The Association of Film Commissioners International has elected Tim Clark, film commissioner for the Buffalo Niagara Film Office, as its new board chair.
Clark has overseen productions through the Buffalo Niagara Office for more than a decade.
"Well, it's a nice distinction, for sure," Clark said, "but really, the true accolades go to the people of Western New York who have made this such a film-friendly location and something that is special to those in Hollywood and beyond."
Founded in 1975, the Association represents city, state, regional, provincial and national film commission members on six continents. Members will be descending upon Western New York in mid-September for Cineposium 2020, a premiere conference for the entertainment industry to share experiences and the local landscape.
“I look forward to working with Tim because he understands our global vision and supports our focus on best practice for the screen sector,” said AFCI President Jess Conoplia. “I’ve seen first-hand his ability to get things done -- both locally and abroad -- and I’m delighted that we’re bringing AFCI’s 44th Annual Cineposium Conference to Buffalo Niagara in September under his watch.”
"Filming in any community, but especially here in Western New York, has brought millions and millions and millions of dollars, tens of millions actually, to the local economy," Clark said. "There's new employees, there's new vendors, there's new services that have sprung up all over Western New York that serves the film industry. So it's a really big and impactful part of the new sector of the economy here in Western New York."
