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Behind the Scenes: Debbie Dorsey and Baltimore's Film Office

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Dec 13, 2022 • 41m

It's a pleasure to have you on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, helmed by your host, Rob Lee. Be ready for an insightful conversation with Debbie Dorsey, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, is the director of the Baltimore Film Office. In her role, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening Maryland's film and television industry. With an impressive portfolio that includes projects like "Avalon," "Homicide: Life on the Street," and "The Wire," Debbie's dedication to promoting Baltimore as a prime filming location and nurturing local talent shines through. As the director of BOPA's Baltimore Film Office since 2007, she continues to drive the growth of the industry and support filmmakers.

About the Baltimore Film Office

The Baltimore Film Office was created by the City of Baltimore in 1979 in response to the need for a central point of contact for the film industry. Since then, hundreds of feature films and television shows and thousands of commercials, documentaries, music videos, and independent and student films have been filmed in our city. 

The Baltimore Film Office serves as the official liaison between production companies and city agencies, providing access to city services and expedited permits for the purpose of economic development. We also serve as liaisons between production companies and businesses, crew, and communities, engage in educational outreach, and market Baltimore as a first-class location for film production.

We are a long-standing member of the Association of Film Commissioners International and have over 30 years of experience working in and with the film industry.

The Baltimore Film Office is a division of the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as Baltimore City’s official arts council, events agency, and film office.


In this episode:

  • Join us as we step back in time with Debbie Dorsey, reflecting on her beginnings in the film industry as a location manager on the iconic movie "Avalon" in 1989, and how her experiences have shaped the landscape of filmmaking in Baltimore.
  • Uncover the hidden gems of Baltimore's diverse landscapes in this episode, as we explore how the city offers filmmakers a plethora of unique locations, from historic neighborhoods to striking modern architecture, contributing to the rich visual tapestry of film.
  • In a candid conversation, we delve into the art of community engagement in film production, discussing with Debbie the pivotal role of building relationships and open communication with locals to ensure a harmonious and successful filming process.
  • Join us as we analyze the profound economic impact of the film industry on Baltimore, where millions of dollars are generated and job opportunities are created, shedding light on how this vibrant industry contributes to the city's growth.
  • Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the future of Baltimore's place in the film industry, as we explore the necessity of increasing incentives to attract more productions and compete with other states, ultimately fostering growth and creativity in the local film scene.


Debbie discusses her career in the film industry and the benefits of filming in Baltimore. She shares her first experience working on a feature film and how it sparked her love for location scouting. Debbie highlights the importance of building relationships with the community and creating a positive experience for residents during filming. She also talks about the economic impact of the film industry in Baltimore and the need for increased incentives to attract more production.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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