Humboldt–Del Norte Film Commission asks Del Norte for bigger contribution as festival, filming boost tourism

Cassandra Heseltine, film commissioner for the Humboldt–Del Norte Film Commission, told the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors that regional filming and associated tourism produce measurable local economic benefits and asked the county to consider increasing its support.

Heseltine summarized 13 years of regional activity: more than 400 inquiries, 23 scout trips, and 53 filming projects that the commission estimates generated about $1.4 million in direct spending (with an illustrative multiplier to about $4.1 million in overall economic activity) from productions that rented locations, paid permit fees and used local vendors. She also highlighted the Forest Moon Festival and a Redwood Coast Museum of Cinema as film-tourism drivers.

Heseltine asked the county to re-evaluate its funding structure and suggested that Del Norte contribute approximately $15,000 directly (paired with chamber contributions) toward an ideal combined county/chamber support of about $25,000 to expand staff and outreach. “Ideally, we would love something more equivalent to 25,000,” Heseltine said.

Board members said they were sympathetic to film tourism’s potential but asked for more comparative ROI data from Humboldt and jurisdictions that fund the commission more heavily. Supervisor Wilson and others urged staff to return prior to the June budget cycle with metrics showing how Humboldt and specific cities realized returns on their investments in film-promotional activity. Several supervisors indicated that the request should be considered in the upcoming budget cycle rather than approved immediately.

Heseltine said the commission is launching a film-experience app to host the Map of the Movies and festival schedules, and is pursuing broader regional incentives and a possible future soundstage to retain productions longer in the area.

No funding decision was made; the board asked staff to bring back more detailed ROI data and to keep the matter on the budget radar for possible inclusion in next fiscal year proposals.