SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - Prescott Filmmaking Scene Thrives with New Industry Alliance

Episode Date: April 28, 2025

Send us a text and chime in!The business of filmmaking in the Prescott area is about to get a boost, according to officials involved. The Prescott Area Filmmakers Alliance (PAFA), a local network of producers, writers, directors, actors, cameramen, editors, and other personnel with expertise or interest in the film business, has formed. Founded in January 2023 with 13 members, the all-volunteer group has grown to over 160 participants, according to co-founder Dennis Tuberty. The group includes musicians, composers, stunt coordinators, location specialists, wranglers, set designers, technicians, casting directors, film editors, acting coaches, film historians, a military film advisor, educators, and students. “Our mission is to... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/prescott-filmmaking-scene-thrives-with-new-industry-alliance/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Text to Speech Audio Articles made possible by Cast 11 Talking Glass Media. The business of filmmaking in the Prescott area is about to get a boost, according to officials involved. The Prescott Area Filmmakers Alliance, PAA, a local network of producers, writers, directors, actors, cameramen, editors, and other personnel with expertise or interest in the film business, has formed. Founded in January 2023 with 13 members, the all-volunteer group has grown to over 160 participants. according to co-founder Dennis Tuberty. The group includes musicians, composers, stunt coordinators, location specialists, wranglers, set designers, technicians, casting directors, film editors, acting coaches, film historians, a military film advisor,

educators, and students. Our mission is to support and promote our local talent in their filmmaking projects, according to Puffa Chairman Bob Humphrey. We also work with the Prescott City Film Commissioner's Office to provide coordination, encouragement, and support for out-of-town production companies filming in the Prescott area. We're especially excited to be launching a new initiative to promote this area as a location, and to attract more film business here. According to Prescott Film Commissioner Samara Rice, the city of Prescott has seen a steady rise in interest from film and television productions in recent years, thanks to its diverse

landscapes, iconic downtown, and film-friendly environment. In 2024, Prescott averaged two film and media productions per month, ranging from short films and independent features to commercial campaigns and television segments. These productions have a direct and measurable impact on the local economy, supporting small businesses, lodging, restaurants, retail, equipment rentals, and local talent. In 2024, the reported Prescott spend, the amount productions are spending directly in the community, exceeded $300,000. Rice states, in the first three months of 2025, the projects reported have so far exceeded $50,000, with several high-impact project still pending. A prime example of filming success in Prescott is the 2019

feature film, Wishman, which tells the story of the founding of the Make a Wish Foundation. During its time filming in Prescott, Wishman had an estimated local spend of over $200,000, supporting local restaurants, lodging, transportation, and crew. The production engaged dozens of local businesses and hired regional cast and crew. More recently, in late 2024, the Western Period Film Frontier crucible spent over three weeks here, with a 45-person crew, including 20 local hires, plus 30 extras, filming in iconic locations including the Granite Dells, bringing an estimated local spend of $150,000 to the area. The Prescott Area Filmmakers Alliance, PAA, plays a key role in driving film activity in the region, with its dedicated network of industry professionals,

creators, and community supporters, Rice concludes. The Alliance not only provides the city and the film industry with coordination and assistance from a significant pool of talent and resources, but it also works with the Arizona Film Commission, the Media Arts Department at Yavapai College, and supports local high school film instructors. The Western film industry was born here, reminds Stuart Rosebrook, executive director of Charlotte Hall Museum and a member of the Puffa Group. We go back to the silent film era. Tom Mix shot over 60 films here, from the early teens to the 1920s. Prescott has always been attractive for filmmaking. We have our beautiful natural settings, from mountains to deserts, forests, and lakes, our charming downtown, picturesque old buildings, plus modern transportation and other resources.

Our location is ideal for the film business. Rosebrook's father was the screenwriter for the classic Western Junior Bonner, which starred Steve McQueen and was filmed in Prescott in 1971. With major film production leaving Hollywood and looking for new homes all over the world, Prescott is in a unique position to attract more of that activity here. According to Humphrey, this is reinforced by the amount of resources and skills represented in the Puffa group. One of Puffa's goals is to encourage the building of a state-of-the-art independent film studio with post-production facilities, not only for local independent filmmakers and students to use, but to attract visiting major production companies. The Alliance meets monthly on the second Monday at 6 p.m. at the Western Heritage Center at 156C South Montezuma Street on Whiskey Row. Come to the network and hear interesting speakers on film topics.

There are no dues or entrance fees, but donations to the Western Heritage Foundation are appreciated. Read more stories from dining, entertainment, recreation, and travel on signalsaz.com. Subscribe and be the F1 RSD 2-No.