News & Events
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kevin Shand
303.592.4065
kevin.shand@state.co.us
Kevin Shand, Director of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media, Among First to Receive "Certified Film Commissioner" Designation
Denver, CO; December 7, 2009 - The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) recently honored Kevin Shand, Director of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media as a member of its inaugural graduating class of Certified Film Commissioners.
Launched in 2007, the AFCI's Certified Film Commissioner Designation is awarded to those individuals who have completed all required training through AFCI University, the membership organization's professional development program. The program consists of a combination of required Master Classes, exams, a case study, and other service and educational activities. The designation signifies the recipient has achieved the highest level of accomplishment in his/her profession according to a certification committee of seven AFCI members.
"There are approximately 400 recognized film commissions in the world and being one of the first to obtain this certification helps set Colorado apart from many of the other offices around the globe," Shand stated. "It shows that we are staying up with the latest developments in our industry."
Shand started as a film commissioner in Modesto, California in 2002. He quickly expanded the city film office to serve all nine cities in the Stanislaus County region. In early 2005, Kevin moved to Colorado and later that year joined the staff of the Colorado Film Commission. He was elevated to the position of Executive Director on May 1, 2006. During his time with the Colorado Film Commission, Kevin has been actively involved with the creation and subsequent passage of Colorado's film incentive legislation, the return of the non-profit Colorado Film Commission to state government and working with communities across the country to help bring film and commercial productions to Colorado. Shand has been an active member of the Association of Film Commissioners International since 2002. He was elected to the AFCI's Board of Directors in 2009.
Also receiving the coveted designation were:
• Jamie Cope, Location Services Manager,West Virginia Film Office
• Johnny Griffin, Director, Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc.
• Jennifer Parramore, Film Commissioner, St. Petersburg/Clearwater
• Mark Stricklin, Executive Director, Birmingham-Jefferson Film Office
• Aaron Syrett, Director, North Carolina Film Office
"The merit of a membership organization like AFCI is deeply rooted in the knowledge, expertise, and dedication of its constituents," said Mary Nelson, AFCI Board president. "Congratulations to these film commission professionals for their ongoing commitment to providing the best possible service to on-location filmmakers worldwide."
About the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI)
The Association of Film Commissioners International is the global professional organization whose members are film commissioners that assist film, television and video production throughout the world. It is a non-profit educational association whose network of members serves as city, county, state, regional, provincial or national film commissioners for their respective governmental jurisdictions.
About Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media
The mission of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media is to promote Colorado as a location for making feature films, television shows, television commercials, still photography, music videos, and emerging mass media projects. The Office of Film, Television and Media is a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Learn more at www.coloradofilm.com.
