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Commission approves short-term port leases for HBO production "Hemingway and Gellhorn," staff cites $15 million local spend
Summary
The Port Commission approved Resolution 10-72 to authorize short-term leases with For Whom Productions/HBO for Pier 80 and associated port sites for the film "Hemingway and Gellhorn," with staff estimating about $15 million in local spending, roughly 230 local hires and in-kind services valued at about $360,000.
The Port of San Francisco Commission on Oct. 13 approved a short-term lease package with For Whom Productions (HBO) to support production of the feature film "Hemingway and Gellhorn," staff said.
Jeff Bauer, the port’s leasing manager, told commissioners the production proposes multiple short-term leases at port properties including Pier 80 sheds and paved land under a modified rent schedule with in‑kind services. Bauer described an estimated port rent return of about $57,000 per month (about $230,000 over the proposed term) plus in‑kind services valued at roughly $360,000; staff characterized the combination as equivalent to market-rate rent.
Production representatives and Film Commission staff said the project is expected to spend roughly $15 million locally during production, hire approximately 230 local production workers and provide promotional materials and behind‑the‑scenes footage that the port could use in marketing. Trish Hoffman and Susanna Robbins described the production’s plans to build sets on port property and to provide promotional partnerships with the port. A production representative noted an anticipated release in February 2012 and a promotional campaign starting in February 2011.
Matt Steiker, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, spoke in support of the project and described long-term tourism benefits cities have seen after high‑profile filming.
Commissioners discussed using in‑kind credits for port public‑relations or property promotion and asked staff to consider rent parameters in future leasing rounds. The commission approved Resolution 10‑72 on the motion presented.
