ABOUT AFCI
Established in 1975, the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) stands as the only global non-profit professional organization (501c3) representing city, state, regional, provincial, and national film commission members across six continents.
AFCI champions advocacy, connectivity, and education, empowering film commissions and industry stakeholders to drive economic growth, build robust infrastructure, and advance professional development. Additionally, AFCI provides essential guidance to emerging regions that are interested in establishing a film commission aligned with the recognized standards for a film office.
We are committed to ensuring that all our endeavors are conducted in a manner that is fair, sustainable, and inclusive, reflecting the diverse needs of communities worldwide.
OUR MISSION
To enable film commissions and industry partners to bring successful local productions to life through knowledge-sharing, skill development, and connection.
AFCI STRATEGIC PLAN
As AFCI approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, the organization is undergoing a pivotal transformation, guided by a significant strategic development undertaken last year. We are broadening our membership to encompass a complete representation of the production landscape. This expansion will integrate studio partners, production enablers, supporters, government offices, and past film commissioners. These new members will join our core—film commissioners—who continue to be at the heart of our mission and activities.
WHAT WE OFFER
AFCI provides unparalleled resources and opportunities for film commissions and industry professionals worldwide. From crafting international reports to establishing global best practices, our offerings are designed to enhance the efficacy and connectivity of film commissions. We host world-class events and provide networking opportunities at major global film markets, all while offering the only professional certification for film commissions globally.
Member Directory
The AFCI Member Directory facilitates direct connections with film commissions from around the globe. Whether seeking specific services, resources, or the perfect location for the next production, this directory offers essential contact information and details to support diverse needs. It is designed to streamline searches and enhance collaboration.
Global Best Practices
AFCI is the leader in global best practices for film commissions and engages with policymakers in efforts to facilitate all forms of media production. A suite of Best Practice Guides has been produced to provide intelligence on a range of diverse, yet critical topics.
Global Production Networking Tool
AFCI is a vital link in strengthening ties between film commissions and the screen sector. Aside from fostering community and cooperation through events, it provides online resources such as AFCI’s Global Production Network Tool. This platform directly connects content creators, producers, location managers and others directly to AFCI film commission representatives at the click of a button. A membership is not required to access this resource.
AFCI University
AFCI University offers training geared towards any individual interested in obtaining a better understanding of the basics of the film commission and the production industry it supports. Key topics such as economic development and marketing are covered through specific master classes. A membership is not required to access the university.
AFCI EVENTS
AFCI WEEK
In 1985, AFCI initiated Locations Show, the first on-location trade show designed to educate executives, producers and content creators on the benefits of production incentives and location-based shooting. As incentives rose in popularity and many key industry executives and producers became familiar with incentives, AFCI investigated new avenues for connecting members with the industry. The last AFCI Locations Show was held in 2017. In 2018, the Location Show evolved into AFCI Week.
Held annually in Los Angeles, this multi-day event focuses on connecting our global members with top-level industry decision-makers and partners as well as prime opportunities for education, networking and lead generation for their regions. Evolving with the latest trends, the event currently features professional development, industry and research updates, curated meetings with executives and networking receptions.
AFCI Week 2024 will take place at the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center in Westwood, CA from August 25-28th.
CINEPOSIUM
After being founded in 1975, AFCI developed a major educational event called AFCI Cineposium. The first Cineposium took place in 1976. Held annually, this conference-style program features professional development seminars designed to teach film commissioners about the management and processes unique to the film commission business as well as networking opportunities between film commissioners and members of the production community.
Cineposium is coming home to the United States for our 50th
Anniversary year. The event will be open to attendance from film commissioners and the wider industry to ensure collaboration and
enablement of solutions through shared experience. The event poses an opportunity for attendees to seek answers and co-create solutions to challenges they face in an ever-evolving industry.
More information about Cineposium 2025 will be available soon.
OUR VALUES
Our values will always guide our decision -making, they contribute to a supportive and empowering environment for all members and reflect on our commitment to the mission.
Partnership
We commit to finding great partners and deepening our relationships with local and industry leaders.
Empowerment
We acknowledge different regional experiences, support cross-cultural learning and foster diverse environments.
Excellence
We promote a culture of continuous improvement to ensure we provide world-class support to our members.
Innovation
We develop new products using a digital-first approach based on regular feedback and assessments.
Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical standards, transparency and accountability in all organizational activities.
AFCI LEADERSHIP
AFCI STAFF
Jaclyn Philpott
Executive Director
Jaclyn Philpott, as the Executive Director of AFCI, leads the premier global organization for film commission professionals. Her role involves guiding advocacy, educational programs, and events aimed at empowering AFCI members to effectively collaborate with policymakers and the business community to drive economic growth sustainably and inclusively.
Philpott, originally from New Zealand, relocated to the U.S. to assume this position, bringing a wealth of experience in economic development, strategy, international marketing, and event management. Her notable past work includes collaborations with economists, business leaders, and policymakers in Auckland and throughout New Zealand to enhance public and private sector partnerships post-COVID-19. Additionally, she has been instrumental in producing significant events and managing major projects for various organizations in New Zealand, including working closely with the New Zealand Film Commission and regional film offices to promote the film industry.
Marjorie Galas
Senior Director, Members and Education
Marj Galas serves as Senior Director, Members and Education. She’s involved in supporting the member body, overseeing AFCI University course content and managing partnerships that benefit AFCI’s connections with the production community.
Prior to joining AFCI, Galas was the Editor at Variety 411 where she managed the 411 e-newsletter, web and marketing content. As a reporter, her stories have been featured in Variety, Variety 411, Below the Line News, Creative Content Wire and Tradeshow Week. Her foray in the entertainment business began in Boston where she worked as an edit tutor at Boston Neighborhood Network, an Assistant Stage Manager for the Sugan Theater and a Prop Master for Boston Conservatory.
Ortal Peykar
Director of Operations
Ortal Peykar joined AFCI in November 2021 and serves as the Director of Operations. In her role, she has streamlined AFCI’s processes and systems while assisting members and vendors with their accounting needs.
In her journey to achieve operational excellence, Ortal has worn many hats including those of an entrepreneur, account manager, accounting & sales, administration manager, and ultimately an operations executive.
Christine Devereaux
Members & Special Projects Executive
Christine Devereaux joined AFCI in 2023 with over 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. From fundraising to event planning and marketing to volunteering, she has had her hands in all aspects of the nonprofit world throughout her career. She’s served on Young Professional Boards, ran and participated in various nonprofit committees and organized and volunteered for several large-scale events.
In her spare time, Christine enjoys freelance writing, reading, baking, crocheting and spending time with her family.
Pablo Ortega
Marketing & Communications
Pablo Ortega oversees all marketing and communication initiatives at AFCI, bringing to the role over 15 years of extensive experience. His career spans various sectors, including large corporations, startups, and non-profits, where he has excelled in crafting impactful digital strategies and leading high-stakes projects.
Before joining AFCI, Pablo led the PR strategy for AT&T in the Hispanic market of Southern California. He also spearheaded the expansion of 4YFN, the startup platform of Mobile World Congress, across the Americas. Additionally, Pablo managed the strategic relaunch of the independent news site Truthdig.
Lori Zhang
Marketing Specialist
Lori Zhang holds a Master’s in Communication Management from USC Annenberg and a Bachelor’s in Russian from Shanghai International Studies University. A trilingual communicator fluent in Chinese, English, and Russian, she specializes in cross-cultural communication. She is skilled in content development and marketing, and passionate about cinematic storytelling.
Her international education and professional experiences across Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Moscow have equipped her with unique insights into global media dynamics.
Elizabeth Lind
Executive Assistant & Business Support
Elizabeth is a skilled Executive Assistant with experience in project management and coordination, administrative support, as well as grant writing. Before joining AFCI, she worked in the grants department of a small nonprofit based in Los Angeles. Prior to that role, she was Executive Assistant at Madison Square Garden Entertainment, supporting several executives as they worked toward opening the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Elizabeth’s goal is to increase efficiency and time management for both herself and those she supports to facilitate intelligent cross-collaboration. She believes in working with integrity, honesty, and humor and leading by example in all areas of life.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors is composed of representatives from global film commissions, each bringing extensive experience and a broad perspective from different regions to steer our strategic vision and operations.
ADVISORY BOARD
Our Advisory Board plays a critical role in providing expert industry advice, guidance, and support to our organization’s management and board of directors.
- Joseph D. Chianese, EVP of Financial Solutions, Entertainment Partners
- Andy Weltman, Managing Director, APA Agency
- Mary Ann Hughes, VP of Film & TV Production Planning, Walt Disney Studios
- Bruce Hendricks, Independent Producer
- Keith Murphy, SVP Government Relations & Regulatory Counsel, Viacom
- Jay Roewe, SVP of Production, HBO
- Mylan Stepanovich, V.P., Physical Production, 20th Century Studios
- Veronica Sullivan, SVP, Head of Global Production External Affairs and State & Local Government, NBCUniversal
- Laurence Franks, Global Head of Studio Strategy and Operations, Apple Studios
- Michael Walbrecht, VP of Public Affairs, Warner Bros. Entertainment
- Kristin Larson, VP, Studio & Production Affairs, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Connecting Producers and Film Commissions
In today’s highly competitive environment, film commissions and AFCI Certified Film Commissioners are becoming an economic necessity – an integral ingredient in attracting film productions and revenue to a region. AFCI supports emerging regions in the industry to create the infrastructure, workforce and knowledge they need to partner with studios through education, knowledge sharing and connection.
to partner with studios.
