The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Taking the valley to the world
[ by Mark Reaman ]
From high mountain peaks around Crested Butte to dry desert landscapes outside of Gunnison, the scenery in the valley is diverse and photogenic. The Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association (TA) wants to take advantage of that and so it has spurred the creation of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Film Commission.
TA executive director Jane Chaney came before the Crested Butte Town Council to give its members an overview of the new initiative.
“The primary reason to do this is the economy,” she said. “The people coming in here to photograph or film projects leave significant revenue behind. And when it is done, the area gets a lot of free publicity and exposure. We felt it was a natural fit. The TA has the infrastructure to attract this type of tourism and so we have had discussions with the state.”
Chaney passed around an eight-page magazine spread for Acura. It featured not just the car but Crested Butte. “They probably spent $15,000 in revenue while they were here shooting,” she said. “They stayed at WestWall and went out to dinner. The exposure is priceless.”
The new entity will in theory streamline all the permitting and processes needed to film in the area. WSC students Danielle Johnson and Austin Peters are spearheading the new commission. “We wanted to give a fresh perspective and we want to be one of the top three film commissions in the state,” Johnson said.
Peters said the film commission would help plan an efficient permitting process and make it easy for location scouts and production companies. “We want to be the liaison for these people,” he said. “This is a good segment of tourism. They’ll spend lots of money when they are here.”
Councilperson Phoebe Wilson suggested the county provide tax incentives for such groups. “It might be a way to offset some costs,” she said.
“Colorado is not as competitive as our neighboring states when it comes to incentives,” said Chaney. “We aren’t even in the same ballpark as Canada. But it is a good suggestion and sends out a good message.”
Chaney said with the cooperation of the college, the TA was helping to plant seeds for growing a new segment of the tourist economy.
“We want to promote a ‘no fees structure’ and we’ll do most of the work,” she said. “It shouldn’t be a burden on town or county staffs.”
“We shouldn’t be charging these folks,” agreed councilperson Dan Escalante. “It is free marketing.”
The rest of the council supported the idea as well.
