Meet the Film Office: Jackson

[UPDATE, Jan 2006: Jackson is no longer with the Hawaii Film Office. He now works at the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission.]

Jackson Bauer
Film Permit Specialist

What I Do:
Mainly, I process the incoming film permit applications. This entails reviewing the permit, contacting the applicant for any changes or more information, preparing the permit for submission to the authorizing agency (and figuring out who that would be), tracking and following up on the permit's process, receiving the approved permit, and sending it back to the applicant. Our office processes around 600 permits per year, and each permit can request permission to film in up to 10 different locations!

Before any of that happens, though, I am usually in contact with the production, discussing shoot details and needs, and figuring out how we can help make the production successful. It can be a delicate balancing act between servicing a production's location needs and considering the environmental and cultural sensitivities of a location.

In addition to permit-specific work, I also (as part of our office's mission) work on various projects to promote the industry in Hawaii nei. This can mean anything from developing environmental and cultural guidelines and location lists (to better prepare those not familiar with Hawaii's sensitivities), to developing marketing material to entice productions to our shores, and everything in between. Answering phone calls and assisting the public is our number one priority.

Strangest Inquiry: There's way too many to choose just one. Although, I do have a fan club. Shout out to Emily...hey!

Favorite Films: Whale Rider, Star Wars, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Lord of the Rings

Favorite Hawaii Films: Molokai: The Story of Father Damien, Picture Bride

Favorite TV Shows: Lost, Arrested Development (watch it!), Saturday Night Live, Simpsons, NOVA

Favorite Hawaii TV Shows: Da Braddahs & Friends, Hawaii Five-0 (classic!), Lost

With Film Office Since: September 1998

Life Before the Film Office: Graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a B.A. in Communications, Visual Communication focus and Certificate of Hawaiian Studies. Also did the Hoaaina Internship Program for the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, worked at the Hawaii Nature Center, was a Video Lab Specialist at Hawaii Pacific University, and directed a documentary, Kaho'olawe: The Breath of Our Ancestors. Also, I wen grad from Kaimuki (go Bulldogs!).

Hobbies, Interests, & Activities (besides film): Hiking, Camping, Native Hawaiian plants, Hawaiian language, Malama Aina. Freelance as a graphic artist and currently chair the Hawaii Service Trip Program (activity branch of the Sierra Club).

Film Crew Position that Best Fits My Personality: Location Scout

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