Major motion picture studio operating in Creston
Todd Fisher shows off one of the film cameras he uses in his full-production studio, Hollywood Motion Picture Experience, in Creston. Photo by Heather Young
Hollywood Motion Picture Experience looking for local talent
Todd Fisher, the son of Debbie Reynolds and the late Eddie Fisher, has owned a ranch in Creston since 1989, where he operates a full production studio, Hollywood Motion Picture Experience. For many years, the ranch was the home of Reynolds’ $30-million museum collection. In recent years, however, the bulk of which has since been sold off, making room for Fisher to expand the family’s operation.
The production company is a family affair: Fisher heads Hollywood Motion Picture Experience as CEO, Reynolds is chairman/producer; Fisher’s sister, Carrie Fisher, is writer/producer; and his wife, Catherine Hickland Fisher, is a producer. Reynolds is known for her starring role in “Singin’ in the Rain” as Kathy Selden in 1952 and for her leading role in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Carrie is known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in the original “Star Wars” in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Hickland Fisher played Lindsay Rappaport on “One Life to Live” and Stevie Mason on “Knight Rider,” and now operates a cosmetics company out of Creston. Fisher said that his wife’s mail-order business helped save the Creston Post Office because of the volume of packages she sends.
One of the stages at the Creston film studio. Photo by Heather Young
Fisher said that he’s only now opening up about the facility because he is expanding the operation into the community by producing feature-length films that will be shot primarily around the county. While he will bring in stars and other labor as needed, he wants his team to include local talent. He wants to hear from actors, electricians, digital editors, etc. from the local area who may want to work on the company’s projects.
“I’ve already been finding them,” Fisher said, adding that he has found someone who is a key grip in the area. “There are some really interesting people who are surfacing.”
Not only is he producing his own films, but he is also marketing his company and the area to filmmakers.
Jesse Pitela shows some objects that he has created digitally. Hollywood Motion Picture Experience CEO Todd Fisher said that creating objects and special effects on the computer allow for lower production costs. Photo by Heather Young
“There’s no finer equipment anywhere in the world,” Fisher said, adding that there are similar setups in places such as Los Angeles, but not better ones.
What he’s marketing to filmmakers is that it’s more cost-effective to make a film in San Luis Obispo County than in Los Angeles. “We’re using the same people, the same equipment [as the companies in L.A.]. … To have a full-blown sound stage in the county is a shocking thing,” Fisher said.
Fisher grew up in Hollywood with his mother, who was an actress for MGM, which is known for its backlot with31 sound stages. Hollywood Motion Picture Experiences’ sound stage is called “Stage 32,” which is 6,000 square feet and features a 4×4 lighting grid at 24 feet, extensive lighting and grip package, acoustic sound walls and ceiling, green screen and reflect media and more. The facility also includes extensive stage and production equipment; stage and production support, including audio and video post-production, makeup, hair, wardrobe and prop departments and metal and wood stage workshops; editing and audio; projection room; graphics and printing and engineering machine room.
The gray screen is made into a green screen with special lights placed around the lens. Hollywood Motion Picture Experience CEO Todd Fisher said that this technology is cheaper and faster than an actual green screen. Photo by Heather Young
Fisher has old and new equipment. He uses both as he feels necessary, putting his many decades of experience to work. A lot of the newer equipment, such as digital cameras, allows filmmakers to skip steps, such as having to convert film to digital. Footage can be edited right on the sound stage, something not possible with celluloid film stock.
The first film is one he optioned from Paula Kennedy, “Emerald Bay.” He is working with local horse professionals: Gina Miles, 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist in equestrian, of Templeton and Atascadero resident Donna Cheek, the first black member of the United States Equestrian Team in 1981, and writer Jon Nappa on background. Nappa is cleaning up the script and adapting it for the North County.
“Part of the movie is to bring awareness to [horse rescues],” Fisher said, adding that after the movie is released there will be charity events with the proceeds going to horse rescues.
For more information about the company or to contact Fisher, go to www.hollywoodmotionpictureexperience.com.
Very Exciting and Blessed to have them in locally!
What a great addition to SLO County! Fun to hear/see more success from the Fisher/Reynolds family! Tell Carrie her Camp Lakota counselors, Rab (Rabbit), Gosh & Heidi have enjoyed watching her career over the years.
Excellent! More evidence that the Central Coast is teeming with creativity.
Interesting I've lived in Paso for 10 years now. I'm in the industry and have never heard of it?
Hey if u need a local 3d animator I'm ur guy I have a 2 years experience from school and I'm certified
This is awesome for the community – Todd, you have been a great promoter of the Creston area and a great neighbor. Good luck, looks as though you are already receiving lots of accolades!
Photographer for a few years now. Born and raised in the area never heard of anyone doing anything with their creativity around here. I'm interested http://www.MonzoFoto.com
I used to live in Creston & am in the Insurance Industry. I had the pleasure of writing the insurance on that ranch at one time. Todd took me into the Museum where I saw the memorabilia. It was fantastic.
Great parities held there in the late 90's! That front warehouse was freshly built around that time! Cool people, and cool area to party in, back in the day!
Hi There My Name Is Frank Fernandes I Live In Margarita.If You Folks Have Need For A 63 Year Old Actor Im Always Available I Worked with tom Lauphlin On The Set Of The Master Gunfighter And Belonged To The Screen Actors Gild For Years.805 438 3644. Maybe We Can Work Together?.
I grew up in Creston and still miss being out there. It's not hard to see why you chose a location like Creston for your residence and business, it's beautiful! Anyhow, my family was one of the original settlers in San Luis Obispo county in the later 1800's and big ranchers of the area for the same reason you chose this area I'm sure. I'm not gonna blow smoke up your ass but It would be amazing to be able to be a part of or help in anyway in the making of a movie (something I've always wanted to see the makings of). I am the lucky husband of the smokin hot woman of my dreams (still not sure how I landed that one, like I mentioned "lucky"), also the proud stepfather to two amazing kids 8 &10, girl and boy, and the proud father of my own two boys 11 & my very own 14 month old red head ginger boy who's is just an amazing addition to this family and myself! If there is anything myself or the whole enchilada can help with please holler at me, as any one of us would be more than willing and more excited than Steve Earkle with a new pair of suspenders to lend a hand! I operate heavy machinery ( tractors etc.), I weld, I ride motorcycles, I like to sweat and work hard and live life the way it was meant to be; happy! All in all I'm a very hard working, motivated, jack of all trades who is looking for an opportunity or chance to find a way to support my beautiful family without having to work 3 hours away in the Bay Area 5 days a week. Way to much valuable time with them is lost that can't ever be replaced due to the sacrifice I have to make to put food in their mouths and a roof over their head. If there is anything at all that a guy like me can help some folks like you out with, don't hesitate to contact me! My name is Dustin Biaggini and I can be reached by E mail at dbiaggini916@yahoo.com where I can give you my phone number without worrying about some creeps having a hold of it . I promise I don't disappoint when it comes to work, performance, production and dependability! Give me a shot and I'll give you a smile have a great rest of your weekend
I would love to help out in any way if you ever need any type of painting or design work done. I was born and raised here in Paso Robles and know a lot of people. Should you want to use me to get contacts I would love to get you what ever info you need. I also have a cute 10 year old daughter who has some acting experience in local plays and is a very accomplished speaker for her age. Should you ever be looking for the next big thing let me know, she would love to tryout for any parts. Good luck with everything
As a local interested in acting I would love to get involved. How/Where do I sign up?
Yayyyy…Yipeeeee!! So excited that you have become an addition to the California Central Coast.
So excited for the movie industry being located in our beautiful county. I am someone with a visual design degree and am in love with this area we live in… Thank you for showing our area off!!
Congratulations! So excited for you…
Xo
Hi Todd Fisher and team!
My name is Kyle Doust and I am a Special Effects Artist experienced in sculpting, casting in foam latex and other materials, mold making, blood effects and painting as well. I have been freelancing as a designer for live theater performances at the Cuesta College Performing Arts Center for the past 5 years where I have had a chance to share my skills that I primarily gained from Stan Winston School of Character Arts as well as Cuesta College here in San Luis Obispo.
I learned that you are looking for local talent, and I happen to live in Los Osos (5 minutes from Morro Bay) and thought I'd reach out to you. Best regards, Kyle Doust http://www.kyledoust.com
Glad to hear Hollywood is closer. We build special effects equipment after working 30 years in Local 44 doing special effects. Would love to help your studio. See the best award winning special effects at http://www.citcfx.com
Located in WA, we've been in business 25 years. Looking for someone to take over for my retirement in 4 years.
We have a community college here in the SLO County if you need any student volunteers who are interested in the filming career. I have a couple in our EOPS program.
I am a voice talent staying in Paso robles for a few months. If you need any voicing for anything let me know.
Very Exciting and Blessed to have them in locally!
What a great addition to SLO County! Fun to hear/see more success from the Fisher/Reynolds family! Tell Carrie her Camp Lakota counselors, Rab (Rabbit), Gosh & Heidi have enjoyed watching her career over the years.
Excellent! More evidence that the Central Coast is teeming with creativity.
Interesting I've lived in Paso for 10 years now. I'm in the industry and have never heard of it?
Hey if u need a local 3d animator I'm ur guy I have a 2 years experience from school and I'm certified
This is awesome for the community – Todd, you have been a great promoter of the Creston area and a great neighbor. Good luck, looks as though you are already receiving lots of accolades!
Photographer for a few years now. Born and raised in the area never heard of anyone doing anything with their creativity around here. I'm interested http://www.MonzoFoto.com
I used to live in Creston & am in the Insurance Industry. I had the pleasure of writing the insurance on that ranch at one time. Todd took me into the Museum where I saw the memorabilia. It was fantastic.
Great parities held there in the late 90's! That front warehouse was freshly built around that time! Cool people, and cool area to party in, back in the day!
Hi There My Name Is Frank Fernandes I Live In Margarita.If You Folks Have Need For A 63 Year Old Actor Im Always Available I Worked with tom Lauphlin On The Set Of The Master Gunfighter And Belonged To The Screen Actors Gild For Years.805 438 3644. Maybe We Can Work Together?.
I grew up in Creston and still miss being out there. It's not hard to see why you chose a location like Creston for your residence and business, it's beautiful! Anyhow, my family was one of the original settlers in San Luis Obispo county in the later 1800's and big ranchers of the area for the same reason you chose this area I'm sure. I'm not gonna blow smoke up your ass but It would be amazing to be able to be a part of or help in anyway in the making of a movie (something I've always wanted to see the makings of). I am the lucky husband of the smokin hot woman of my dreams (still not sure how I landed that one, like I mentioned "lucky"), also the proud stepfather to two amazing kids 8 &10, girl and boy, and the proud father of my own two boys 11 & my very own 14 month old red head ginger boy who's is just an amazing addition to this family and myself! If there is anything myself or the whole enchilada can help with please holler at me, as any one of us would be more than willing and more excited than Steve Earkle with a new pair of suspenders to lend a hand! I operate heavy machinery ( tractors etc.), I weld, I ride motorcycles, I like to sweat and work hard and live life the way it was meant to be; happy! All in all I'm a very hard working, motivated, jack of all trades who is looking for an opportunity or chance to find a way to support my beautiful family without having to work 3 hours away in the Bay Area 5 days a week. Way to much valuable time with them is lost that can't ever be replaced due to the sacrifice I have to make to put food in their mouths and a roof over their head. If there is anything at all that a guy like me can help some folks like you out with, don't hesitate to contact me! My name is Dustin Biaggini and I can be reached by E mail at dbiaggini916@yahoo.com where I can give you my phone number without worrying about some creeps having a hold of it . I promise I don't disappoint when it comes to work, performance, production and dependability! Give me a shot and I'll give you a smile have a great rest of your weekend
I would love to help out in any way if you ever need any type of painting or design work done. I was born and raised here in Paso Robles and know a lot of people. Should you want to use me to get contacts I would love to get you what ever info you need. I also have a cute 10 year old daughter who has some acting experience in local plays and is a very accomplished speaker for her age. Should you ever be looking for the next big thing let me know, she would love to tryout for any parts. Good luck with everything
As a local interested in acting I would love to get involved. How/Where do I sign up?
Yayyyy…Yipeeeee!! So excited that you have become an addition to the California Central Coast.
So excited for the movie industry being located in our beautiful county. I am someone with a visual design degree and am in love with this area we live in… Thank you for showing our area off!!
Congratulations! So excited for you…
Xo
Hi Todd Fisher and team!
My name is Kyle Doust and I am a Special Effects Artist experienced in sculpting, casting in foam latex and other materials, mold making, blood effects and painting as well. I have been freelancing as a designer for live theater performances at the Cuesta College Performing Arts Center for the past 5 years where I have had a chance to share my skills that I primarily gained from Stan Winston School of Character Arts as well as Cuesta College here in San Luis Obispo.
I learned that you are looking for local talent, and I happen to live in Los Osos (5 minutes from Morro Bay) and thought I'd reach out to you. Best regards, Kyle Doust http://www.kyledoust.com
Glad to hear Hollywood is closer. We build special effects equipment after working 30 years in Local 44 doing special effects. Would love to help your studio. See the best award winning special effects at http://www.citcfx.com
Located in WA, we've been in business 25 years. Looking for someone to take over for my retirement in 4 years.
We have a community college here in the SLO County if you need any student volunteers who are interested in the filming career. I have a couple in our EOPS program.
I am a voice talent staying in Paso robles for a few months. If you need any voicing for anything let me know.