THE CNMI government is looking for someone who can handle a film office and market the Northern Marianas to international film and TV producers.
“What we need is a special assistant who can give the industry his or her 100 percent attention,” acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente said in an interview.
Benavente said he and Gov. Juan N. Babauta “have always supported” the creation of a film office which, he added, could be placed under the Office of the Governor or the Marianas Visitors Authority.
During the administration of then Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio, a film office was placed directly under his office.
Eric Plinske, director of the Small Business Development Center and coordinator of an informal association of CNMI film production outfits, said the creation of a film office should be placed under MVA since the agency already maintains an active marketing program.
“The CNMI had a great film office, but it died when (Tenorio) left office. We don’t want that to happen again,” he said.
Plinske said it would be better to announce the position to allow more people to apply rather than appoint somebody.
“The government should choose the best qualified person,” he said.
Plinske, however, said he would not seek the position because he does not intend to leave his present job.
MVA officials support the creation of a film office.
MVA Managing Director Jonas Ogren said the CNMI could also enjoy the same success experienced by Hawaii where several Hollywood movies had been filmed.
A film office would serve as one-stop shop for film permit issuance, act as liaison between all government agencies, enforce rules and regulations and promote the CNMI as a major film destination in the region, Plinske said.
