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Film office
manager Deemer
to leave post

She helped change the
perception of Hawaii as an
expensive and difficult
place to film

---

By Suzanne Tswei
Star-Bulletin

Georgette Deemer, manager of the Hawaii Film Office for nearly 15 years, is leaving her post Jan. 12 to join Becker Communications, a private public relations firm, as senior director of public affairs.

Deemer, whose tenure has lasted from the productions of the television series "Magnum PI" to current big-budget Hollywood films, said she has "mixed feelings" about leaving a position that has had a key role in promoting the islands as a premier movie, television and commercial location.

"It's such a unique job. I feel I've really grown up working at the film office. There have been a lot of accomplishments -- not just my own, but by a lot of other people to get the film industry to where it is today," Deemer said yesterday.

Industry insiders praised the 47-year-old Deemer as a subtle but strong force who contributed greatly to the thriving film industry in the islands.

"She has single-handedly changed things for the film office over the years. All I know is that she can make things happen in a just and equitable way for everybody. She'll be sorely missed," said KK Greenlee, location manager for "Dragonfly," a feature film starring Kevin Costner being filmed on Kauai.

Georgette Deemer
"She would always do whatever
it takes to get things to
work here."

Greenlee, who has worked with Deemer for nearly 15 years, praised Deemer as "the voice of sanity" who has been flexible and an effective problem solver.

Al Burns, business manager for the International Alliance for Theatrical Stage Employees, an organization for technicians behind the camera, said Deemer is knowledgeable about the film industry and government requirements, and skillful and thoughtful in working with people.

"It's too bad she's leaving. We are losing a good friend. She would always do whatever it takes to get things to work here," Burns said.

Renee Confair Sensano, location manager for "Baywatch Hawaii," said that Deemer solved the tangle of government permits by creating a one-stop permit process.

Deemer is leaving after a record year for film projects in Hawaii.

The total estimated spending by the production companies reached $100 million this year, compared to less than $30 million when she became the film office manager in January 1986, Deemer said.

Deemer, known as a tireless promoter of Hawaii's filming potentials, said the promotion budget for her office grew to $150,000 from $25,000.

"The office has changed quite a bit in scope" during her tenure, Deemer said. In addition to increased expenditures, the office took responsibility for operating the Hawaii Film Studio with a new sound stage and expanded facilities.

Deemer's boss, Thomas Smyth, administrator of the Business Support Division at the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said that Deemer helped change the perception of Hawaii as an expensive and difficult place to film.

"She has seen the industry change dramatically since the time she's been here, and has led it on a very stable growth, particularly in television and movies," Smyth said.

Deemer said she is proudest of having turned Hawaii's negative image to a positive one, overcoming news of arson of movie production trucks in 1991 and murder of a Teamster driver in 1994.

"I am really happy to see the industry back on a really solid footing, so that it can be considered a growth industry. The future is really bright for the industry. I am proud to be leaving it at the point where it is," Deemer said.