Local media expert Jim Dufek to attend L.A. conference

Local professor and media expert Jim Dufek will be one of four professionals representing Missouri at a conference in Los Angeles hoping to keep the state relevant in the world of film production.

Dufek was asked by the Missouri Film Commission to specifically represent Southeast Missouri at the Association of Film Commissioners International's annual Locations Show, which brings together industry professionals from all four corners of the globe to share insights and experiences.

His work and association with productions such as "Killshot" and "Gone Girl" allow him to answer questions about the experiences of those who have filmed in the area and what the region has to offer, he said.

This is Dufek's first time attending the conference, and he said he's looking forward to it. While he's made several connections in the film business, the event still is a major networking opportunity.

"It will be great to have everyone housed in one area," he said of the event, which attracts producers, directors, location managers, film commissioners and other key production personnel.

While Dufek plans to promote the state and educate others on its advantages as a filming location, he said his main goal is recruitment.

"The goal is to be able to recruit a major motion film, if not an independent film ... and get them to see what the state has to offer," he said.

Dufek said the fact that Cape Girardeau already has one major motion film under its belt will make a difference when he's making his pitch to industry professionals.

"The business is a very small business and these people interact with each other often," he said.

He said he's still in contact with people from the "Gone Girl" production and Dufek said "they just couldn't get over how accommodating people were."

Cape Girardeau has "a very enthusiastic population," he said, "and that word gets around."

The AFCI Locations Show 2014 will be Thursday through Saturday.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.