FILM COMPANY BEGINS CHANNEL ISLANDS PROJECT

Rio Films begins work on a documentary about the Channel Islands of southern California

FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA

Rio Films, an independent film company headquartered in Orange County, California has begun work on a 45-minute educational documentary about The Channel Islands of Southern California, entitled "The Channel Islands- A National Treasure". Its something that needs to be done," says film director, Alan De Herrera. The last known film about The Channel Islands was done over 20 years ago, and it is woefully outdated. Much has happened since then that has changed things."

The threat of commercial exploitation is one such development. Increasing competition in the fishing industry, combined with decreases in the global fish population, has caused commercial fisherman to lobby for access to the waters around the Channel Islands. Thats dangerous," says Mr. De Herrera. Those islands are the home of the largest congregation of pinnipeds (harbor seals, California sea lions, etc) near a major metropolitan area in the world. Not only that, but the kelp forest surrounding the islands is the home of over one million species of marine life. Commercial fishing, and the pollution caused by other business activities, could destroy the entire ecosystem of the Channel Islands." Rio Films is dedicated to education rather than confrontation to effect change. Our films are intended to be informative and entertaining as well," says Mr. De Herrera. We became aware of the problems facing the Channel Islands when we were filming another project ("The California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter"), and decided to do something about them. We hope our film about the Channel Islands will educate the public about these national treasures that are just a few miles off the southern California coast"

Currently in the pre-production stage, Rio Films is seeking the means necessary to make "The Channel Islands-A National Treasure" a success. Support received from various sources has been encouraging, particularly from The Channel Island Marine Sanctuary. They have been great," enthuses Mr. De Herrera. They are very sensitive to the problems facing the marine life of The Channel Islands, and have offered not only advice, but the use of equipment to help make this project come to life. Its wonderful when a public agency is this supportive of a project intended to promote environmental awareness, and I couldnt be more pleased."

It is anticipated that The Channel Islands-A National Treasure will be available to the general public by the summer of 2004. Interested parties can either write to Mr. De Herrera at 417 N. Orange, Fullerton, California 92833 or telephone him at (714) 401-8610. The films progress can be followed by visiting Rio Films website at http://www.riofilms.com