Please view the full RFP description here:

https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/2a2ba40f-2226-4b38-b8a5-b53d38d9ca1f

I. PURPOSE AND PROJECT OVERVIEW

The County of Santa Barbara Community Services Department is soliciting proposals from a qualified consultant or consulting team to develop a comprehensive, countywide film-production framework and database, and to evaluate options for a future Film Commissioner or other film-support function.

Santa Barbara County’s diverse landscapes and distinctive locations offer substantial opportunities for film and media production. The selected contractor will identify and document the public agencies, jurisdictions, property owners, operators, permitting authorities, and other entities relevant to film production; assess existing permitting pathways and resources; and conduct independent research and outreach to collect, verify, and organize this information into maintainable databases and clear, publication-ready public materials. As part of this engagement, the contractor will also develop the scope and potential structure of future film-support services, evaluating service-delivery models such as a dedicated Film Commissioner or film-support role within an existing County department, a contracted nonprofit or external organization, regional or multi-jurisdictional partnerships, scaled service models, and hybrid or phased approaches. The final deliverables will support productions in identifying filming locations, understanding applicable requirements, and reaching the appropriate contacts, while providing the County with practical resources and a strong foundation for future film services.

II. PROJECT OBJECTIVES

A. Improve access to film-production information

Make it easier for productions to understand filming requirements, identify potential locations, and connect with the appropriate agencies, property owners, and contacts.

B. Increase coordination and predictability

Improve communication and referrals among County departments, cities, public agencies, land managers,property owners, and other entities involved in filming.

C. Create a sustainable information foundation

Establish accurate, organized, and maintainable information that the County can update and use for public communication, internal coordination, GIS mapping, County-based web resources, external web resources (including but not limited to the California Film Commission CinemaScout directory), and future film-support activities.

D. Increase the visibility and usability of local filming resources

Provide a foundation for promoting suitable filming locations and helping productions evaluate opportunities throughout Santa Barbara County.

E. Support informed decisions about future film services

Give County leadership and the Board of Supervisors the information needed to evaluate whether and how to establish an ongoing Film Commissioner or other film-support function.

F. Establish a practical approach to measuring activity and results

Identify feasible ways to track production activity, service demand, and potential economic or community benefits over time.

G. Position the County for effective industry participation

Evaluate appropriate professional relationships, including FLICS participation, that could support coordination, training, visibility, and future film services.