The Okanagan Film Commission (OFC) has announced that Jon Summerland has been hired as the new Okanagan Film Commissioner, effective September 17, 2007. Summerland replaces Sara Shaak who has started her own company after five successful years in the position.

Jon Summerland comes to the position with over 15 years of film industry experience, most recently as a Vancouver-based Location Manager. He has a strong working knowledge of the Okanagan region but jokingly admits the District of Summerland was not named after someone in his family.

"I'm excited about the opportunity," says Summerland. "It is my understanding that this past year has seen an unprecedented number of inquiries and film production activity generating millions of dollars of economic impact in the region. Sara did a great job and I'm looking forward to utilizing my networks in the industry to continue to develop this region as a go to place for the film industry."

Sara Shaak will continue to work within the Okanagan film industry through her partnership in Grapevine Picture Works. "It is gratifying to me that our region has grown to the point that a company like Grapevine will be viable and will add value to the continued development of our industry. We're looking forward to the opportunity to work with Jon Summerland in his new role, and other industry advocates in the region to get more projects rolling here."

Says Joyce Wegner, Chairperson of the OFC Board, "This is a tremendous year of change for our Commission, we have also hired, Brian Appleby, as our new Locations Officer and welcomed several new members to our Board of Directors. With the addition of Jon Summerland to our team and Sara's continued presence in the Okanagan, we are preparing to meet the challenges of greater growth including the possibility of a private/public sector studio within our own region within the next few years."