First movie filmed under Palm Springs incentive program to air

The first production to receive a grant from PalmSprings’ film incentive program will premiere on television this weekend, acity spokeswoman said today.

“Hidden Away,” which was filmed in Palm Springs, will be shownSaturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. on the Lifetime network, cityspokeswoman Amy Blaisdell said.

The movie was the first to receive a $5,000 grant from the Palm SpringsFilm Friendly Incentive Program, a partnership between the city, local resortsand the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism meant to draw film, television andphotography producers to film in the city and stimulate the local economy,Blaisdell said.

“Hidden Away,” a thriller directed by Peter Sullivan and starring SeanPatrick Flanery, Emmanuelle Vaugier and Ivan Sergei, was filmed at severallocations throughout the city, including the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Since the program started several months ago, the Bureau of Tourism hashelped with production shoots in the city, including a new NBC reality seriesand a Canadian series featuring luxury vacation home rentals, Blaisdell said.

HBO’s “Behind the Candelabra,” a film about the life of former PalmSprings resident Liberace that received 15 Emmy nominations, was also filmed inPalm Springs.

“Although the $5,000 incentive grant is a huge help, it’s not justabout the money,” said Bureau of Tourism Director Mary Jo Ginther. “Just asimportant, we are creating awareness in the industry that Palm Springs is `filmfriendly’ and welcoming when it comes to rolling out the red carpet. Producersand location managers appreciate this assistance and are excited to comehere.”

For information about the program, go to www.psfilmfriendly.com.