Is Asheville ‘film friendly’ town?

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Asheville City Council on Tuesday plans to approve the dissolution of the Asheville Film Commission. Here’s the city white paper on the issue:

Review: The Asheville Film Board was created in 1998 by Ordinance of the Asheville City Council. Since the years of its creation, the Board has undergone some changes including a name change in 2001 to the Asheville Film Commission (AFC). The AFC’s mission, composed of 13 members, is to support the City as a “film friendly” town and to support media arts in the area. The AFC has had difficulty attracting and maintaining members. In reviewing its mission and the declining interest of its membership, the Commission at its June 18, 2008, meeting, determined that its mission would be more effectively delivered and expanded into media arts by transitioning into a stakeholder group with assistance from the Office of Economic Development, which has been endorsed by the City Council Boards and Commission Committee. 

Pros: 

• Greater access to additional digital and media arts stakeholders to support City of Asheville in its effort to be a “film friendly” town. 

• Reduction in staff time with more flexibility in scheduling meetings 

• Continued interest from former AFC members 

 

Con: None. 

So the question: Is Asheville still a “film friendly” town?