On July 1, the New Hampshire Film Office moved from the Division of Travel and Tourism Development to the Department of Cultural Resources. That puts it under the supervision of Commissioner Van McLeod, who's got some plans for film in the Granite State.

"We're getting more and more people that have been in L.A. moving back to New Hampshire," he says. "They want to come back, and they're looking at making movies here."

Over the past several years, the state has been making a stronger attempt both to promote New Hampshire filmmakers and to encourage outsiders to shoot their projects in New Hampshire. McLeod, himself a filmmaker, feels the state's efforts are starting to pay off; he says there are two major projects that have expressed interest in New Hampshire, one of which would shoot next year on the Seacoast. But nothing is set.

"We're becoming more aware of what's occurring with film in the state," says McLeod.

The Film Office will be conducting interviews this week to fill the position of director for the office. McLeod hopes they will find someone who is up to the task. He's ready to do whatever is necessary to promote film in New Hampshire.

"We'll start from scratch if necessary," he says. "This is important."

-Mike Campbell