"CHiPS", Amy Lemisch Receive Honors At 2016 COLAs

Members of California’s film and television community gathered for the annual celebration of the production industry’s esteemed location managers, and their teams and the public employees who assist them for the Annual California On Location Awards – or COLAs – on November 13^th, 2016.  With an attendance exceeding 500, the atmosphere was one of growing optimism as California’s expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.continues to ensure the state retains its status as the world’s production capital.

The 2016 COLAs drew nearly 150 film, television and commercial project submissions. Finalists and winners were determined via a vote by members of FLICS, past COLA winners and a steering committee of Teamsters Local 399 members. While a major studio, Warner Bros., garnered the ceremony’s top awards with their upcoming feature ‘CHiPs’, earning Best Location Manager forRick Schuller and Best Location Team, many other studios and independent entities walked away with key wins.  Leaders for the evening included Hulu’s ‘Future Man,’ ABC’s ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,’ HBO’s ‘Silicon Valley,’ CBS’ ‘Scorpion,’ ‘The Circle’ and the Netflix original film ‘Mascots.’

This year’s awards program also included presentation of the special Signature Award to California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch. The Signature Award is the highest COLA honor, and is presented only when an individual or group demonstrates extraordinary determination, spirit and success in keeping production in California. It was last presented in 2014 to a team of industry professionals for their efforts to facilitate passage of the state’s expanded tax credit program.

“No one has been a better partner and champion for filming in California than Amy Lemisch,” said COLA Co-chair and Imperial County Film Commissioner Charla Teeters. “Amy has worked tirelessly to facilitate production and ensure California remains competitive. She is our state’s best weapon in the fight against runaway production, and we can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Produced by the Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), the COLAs have grown to become the largest awards program and industry event focused on recognizing the work of California location professionals.  The full list of 2016 COLA nominees is included below. For more information about the COLAs please visit http://www.californiaonlocationawards.com/.

The 2016 COLA Award winners are:

Location Manager of the Year, Studio Feature Film

Rick Schuler, “CHiPs”

Location Team of the Year, Studio Feature Film

Rick Shuler, Location Manager,  “CHiPs”

Location Manager of the Year, Independent Feature Film

Michael Wesley, *Mascots”

Location Team of the Year, Independent Feature Film

Edward Mazurek, Location Manager

*The Circle”

Location Manager of the Year, Television One-Hour

Justin Hill, “Marvels- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

Location Team of the Year, Television One-Hour

Murray Miller, Location Manager, “Scorpion”

Location Manager of the Year, Television Half-Hour

JJ Levine, “Future Man”

Location Team of the Year, Television Half-Hour

Kelly Harris, Location Manager, “Silicon Valley”

Location Manager of the Year, Reality Television

Deven Chierighino, “Amazing Race, Final Season”

Location Manager of the Year, Commercial

Frank Yoshikane, State Farm Insurance:

Location Manager of the Year, Music Video

Chris Gutierrez, *The Odyssey”

Public Employee of the Year, City

Steve Youel, “City of Placerville”

Public Employee of the Year, County

Deputy Josh Bisantz, El Dorado Sherriff's Office

Public Employee of the Year, State

James Valdez, California State Parks

Public Employee of the Year, Federal:

Elaine Hanson, Bureau of Land Management