Southern Colorado Film Commission Bringing Movies and Television to San Luis Valley

Megan Smith
The Paw Print

Colorado Film Commission is a non-profit organization built to bring film production to the Southern Colorado region. In the past it has brought producers such as Steven Spielberg to use the Cumbres and Toltec Railroads and a house in Antonito as a back drop in the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” Bill Werner, director of the Commission, said, “Our goal is to give exposure to the San Luis Valley, and improve economic growth to the local hotels, restaurants, and other small businesses.” Bill Werner is no stranger to film himself; he first experienced the industry by working security and moved on to scout locations. Now he can be seen in the new movie Thor which comes out in theaters Friday, May 6.
In the meantime, residents of the Valley can look forward to NYU student film productions this summer, and in October of this year, EAS Sports will be doing a project as well. “We are open to help student filmmakers with their projects and expose our students in the Valley,” said Werner. Spike TV has already done two episodes of the Spike TV program “What If?” which is being produced and has a solid deal to work in the San Luis Valley.
“Unfortunately, opportunities to have movies like “True Grit” were lost to New Mexico locations. But we are still pushing for films to come here,” said Werner.
Currently the Southern Colorado Film Commission and Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce are raffling tickets to raise operating funds for SoCo Film Commission. The prize is a framed, Harrison Ford autographed, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade poster. Tickets are $5 each, and the signed Indiana Jones poster will be on display throughout the Valley, at the following locations:
March 4, 5 Monte Vista Visitors Center, 947 1st Ave Monte Vista Co.
March 12, 13th Silver Thread Visitors’ Center South Fork Co.
March 14 Saguache County Credit Union 395 Worth Street, Center Co.
March 15 Saguache County Credit Union 110 E. Silver Ave. Crestone, Co.
March 16 Saguache County Credit Union 601 Reynolds Ave. Moffat Co.
March 18 Colorado Gator Farm, Mosca Co.
March 24 – 26 SLV Brewing Company 631 Main Street Alamosa Co.
March 27 – 31 Ski Hi 6 Theaters 7089 US 160 Alamosa, Co.

The raffle will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 1, during the “Filming in the Valley” exhibit reception starting at 4 p.m. at ASC Community Partnerships, on the corner of Main Street and Edgemont Blvd.