Visit Tuolumne County Expands Film Industry Initiatives Kicking off with Participation in Inaugural Destinations International Film Workshop
SONORA, Calif. — Visit Tuolumne County is advancing a series of strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the county’s position as a premier filming destination. This week, President & CEO Lisa Mayo’s participated as a panelist at the inaugural Destinations International Film Workshop held at the Art Design Exchange in Portland, Oregon. This workshop was part of the Destinations International Annual Convention.
Mayo joined a distinguished panel of industry leaders that included Craig Trost, Communications Director for Travel Wisconsin; Jeffrey Church, President & CEO for Visit Berkeley; and Lee McLaughlin, VP of Marketing for Visit Tucson. The discussion focused on the role destination organizations play in supporting film production, developing film-friendly communities, and leveraging the economic benefits generated by the entertainment industry.
“Participating in the inaugural Destinations International Film Workshop was an incredible opportunity to share the story of film in Tuolumne County and discuss the exciting work we are undertaking to expand our efforts,” said Mayo. “Film production represents a significant economic opportunity for our region, and we are committed to making Tuolumne County one of California’s most attractive destinations for filmmakers.”
As part of its renewed focus on film development and promotion, Visit Tuolumne County will host a Film Familiarization Tour in September, welcoming six film location managers to experience the county’s diverse filming locations firsthand. The tour will showcase Tuolumne County’s dramatic landscapes and roads, historic Gold Rush towns, outdoor recreation assets, and production-friendly environment.
Visit Tuolumne County is also strengthening its engagement with the California Film Commission and expanding participation in statewide film initiatives. Additionally, the organization is becoming more involved with Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), the professional association that connects film offices and film commissioners throughout California.
To better serve production professionals, Visit Tuolumne County is currently revamping FilmTuolumne.org. The enhanced website will provide a streamlined user experience, simplify the permitting process, feature expanded location photography, and offer additional resources to filmmakers considering Tuolumne County for future film projects.
The destination’s film-focused social media platforms are also undergoing a revitalization to strengthen industry outreach, showcase local filming opportunities, and increase visibility among location scouts, producers, and production companies.
“These efforts are designed to create long-term economic benefits for Tuolumne County,” Mayo said. “Film productions support local businesses, create jobs, generate lodging revenue, and introduce new audiences to our destination. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the positive impact film can have on our communities.”
Through enhanced marketing, stronger industry partnerships, improved digital resources, and targeted outreach to decision-makers in the film industry, Visit Tuolumne County is positioning itself for growth as a destination for film, television, commercial, and digital media production. Visit Tuolumne County invites businesses and individuals in the community to submit information on how they might be able to contribute their skills and resources to this effort. Please submit information to film@gotuolumne.com.
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Media Contact:
Lisa Mayo, President & CEO
Visit Tuolumne County
lisa@gotuolumne.com
