#74. From Theater to Film: Cassandra Hesseltine on Bringing Hollywood to the Redwoods

Send us Fan Mail Step into the enchanting world where Hollywood meets the redwoods with Cassandra Hesseltine, the passionate force behind the Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission. This enlightening conversation reveals how a theater enthusiast with a heart for helping troubled youth transformed into the guardian of Northern California's cinematic legacy. Cassandra shares her remarkable journey from creating her own college degree in theater therapy to accidentally landing her dream job as Film Commissioner. With warmth and humor, she explains how this role perfectly merges her love for storytelling with her desire to strengthen her community. The economic ripple effect is undeniable—every dollar spent by production companies generates nearly three dollars circulating through the local economy before departing. Did you know the iconic Ewok scenes from Return of the Jedi were filmed exclusively in Humboldt and Del Norte counties? This Star Wars connection inspired the annual Forest Moon Festival, where fans can walk the same forest paths where speeder bikes once raced. Cassandra's creativity doesn't stop there—she's developed a film location app, established a Museum of Cinema showcasing movie props, and hosts a glamorous Oscar night celebration that honors local film contributors. Beyond the economic impact, Cassandra reveals the profound joy of bringing cinematic magic to her community. Whether it's Leonardo DiCaprio running down an Arcata on-ramp in a bathrobe or Stormtroopers posing with redwoods, these moments create lasting memories while putting Humboldt County firmly on Hollywood's radar. Ready to explore the surprising film history of Northern California? Download the Redwood Coast Film Experience app and discover where ET, Jurassic Park, and countless other productions captured the region's natural splendor. The redwoods are calling—and they have quite a story to tell. Support the show About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world. We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean. We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%! Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt! Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!