President Calderón pledges incentives for the film industries of the world to come to Rosarito
Yesterday we had the wonderful opportunity to see, listen to and shake the hand of the President of México, Mr. Felipe Calderón. Several personalities were present as well, including Mr. James Edward Olmos with whom I had a chance to exchange a few pleasantries with as well. It was a great day for Rosarito and for México's film industry. As there are updates to this news and more details are released, I'll keep posting them. I know Mr. Calderón pledged 17% incentives, which I believe is higher than many other nations of the world offer.
I am attaching a picture of some of the personalities in the Presidium. In another two posts, I'll attach a picture of President Calderón and myself; and a picture of Mr. James Edward Olmos and myself.
President Calderon Pledges Incentives For Film Making In Rosarito and Mexico
ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---President Felipe Calderón on Tuesday pledged incentives to attract more international film makers and productions to Rosarito and the rest of México.
Speaking to an audience of about 400 people, Calderon pledged an initial $20 million to strengthen the country’s film industry plus incentives to attract productions here from around the world.
Calderón made his remarks at Baja Studios in Rosarito, which was built for the production of the James Cameron’s "Titanic" and where portions of other blockbusters including "Master & Commander" and "Pearl Harbor" have been filmed.
The president was received for his visit by Rosarito Mayor Hugo Torres. Other dignitaries attending included Baja Gov. Jose Guadalupe Osuna Millan as well as many other government officials. Noted actor Edward James Olmos also was a featured guest.
“Rosarito has become a place of great importance for the film industry, and it is precisely why here we announce this program for the promotion of film production," Calderon said.
He stressed that the film industry has great importance in the global culture, as well being as being an excellent source for jobs, income and regional promotion.
“Rosarito has shown that it is possible to offer world-class services to the film industry,” Calderon said. “Productions here have brought international fame to the city.”
For his part, Mayor Torres reiterated the importance of promoting the film industry.
"We welcome the support of the President of the Republic, and we are convinced that this decree will make Rosarito even more attractive to other countries that are interested in filming here, “ Torres said.
Torres noted that film production can be a key to the area’s economic recovery as well as a boost for tourism.
Dignitaries also toured the Baja Studios production facility in the Popotla area of Rosarito.. It was built in the late ‘90s during Torres first term as mayor, specifically for the filming of "Titanic."
It has huge salt-water tanks as well as an ocean front setting. Baja Studios also contains a "Titanic" Museum and has been used as a theme park as well as for its production facilities.
Attachment(s): 1-Governor Osuna Millán, 2-President of México Felipe Calderón, 3-Owner of Baja Studios Mr. José Gallicot, 5-Mr. James Edward Olmos and 7-Rosarito Mayor Hugo Torres.JPG