FilmLA’s Expanded Outreach & Education Program Adds New Team Members

FilmLA recently celebrated the expansion of its Outreach & Education team (formerly Community Relations). Now comprised of four full-time staff, the team exists to provide constituents with a high level of hands-on service while helping sustain filming’s future in Greater Los Angeles.

Coinciding with the team’s expansion and FilmLA’s announcement of the LA Loves Film campaign, Arturo Piña was named Manager of the Outreach & Education unit. Arturo’s tenure at FilmLA dates to 2013. Since then, he has been instrumental in implementing programs and processes that have greatly increased FilmLA’s visibility and effectiveness in the communities we serve.

A Los Angeles native, Arturo served as District Director in the Office of Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, where he worked with FilmLA on neighborhood filming issues.  Prior to that, he played a major role in the development of L.A.’s Neighborhood Council system — experience he has applied during his time at FilmLA.

When asked about his ambitions for the team, Piña offered, “With a larger Outreach & Education team, FilmLA can be more proactive. At least fifty percent of our time is out in the field — meeting folks, sharing our mission and solving problems. We can celebrate the industry’s value while listening more and building better lines of communication throughout the region. That’s key for making sure that the communities we serve remain sustainable for on-location filming.”

We are pleased to introduce our team members:

Carri Stevens, Outreach Liaison

Carri Stevens began her career as a human services professional working with the Women’s Correctional Center in Oahu, Hawai’i. While there, Carri employed critical thinking, creativity and problem solving skills to address the needs and challenges of the inmates. From there, Carri moved to Washington State to work as a Community Corrections Officer, where she focused on reporting, compliance and supervision.

Carri came to FilmLA in 2015, joining the Permit Operations team as a production coordinator. As as coordinator, she worked on permits for many notable TV shows like Veep, Scandal, America’s Got Talent, and Veronica Mars, as well as feature films like Birds of Prey and Captain Marvel.

Reflecting on her new role, Carri noted, “In this work you need be a voice both for communities and production, so together we can find a way forward respecting all parties.” 

Carri’s area of responsibility includes many San Fernando Valley communities.

Jason Gonet, Outreach Liaison

Jason Gonet, a native of Massachusetts, began his career as a Marketing Manager for the Springfield Falcons Hockey Club.  There, Jason’s area of focus was entertainment and community relations, working to increase fan/client support and engagement. Gonet then changed careers to become an assistant cruise ship director. In that role, Jason worked to enhance the guest experience at sea.

Eventually, Jason made his way to the West Coast and ultimately found FilmLA’s Field Services Department. As a FilmLA Monitor in the field, Jason worked directly with production companies, residents, and local permit authorities as a responsive point of contact on the ground.

Not long after, Jason transitioned from the field to the office and then to the role of Outreach Liaison. His area of responsibility includes Mid-City and neighboring communities.

Gurmet Khara, Outreach Liaison

Gurmet Khara, a Valley native, is the newest member of FilmLA’s expanded outreach unit. Prior to coming to FilmLA, Gurmet served as Deputy District Director for Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Koretz. In addition to overseeing district office operations, Gurmet was charged with oversight of the Encino and Bel Air neighborhoods.

During her seven year tenure with Councilmember Koretz, Gurmet developed strategic plans for the district, helped shape public policy, and provided direct service to constituents. Gurmet was also a staff expert on infrastructure and transportation projects.

Gurmet’s area of responsibility at FilmLA includes many West Side communities.