Haute 100 San Francisco Update: Philip Kaufman

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Renowned director Philip Kaufman’s new Hemmingway film will generate a multi-million dollar stimulus to San Francisco’s economy.

Philip Kaufman

Category: Thinkers

Company: Walrus and Associates

Industry: Film

What Made Him Haute: Kaufman is an American film director and screenwriter. His greatest blockbuster success was a film called The Right Stuff, a screenplay he wrote and directed. Although he is not widely recognized for directing a large number of films, the films he has worked on have received recognizable praise for exuding intelligence and independence. Many have considered the San Francisco-based Kaufman a risk taker, and the eclectic subjects he portrays in his films often incorporate satire and subtle humor that are synonymous with his artistic signature style.

What Makes Him Haute Now: The movie industry provides more than just entertainment for the masses. Director Philip Kaufman’s new film Hemmingway & Gellhorn, set in his resident San Francisco, will greatly stimulate the local economy. It is estimated that for every dollar that HBO spends on production, a total output of $2.95 will be regenerated into the San Francisco economy. Additionally, it is expected that every job created in the film industry will produce 2.5 jobs in the neighboring community. Therefore, San Francisco is set to gain about 805 new full-time positions based on the presence of 230 production employees. President of HBO films, Len Amato, said that Kaufman’s “love for this great city is palpable, and the hospitality, wonderful locations, crews, and local talent will be a great asset to the success of our production.” Mayor Gavin Newsom agrees and is happy that “San Francisco residents will reap the benefits of new jobs and a multi-million dollar stimulus to our local economy.” San Francisco residents and Americans everywhere will now have more to look forward to than an interesting historic flick about Hemmingway and Gellhorn’s tumultuous romance, we can also be thankful for the economic boost it will provide. Filming is set to begin in February 2011.