaged in various stages of film production.

"We are delighted to partner with the Film Society to make production space available to local independent filmmakers. FilmHouse has all the makings of a new vibrant and dynamic hub for independent filmmaking in San Francisco," said Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Courtesy of the Film Commission, and with the management and oversight of the Film Society, these residencies will make mixed use of two floors of office space in the Pier 27 building on San Francisco's Embarcadero -- the eponymous FilmHouse. The FilmHouse will function as a vibrant workshop for local filmmakers of all stripes.

"The Film Commission has been looking for an opportunity to support San Francisco filmmakers. Production offices and parking are always required, but not always available. We are very pleased to be able to offer a solution with the help of the Film Society," said Stefanie Coyote, executive director of the Film Commission.

Residencies will be made available to selected applicants for one- to six-month terms, with possibility of renewal. A Call for Applicants, with complete information on criteria for selection, guidelines and "FilmHouse Rules," will be published in September. Applications will be accepted on a bi-monthly basis. Applicants must be Filmmaker Pro members of the San Francisco Film Society to be eligible.

This initiative is being announced at the same time as the Film Society launches a comprehensive suite of new filmmaker services programs hitherto provided by Film Arts Foundation, including professional education and career development, fiscal sponsorship and grantmaking, networking and special events and information resources. (See separate release for complete details.)

Since 1989, the San Francisco Film Commission has served to encourage the recognition of film as an art form with widespread economic benefits for the city. While recognizing filmmaking as a major emphasis of the city's economic and cultural base, the Film Commission supports a variety of film activities in the city and promotes San Francisco as a film destination.

While stimulating community awareness of the film art form, the Commission is also interested in promoting long-range investment in projects originating in San Francisco, is the liaison with groups, councils, organizations and institutions related to the film industry and provides perspective for both the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors with respect to long-range promotion, development and planning for a significant film arts base in San Francisco. For complete information, visit FilmSF.org.