Monterey County Film Institute — Est. 2026
CINEMA
LIVES
HERE.
Since 1895 when Thomas Edison’s company filmed the first camera tests on the Monterey Bay, this region has been a canvas for cinema’s greatest stories. We’re building its next chapter.
OUR MISSION
Advancing the Cinematic Arts in Monterey County
MCFI has been created to provide support, mentorship, production experience, and career opportunities through our initiatives to further the cinematic arts in the Monterey County Region. We seek to build the “creative economy” of the region along with the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and other area organizations that support the arts.
OUR THREE INITIATIVES
01
OUR MISSION
Bring the Industry to Monterey
Bring the best filmmakers, producers, and crew in the industry to the Monterey County Region to provide education, mentorship, and inspiration through Q&A panels, classes, events, and the creation of movie and television content that celebrates the unique character of our area.
02
ECONOMIC INVESTMENT
Build the Creative Economy
Provide financial, logistical, and resource support for forward thinking organizations and companies working towards building our “creative economy.” MCFI will act as the non-profit arm of the Carmel International Film Festival to support their efforts along with helping fund other organizations that can effectively help us build the movie and television industry in this region.
03
LOCAL EXCELLENCE
Champion Local Professionals
Create a culture of excellence in cinema production and exhibition in the Monterey County Region that lives up to the history of the area. We have some of the best filmmakers and crew in the industry living here, but little gets made in our county relative to the rest of the state, despite the obvious advantages of our scenic and human resources. MCFI will champion local professionals for projects that come to this area.
A LEGACY 130 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Since Thomas Edison’s company did camera tests with one of the first cinema cameras in 1895 on the shores of the Monterey Bay, this region has been the setting for multitudes of Academy-worthy movies featuring some of the most legendary names in Hollywood. MCFI was created to bring those types of projects back.
BUILDING THE
INFRASTRUCTURE
FOR CINEMA
MCFI is working to establish the long-term foundations that will make Monterey County a lasting home for world-class film and television production. The combined effect of our initiatives is designed to draw production dollars, create a long-term platform for a stronger industry, and provide support for emerging and young filmmakers in our area.
Together we will accomplish this goal.
Production Incentives
Championing a regional production incentive program to bolster California’s $750 million tax incentive for productions choosing Monterey County.
State-of-the-Art Theater
Creation of a premier movie theater venue on the Monterey Peninsula — a world-class exhibition space worthy of our cinematic heritage.
Production Infrastructure
Film editing and sound design facilities, housing and production offices for visiting and local crews, and a rural lot for period films and outdoor productions.
Partnership Network
Collaborating with the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, the Carmel International Film Festival, and area arts organizations to accelerate growth of our creative economy.
Support the Mission · 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
INVEST IN
MONTEREY’S
CINEMATIC FUTURE
Your tax-deductible donation to the Monterey County Film Institute directly supports education, mentorship, and the development of the cinematic arts in our region.
Monterey County Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization · All donations are tax deductible
