Film/videography in SF? (San Francisco: weddings, university, centers)

[hopefulhearted]

how is the filmmaking scene in SF? i'm an indie filmmaker; i would figure that place like SF would be teeming with creative, innovative artists...this is actually something that appeals to me about it. but am i right in this assumption? is there a decent-sized community of filmmakers?

also, what about videography work? weddings, events, etc. probably decent? anything i should know about it in particular?

finally, i'm not really concerned a whole lot about studios because i primarily focus on indie work, but is LucasFilm pretty much the only major one there?

basically, some people are pressuring me to move to LA if i want to work in film, but my heart is set on SF...and i want some reassurance, if there is any, that i wouldn't be making a huge mistake choosing it over LA.

any info would be appreciated. thanks!

[mayorhaggar]

There's not much in SF. LA and NYC are the main entertainment centers in the US, period. SF is just too expensive to make it work. Big corporations would rather do stuff in LA or NYC where there's already a long history of filmmaking, or do it in cheaper places like Toronto or Vancouver or Charlotte or whatever. Same with indie people.

[veganwriter]

Originally Posted by mayorhaggar

There's not much in SF. LA and NYC are the main entertainment centers in the US, period. SF is just too expensive to make it work. Big corporations would rather do stuff in LA or NYC where there's already a long history of filmmaking, or do it in cheaper places like Toronto or Vancouver or Charlotte or whatever. Same with indie people.

Well ... not really.
There is a strong community of Indie filmakers in San Francisco.
Not only is there a lot of creativity going on ... but it's a very close-knit, very creative and intelligent people who enjoy each other.

David Cox, teacher, filmmaker, writer, gamer:
Website

I think this is one of his too...

The Final Step

San Francisco's Indie Film world is different than LA's ... naturally. But as David Cox says, most young filmmakers try really hard to create works that look, feel, and sound like those that come out of Hollywood ... thinking that they'll get a job from it.

"Not so," says Mr. Cox. "The idea is to make YOUR VERSION ... to make a film that looks like you want it to, and stay true to your own version, and market it like it's the absolute best thing that has ever been done. That's the way to make films these days."

There's a ton of info on David Cox's website (posted) along with his films. He teaches both at San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University.