Film Commissioners From Around the World Compete For Hollywood Dollars.

With nearly $60 billion dollars at stake worldwide, more than 300 Film Commissions and production services from more than 30 countries will compete for Hollywood dollars when they exhibit at the 16th annual Association of Film Commissioners International Locations 2001 Global Expo.

This is the only tradeshow where the entertainment and advertising industry can view global locations in one place because the whole world is up for rent.

Exhibitors represent all 50 U.S. states, plus Argentina, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, the British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Canada, the Canary Islands, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greenland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saint Maarten, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, Venezuela and Wales.

Hollywood Heavyweights and Madison Avenue Moguls will find the competition for their attention to be fierce and fun. Alaska is bringing a genuine glacier (well, a piece of one); Amazonian’s booth features Indian Boi Bumba rhythm dancers; Austria & Cine Tirol will dress up in native costumes; Colorado is giving away personal television sets; Connecticut is offering a chance to win an Ovation Electric Guitar and molded case; Hong Kong will feature a Lion Dance and superstar; Kenya will have natives in authentic costumes; Maryland will serve authentic Maryland Crab Soup; New Hampshire will give away a stay at Mount Washington Hotel & Resort; New Jersey is giving away the first season of “The Sopranos” on DVD; New York is serving free bagels, pickles and cheesecake; Northern Rockies/Northern Plains States (Idaho, Wyoming, North & South Dakota, Montana) will give away free micro-brewed beer in a booth that looks like an Old West Town; Portugal is serving free port wine; and San Jose is giving away California wines & wine glasses.

A seminar on “Film Friendly Financing Support & Locations Around the World” will be held Feb. 23 from 2-4 p.m., acknowledging a new trend that is affecting filmmakers’ decisions on where to shoot their next movie. In addition to tax breaks and other special considerations, countries, states, cities and regions are offering financial support to independent filmmakers. Panelists represent Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and the United States.

Film Commissioners work hard to convince producers to shoot their next movie, commercial, television show, print ad, music video or multimedia production in their area because location production can mean millions of dollars annually to local economies.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall, Section K (1201 S. Figueroa St.). Admission is free to industry professionals. For the most up-to-date information on the show or to register online, click here http://afci.org.