Capitalizing on interest being generated by the filming of the latest Indiana Jones sequel on the Big Island, the county film office is looking to attract more local residents to careers in the film industry.

The fourth installment of the Indiana Jones series is one of several productions that are fueling a boom in the film industry statewide after a three-year dry spell in major motion pictures. The robust filming schedule is putting the industry on track to break 2004's record spending of $164 million, state officials say.

Big Island residents will have a chance to learn more about developments in the industry, including career opportunities, at a seminar scheduled for Sept. 20 at Anna Ranch in Waimea.

"A major imperative for county is workforce development in strategic areas in industries that look good for the future, and the film industry is one of them," said John Mason, commissioner of the Hawai'i County Film Office.

"One of the goals is to add to the workforce to meet the challenges that come. We do hope to build a skilled labor force in the film industry."

The Indiana Jones production crew is currently wrapping up two weeks of "second-unit shooting" on the Big Island that includes special effects, explosions and stunts, Mason said. Harrison Ford is not involved in the current filming, but had been on the Big Island earlier for about a week of first-unit filming, Mason said.

The seminar will include a panel of filmmakers sharing their views on how to build a stronger film production community on the Big Island that is more competitive and inclusive.

Bob Duerr of Hilo's Kappa Productions will talk about what business needs for local production expansion. Kappa Productions has been involved with film productions involving subjects ranging from NASA to the rock band AC/DC.

Award-winning independent filmmaker GB Hajim, who runs Hakalau-based Screaming Wink Productions, will discuss his current production of a full-length animation, "Strange Frame."

Technical experts, including Anthony "Tweed" Johnston and Tom Penny of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, will discuss below the line production and technical issues, and will share their views on "Can we support high level professional production on the Big Island?"

The community filmmaking perspective will be given by Prema Qadir, owner of Bliss Productions and a retired civil engineer. Qadir will look at the training, access, cost, cultural, and technical issues facing those who want to use film and video to tell their stories and make a difference in their communities.

Also speaking will be Ari Bernstein, director of Digital Media at the Hawai'i Preparatory Academy. Bernstein is a graduate of USC film school and owner of Lalamilo Productions. Bernstein has completed 35 shorts, five documentaries, and a low-budget feature while living in Los Angeles.

Rounding out the series is special guest speaker Kristin McGrath, senior director of sales and marketing for the Big Island Visitors Bureau. McGrath will talk about Hawai'i island as a tourist and locations destination.

Questions and answers will follow the panelists' presentations. A short reception will follow the program. There is a $15 registration fee for attendees with $5 charged for students. Reservations can be made by calling John Mason at the Big Island Film Office at 808-327-3663 or e-mailing him at film@bigisland.com.