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The online bank of photos – mansions, row homes, gardens, pools, prisons and a variety of other categories – is split between public and private access for security reasons.

Sending location photos to a studio is a prelude to the extensive amount of logistics work that accompanies interest by the studio. The next step for Ash could be responding to inquiries from a location scout hired by the studio. Or, it could be arranging a detailed location survey for a film team – which might include a director, art director, production designer and producer – to get a first-hand look at suggested locations.

Planning every stop, down to where the group will go for a coffee break, is essential. “We don’t want to waste anyone’s time,” Ash says. Both she and Jack Gerbes, director of the Film Office, can be involved with hosting a scouting party. “We try to coordinate the day seamlessly – even when the requests from the production group are constantly changing.”

As part of her job, Ash must also be well versed in – often random – information that’s important for a filmmaker. She either knows or knows where to get answers for questions on such topics as the availability of production personnel, union rules, driving times, permit applications and the likelihood of freezing temperatures.

Great reputation
“ The Maryland Film Office has a great reputation in the industry for taking extra steps to address a filmmaker’s concerns,” Ash says. “It’s all about building relationships. People who are considering where to take their productions care about these things.”

She adds: “I am fortunate to be one small part of an amazing team of alented film office professionals – we share the ever-changing ‘to do’ list really well.” Catherine Batavick is deputy director of the office and Cathryna Brown is the visual communications associate.

“We function like a well-run film production office,” Ash says. “And that, by itself, is the highest compliment.”

As for My One and Only – the production that just left town – the Baltimore area was apparently a good fit. Richard Loncraine, the British director of the movie, said at a party celebrating the end of filming here, “Since I’ve been here, I’ve not had a single moment where anybody was anything but friendly and helpful. I’m going to miss you all. And I’m going to miss Baltimore.”