NEW YORK—The embattled New York film industry is beneficial to New York, but the state still isn’t giving them solid solutions to the current cut back in the number of productions being shot in New York.
On March 31, the state government extended the New York State Film Production Credit Program for one year. The budget consists of $350 million in new authorizations for the next year.
“New York belongs in front of the cameras,” said Governor Paterson in a press release. “Film and television production brings billions of dollars into our economy and provides thousands of New Yorkers with jobs. In these challenging times, we must continue to make smart investments that create jobs, revive our economy and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers. That is why we have worked together with our industry partners and the legislature to ensure that the film and television industry thrive in New York.”
There is much speculation from within the film industry due to the speed with which last year’s $690 million tax credit was exhausted; it was supposed to last until 2013. Many consider the new credit to be insufficiently funded and a temporary fix. Some pilot programs, ABC’s “Empire State” for example, have opted to shoot at other locations that have better incentives for filmmakers.
Michael Stever is an independent film director who is currently applying for funding from the state for pre-production on his film Ghosts of Zion. “By the time we can incur these funds I hope there will still be time to apply for and receive this tax credit,” said Stevers whose budget is a mere $60,000–$100,000. “The tax credit is important because it brings in film makers and makes people want to shoot in New York and I think it’s odd that they only renewed the credit for one year.”
Stever’s sentiment is echoed by the majority of the film industry, the state government is with us today, but will they be tomorrow?
A number of television programs and feature films currently taking advantage of New York’s film tax credit include: “30 Rock,” “Ugly Betty,” “Gossip Girl” and “Duplicity.” The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3, is also being shot here.
There aren’t any new pilots being shot at New York area studios, and it is expected that once the current projects are finished, no more will be started without better incentives.
The New York Production Alliance is urging all industry workers to submit letters to the governor’s office stating that in 2008, 19 TV pilots were produced in New York but only two got into the program before the tax credits were used up. They say that projects that did not receive the tax credits are gone, along with the jobs that go with them and that the same can be said of many feature films that are now also to be shot in non-New York locations, all of which offer tax credit programs, rather than in New York.
On March 31, the state government extended the New York State Film Production Credit Program for one year. The budget consists of $350 million in new authorizations for the next year.
“New York belongs in front of the cameras,” said Governor Paterson in a press release. “Film and television production brings billions of dollars into our economy and provides thousands of New Yorkers with jobs. In these challenging times, we must continue to make smart investments that create jobs, revive our economy and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers. That is why we have worked together with our industry partners and the legislature to ensure that the film and television industry thrive in New York.”
There is much speculation from within the film industry due to the speed with which last year’s $690 million tax credit was exhausted; it was supposed to last until 2013. Many consider the new credit to be insufficiently funded and a temporary fix. Some pilot programs, ABC’s “Empire State” for example, have opted to shoot at other locations that have better incentives for filmmakers.
Michael Stever is an independent film director who is currently applying for funding from the state for pre-production on his film Ghosts of Zion. “By the time we can incur these funds I hope there will still be time to apply for and receive this tax credit,” said Stevers whose budget is a mere $60,000–$100,000. “The tax credit is important because it brings in film makers and makes people want to shoot in New York and I think it’s odd that they only renewed the credit for one year.”
Stever’s sentiment is echoed by the majority of the film industry, the state government is with us today, but will they be tomorrow?
A number of television programs and feature films currently taking advantage of New York’s film tax credit include: “30 Rock,” “Ugly Betty,” “Gossip Girl” and “Duplicity.” The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3, is also being shot here.
There aren’t any new pilots being shot at New York area studios, and it is expected that once the current projects are finished, no more will be started without better incentives.
The New York Production Alliance is urging all industry workers to submit letters to the governor’s office stating that in 2008, 19 TV pilots were produced in New York but only two got into the program before the tax credits were used up. They say that projects that did not receive the tax credits are gone, along with the jobs that go with them and that the same can be said of many feature films that are now also to be shot in non-New York locations, all of which offer tax credit programs, rather than in New York.
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