Gov. Gray Davis’ appointment of Karen R. Constine as director of the California Film Commission has raised a few eyebrows within L.A. entertainment circles.

Constine has been chief of staff for L.A. City Councilwoman Laura Chick since 1993. But her lack of experience in the entertainment industry is considered a cause for concern, especially because the Film Commission deals with key issues like runaway production.

“I was disappointed to hear about the appointment,” said movie producer Doug Claybourne, who has founded a group called Entertainment Coalition 2000 for industry executives and workers to address the flight of film production. “We need someone who has some experience in the film business, who knows the players, who will be there to address the most important issues.”

Adds Steve Scott, political editor of the California Journal: “Why didn’t Davis get a celebrity like Rob Reiner? You’d think he would want to throw something (to the entertainment industry for its support of his campaign). Is this a Laura Chick thing? Or a union thing? Knowing she’s a Laura Chick aide, I can tell you this is a political payoff.”

Scott pointed out that Chick endorsed Davis during his run for governor.

Constine and other members of Chick’s office declined requests for interviews after officials with the California Trade and Commerce Agency, which oversees the Film Commission, advised against it, according to Michael Merando, a spokesman for the agency.

“She’s not on the job yet,” he said. “We’d feel more comfortable waiting until she is.”

In a press release issued soon after the Feb. 1 announcement by Davis, Constine said: “It has been an honor to work for Councilmember Chick and on behalf of the residents of the Third Council District. I’m proud that I was part of the successful efforts to build the new Madrid Theatre and to help constituents improve the quality-of-life throughout the San Fernando Valley.”

Some were pleased with the appointment, noting that Constine’s political experience will come in handy at the commission, which is charged with retaining and attracting film production while serving as a liaison to local film agencies and overseeing shoots on state property.

“What we really wanted was a person who has good communication skills, can work with a wide variety of people, and can get things done,” said Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, who has authored legislation to stop production from leaving the state. “As Laura’s chief of staff, she can pick up the phone and get to the right people and clear the logs out of the road.”

Cody Cluff, president and founder of the Entertainment Industry Development Corp., said Constine has been instrumental in mediating disputes with San Fernando Valley merchants and residents who opposed local filming because of the impact on neighborhoods.

“She’s fantastic,” Cluff said. “The biggest job as head of the CRC is getting requests though a huge bureaucracy. The CRC needs some direction, it’s been floating without a direction for a long time.”

The $95,000-a-year job has been vacant since Patti Archuletta resigned in March.