BREAKING NEWS: FILMMAKER'S SHINDIG
PATRIOT LEDGER COVERAGE
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Chuck Slavin and Governor Deval Patrick
MASS. FILM REBATE... WHAT'S NEXT?
First and foremost, I would like to commend the Governor for his recent steps in protecting film and its' future in Massachusetts. He has taken control of the film office, making it an official state agency by placing it under the Office of Travel and Tourism, and left the Mass film credit untouched in his budget. I, and many of you, have seen first-hand the effects of a credit. We saw the increase in productions to Mass through 2009, we felt the holdback from Hollywood in 2010. After speaking with friends in Hollywood they are very excited to hear that the Governor and Legislature our supportive of our local film industry. The only reason there was a decline in 2010 was the misinformation of the introduction of HB3854. The suggestion of rolling back the credit deemed Massachusetts unstable, or “too much of a gamble” for filmmakers needing to secure, and adhere to, their budgets. This is, after all, a business. They consider it a credit but its creating real jobs which makes it and more like a “rebate”. Let us not forget, 25% of $0 is $0. We are seeing the growth of the industry in our region, our existing infrastructure has the talent and experience on high-end studio productions, and the benefits to the municipalities, businesses and individuals is unequivocal. So for now, our credit is safe... but this is no time to rest on our laurels and sit back in a self-congratulatory stance. We have the momentum on our side, and we need to move to the next level by supporting a world class studio complex in Massachusetts. A movie studio complex coupled with the tax incentive will create thousands of permanent high paying jobs which will benefit the Massachusetts economy. Proof of our success is evidenced lately by this year’s award contenders, we are making deep end roads on a positive effect on the film industry - This can continue if, and only if, we maintain our current trajectory and get behind the movement for bricks and mortar.
The creation of permanent studios is a clear message to the industry that we are committed and “ALL IN.”
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