Downtown offers so many opportunities for film production. Not only are there a diverse selection of “looks” for locations downtown, but filmmakers love eating in our great restaurants and staying in the downtown area hotels. The Bandito Brothers production company was in San Diego for reshoots for their independent feature film project titled “Act of Valor,” which is an ac-tion/adventure/thriller. More than 20 experienced stunt people are working on this feature film. The film’s stars are actually active Navy SEALs. Other stars include Roselyn Sanchez and Emilo Rivera. The story took place around the world with San Diego as one of the many locations. Other locations included Cambodia, Florida and Puerto Rico. The crew filmed at Blue Foot Bar and in a house in the North Park area. The crew stayed at the Indigo Hotel while they worked. This project is due to be released in 2010. • Did you know that the San Diego Film Commission not only attracts new business for San Diego in the area of film production, but we also permit the work on behalf of the city, county and port areas, give oversight and regulate the activity on a daily basis. When you stop to think that we coordinate stunts, pyrotechnics, car chases and weapons, we are quite proud of our record of no lawsuits or incidents that have caused our government and city embarrassment. (At least not yet!) I credit good management and staff with expertise, passion for this business and dedication. They do work all hours to give proper oversight. • Portions of a wonderful documentary titled “Last Men Out” was filmed over the July Fourth weekend. Producer Allison Litton and local director of photography Bruce Ando filmed interviews with Vietnam veterans who were some of the last men out of Vietnam. Some of the locations utilized were the Marriott Hotel & Marina, North Embarcadero Park, as well as the Midway. Hopefully, I can get you a release date soon. • Currently, we have an exciting documentary filming a story connected to our very own Comic-Con. The project is titled “Comic-Con Episode Four: A Fan’s Hope.” The production plans to film all over San Diego with a special focus on the Gaslamp area. Production is picking up and that’s a good sign for the economy! — Cathy Anderson is the president and CEO of the San Diego Film Commission, and film commissioner of San Diego. Anderson has earned a national reputation for developing programs to foster the growth of the production industry in the region, and for making America’s Finest City “Hollywood South” for more than 23 years.