Today Jay Villwock and I met with Iowa's new Cultural Affairs Director, Mary Tiffany Cownie, a beautiful young woman who was most generous with her time and made us feel quite at home in her office.
And speaking of her office..... I was surprised to see that one of my late seventies paintings was hanging just inside the entrance directly across from her desk. I believe my work was purchased by the state decades ago and was chosen by Mary to adorn her space.
We talked about the widely-held belief in Iowa Capitol circles that the Iowa Film Office will be placed within the Iowa Cultural Affairs Department. Mary was not sure that this would happen but seemed quite comfortable with the possibility.
We also discussed how Iowa communities in which movies were shot may be fun tourist destinations and that those communities enjoyed considerable financial benefits when the filmmakers made their movies in Iowa towns and cities.
She said her door would always be open and welcomed Iowa film activity updates from us.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Wendol Jarvis, former and future Iowa Film Office chief is interviewed!
I discovered this new audio interview of Wendol Jarvis. If there is anyone who can make you feel positive about film in Iowa, it is Wendol. After so much negativity about the film situation in Iowa, why not take a break from it and listen to this interview?:
Judyth Piazza chats with Wendol Jarvis, "Iowa Hometown Heroes"
ColumbusDispatch.Com Article - Ohio Is Rolling!
Tax credits roll to make movies here
4 films to be shot in Ohio will get breaks totaling $2.3 million
Saturday, May 28, 2011 03:07 AM
By Tim Feran
Ohio's effort to attract movie-making to the state is getting another boost with news that four more films have committed to shoot in Ohio.
The four projects are expected to create nearly 900 short-term jobs and have an economic impact of $4.8million, according to the Ohio Film Office, which is making $2.3 million in tax credits available to lure the projects.
"With recent movies such as Unstoppable, Ides of March, The Avengers and more, Ohio is seeing a boom of interest from Hollywood," said James A. Leftwich, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
The four new films include one to be shot partly in Columbus by How I Met Your Mother actor and Bexley native Josh Radnor. At least 24 projects, including the four new ones, are or have taken advantage of the state's tax credits, which began in 2010.
To qualify for the credits, productions must spend at least $300,000 in the state. As much as $5 million in credit is available per production. The credit is given only after production is completed.
Jon Honeck, public-policy fellow for the Center for Community Solutions, a Cleveland-based nonprofit social-services group that has studied film tax credits, said the new films look like a good list for the state. But he cautioned that the benefit will be short-lived.
"Typically, these films will come in, shoot for a couple weeks and then leave," he said. "So they're temporary jobs."
The films include:
• Over the Wall, which will receive a $1.6 million tax credit to shoot in Darke, Mercer and Stark counties in late summer and early fall. The film, starring Kim Basinger, Nick Stahl and Freddy Rodriguez, is set in the world of professional stock-car racing and is expected to hire more than 600 Ohioans as part of the cast and crew.
• Seven Below Zero, with a $335,722 tax credit, will shoot in Goshen, Cincinnati and surrounding areas in midsummer. Starring Val Kilmer, the thriller is expected to hire about 60 Ohioans.
• Liberal Arts, with a $229,909 tax credit, will shoot in Gambier around Kenyon College as well as in Columbus. Written and directed by Radnor, the indie love story is expected to employ about 170 Ohioans.
• Old Fashioned, with a $140,955 tax credit, will shoot in Tuscarawas County. The love story, produced by area native Nathan Nazario, is expected to employ 60 Ohioans.
Ohio's motion-picture tax-credit program, approved in 2009, made a total of $30 million available through June 30 of this year. About $40,000 remains in the pot, a film office spokeswoman said. If a new budget is approved, another $10million will be made available for next year.
The Ohio Film Office reports that films produced in Ohio as a result of the tax-credit program have employed more than 9,000 Ohioans and contributed nearly $120million to Ohio's economy.
Ohio's ranking in popularity as a film site seems to be improving, although the state hasn't done a study to confirm that, said state spokeswoman Katie Sabatino. "We know we're seeing extremely competitive numbers. We can tell we're moving up the ladder."
But Honeck said there are also other considerations.
"The issue is, in a very tight budget with lots of competing needs, is this the best way to stimulate economic development?" he asked. "Not just film tax credits, but all tax credits that purport to increase economic development - do they really make sense on a cost-benefit basis? We really want to see film tax credits and all other tax credits evaluated."
4 films to be shot in Ohio will get breaks totaling $2.3 million
Saturday, May 28, 2011 03:07 AM
By Tim Feran
Ohio's effort to attract movie-making to the state is getting another boost with news that four more films have committed to shoot in Ohio.
The four projects are expected to create nearly 900 short-term jobs and have an economic impact of $4.8million, according to the Ohio Film Office, which is making $2.3 million in tax credits available to lure the projects.
"With recent movies such as Unstoppable, Ides of March, The Avengers and more, Ohio is seeing a boom of interest from Hollywood," said James A. Leftwich, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
The four new films include one to be shot partly in Columbus by How I Met Your Mother actor and Bexley native Josh Radnor. At least 24 projects, including the four new ones, are or have taken advantage of the state's tax credits, which began in 2010.
To qualify for the credits, productions must spend at least $300,000 in the state. As much as $5 million in credit is available per production. The credit is given only after production is completed.
Jon Honeck, public-policy fellow for the Center for Community Solutions, a Cleveland-based nonprofit social-services group that has studied film tax credits, said the new films look like a good list for the state. But he cautioned that the benefit will be short-lived.
"Typically, these films will come in, shoot for a couple weeks and then leave," he said. "So they're temporary jobs."
The films include:
• Over the Wall, which will receive a $1.6 million tax credit to shoot in Darke, Mercer and Stark counties in late summer and early fall. The film, starring Kim Basinger, Nick Stahl and Freddy Rodriguez, is set in the world of professional stock-car racing and is expected to hire more than 600 Ohioans as part of the cast and crew.
• Seven Below Zero, with a $335,722 tax credit, will shoot in Goshen, Cincinnati and surrounding areas in midsummer. Starring Val Kilmer, the thriller is expected to hire about 60 Ohioans.
• Liberal Arts, with a $229,909 tax credit, will shoot in Gambier around Kenyon College as well as in Columbus. Written and directed by Radnor, the indie love story is expected to employ about 170 Ohioans.
• Old Fashioned, with a $140,955 tax credit, will shoot in Tuscarawas County. The love story, produced by area native Nathan Nazario, is expected to employ 60 Ohioans.
Ohio's motion-picture tax-credit program, approved in 2009, made a total of $30 million available through June 30 of this year. About $40,000 remains in the pot, a film office spokeswoman said. If a new budget is approved, another $10million will be made available for next year.
The Ohio Film Office reports that films produced in Ohio as a result of the tax-credit program have employed more than 9,000 Ohioans and contributed nearly $120million to Ohio's economy.
Ohio's ranking in popularity as a film site seems to be improving, although the state hasn't done a study to confirm that, said state spokeswoman Katie Sabatino. "We know we're seeing extremely competitive numbers. We can tell we're moving up the ladder."
But Honeck said there are also other considerations.
"The issue is, in a very tight budget with lots of competing needs, is this the best way to stimulate economic development?" he asked. "Not just film tax credits, but all tax credits that purport to increase economic development - do they really make sense on a cost-benefit basis? We really want to see film tax credits and all other tax credits evaluated."
Friday, May 27, 2011
HollywoodReporter.Com Article: It Works In OHIO!!!
Ohio Attracts Four New Films With Stars Due to Tax Incentives
12:32 PM 5/26/2011 by Georg Szalai
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“With recent movies such as 'Unstoppable,' 'Ides of March,' 'The Avengers' and more, Ohio is seeing a boom of interest from Hollywood,” says James Leftwich, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
NEW YORK - The Ohio Film Office on Thursday once again touted the state's ability to attract film productions with its incentives, saying it has secured four independent films, including projects starring Josh Radnor, Kim Basinger and Val Kilmer, that will shoot in Ohio.
That will bring the total number of films, TV series and commercials tapping into Ohio's Motion Picture Tax Credit, an incentives program that launched in fiscal year 2010, to 24.
The new projects are expected to hire nearly 900 Ohioans, according to state officials.
While other states have scratched or questioned production tax incentives, Ohio has continued to talk up their benefits.
The latest films coming to Ohio include Liberal Arts (starring Columbus native Radnor), Old Fashioned, Over the Wall (starring Basinger, Nick Stahl and Freddy Rodriguez), and Seven Below Zero (starring Kilmer).
“With recent movies such as Unstoppable, Ides of March, The Avengers, and more, Ohio is seeing a boom of interest from Hollywood,” said James Leftwich, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These films will provide an economic boost to the communities that serve as sets and continue to grow Ohio’s film industry into something Ohioans can be proud of.”
Since the launch of the tax credit, the Ohio Film Office has provided more than $29 million in tax credits to productions, which the state says have employed more than 9,000 Ohioans and contributed nearly $120 million to the state's economy.
“We are delighted that our combination of locations and incentives has generated increased interest in Ohio as a production destination,” said Amir Eylon, director of the Ohio Tourism Division, which houses the Ohio Film Office. “These recent successes mark a positive step forward in stimulating new production work across the state.”
Over the Wall will receive a $1.6 million tax credit and is expected to hire more than 600 Ohioans as part of its cast and crew, according to state officials.
Liberal Arts will receive a $229,909 tax credit, the state said. The film, written and directed by Radnor, is expected to hire approximately 170 locals, they added.
Old Fashioned will receive a $140,955 tax credit and is expected to hire approximately 60 Ohioans, while Seven Below Zero will receive $335,722 and is expected to hire approximately 60 Ohioans.
12:32 PM 5/26/2011 by Georg Szalai
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“With recent movies such as 'Unstoppable,' 'Ides of March,' 'The Avengers' and more, Ohio is seeing a boom of interest from Hollywood,” says James Leftwich, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
NEW YORK - The Ohio Film Office on Thursday once again touted the state's ability to attract film productions with its incentives, saying it has secured four independent films, including projects starring Josh Radnor, Kim Basinger and Val Kilmer, that will shoot in Ohio.
That will bring the total number of films, TV series and commercials tapping into Ohio's Motion Picture Tax Credit, an incentives program that launched in fiscal year 2010, to 24.
The new projects are expected to hire nearly 900 Ohioans, according to state officials.
While other states have scratched or questioned production tax incentives, Ohio has continued to talk up their benefits.
The latest films coming to Ohio include Liberal Arts (starring Columbus native Radnor), Old Fashioned, Over the Wall (starring Basinger, Nick Stahl and Freddy Rodriguez), and Seven Below Zero (starring Kilmer).
“With recent movies such as Unstoppable, Ides of March, The Avengers, and more, Ohio is seeing a boom of interest from Hollywood,” said James Leftwich, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These films will provide an economic boost to the communities that serve as sets and continue to grow Ohio’s film industry into something Ohioans can be proud of.”
Since the launch of the tax credit, the Ohio Film Office has provided more than $29 million in tax credits to productions, which the state says have employed more than 9,000 Ohioans and contributed nearly $120 million to the state's economy.
“We are delighted that our combination of locations and incentives has generated increased interest in Ohio as a production destination,” said Amir Eylon, director of the Ohio Tourism Division, which houses the Ohio Film Office. “These recent successes mark a positive step forward in stimulating new production work across the state.”
Over the Wall will receive a $1.6 million tax credit and is expected to hire more than 600 Ohioans as part of its cast and crew, according to state officials.
Liberal Arts will receive a $229,909 tax credit, the state said. The film, written and directed by Radnor, is expected to hire approximately 170 locals, they added.
Old Fashioned will receive a $140,955 tax credit and is expected to hire approximately 60 Ohioans, while Seven Below Zero will receive $335,722 and is expected to hire approximately 60 Ohioans.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
From Dayton Daily News
By Dave Larsen, Staff Writer Updated 8:14 PM Saturday, May 21, 2011
Dayton area film professionals are seeing plenty of “action” despite a motion picture industry downturn that in recent years has seen independent film studios close, DVD revenues dry up and Hollywood ticket sales drop as much as 20 percent.
Nearly 20 motion pictures have been approved to shoot in Ohio using the state film tax credit enacted in 2009, creating jobs for Ohio production crew members, said Kristen Erwin, executive director of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Commission.
“We’ve never had greater traffic of motion pictures, as well as television and commercial production,” Erwin said.
More than a dozen Dayton-area residents make their living as film professionals, said Eva Buttacavoli, director of FilmDayton, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the region’s film community.
The group’s third annual FilmDayton Festival, featuring films with Miami Valley ties, continues today at The Neon movie theater in downtown Dayton.
Wright State University’s motion pictures program averages 50 to 60 students, said W. Stuart McDowell, chairman of the school’s Department of Theater Arts, Dance and Motion Pictures.
“Not too many of them are out flinging burgers in their mid-30s to support their film habit,” McDowell said. “They are able to tack on to some film project somewhere and do what they want to do.”
Wright State crew
More than half of Wright State’s film graduates pursue work in the independent sector, McDowell said.
About 10 people with ties to Wright State or Dayton are working as department heads on the feature film “The Philly Kid,” which started shooting this month in Baton Rouge, La.
“The Wright State kids, many of them live in Louisiana, which has the most stable tax incentive in the country right now,” said Karri O’Reilly, the Dayton-based line producer of “The Philly Kid” and a Wright State graduate.
Louisiana has generated nearly $3 billion since the state implemented its film tax incentive program in 2002, according to the Louisiana Office of Entertainment Industry Development.
State tax incentives, combined with the weak U.S. dollar, are the driving force behind domestic film production, O’Reilly said.
“For Ohio filmmakers it’s actually one of the best times we’ve had because we finally, after lagging greatly behind the rest of the country, have a film incentive that seems to be starting to catch some traction,” O’Reilly said.
Film tax credit
The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive, totaling $30 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2011, provides a refundable tax credit up to 35 percent for productions that spend a minimum of $300,000 in the state.
In the last two years, production companies have spent more than $117 million making movies, television programs and commercials here, according to the Ohio Film Office. The tax credit has helped employ more than 9,200 Ohioans, resulting in crew wages of $30.7 million, said Ohio Department of Development spokeswoman Katie Sabatino.
“The Avengers,” a big-budget superhero film starring Robert Downey Jr., is projected to employ 4,425 Ohioans as part of its production crew and cast when it shoots this summer in Cleveland and Cincinnati.
An untitled movie starring Nickelodeon’s Victoria Justice will shoot this summer in Cleveland and is projected to employ about 545 Ohioans.
“The Ides of March,” the George Clooney film shot this spring in Cincinnati and Oxford, employed 409 Ohioans, including eight from Dayton.
A portion of “Unstoppable,” an action thriller starring Denzel Washington, was filmed in late 2009 in southeast Ohio and employed an Ohio cast and crew of 1,361.
Buttacavoli said the movie business is down as a whole, “but because Ohio is the hot, new really tax incentive-generous state in the film industry, we’ve come out better than even.”
Industry woes
Nationally, the independent film business is suffering from a “huge downturn,” said Michael Katchman, president of Rivercoast Media, a Cincinnati-based independent DVD distributor.
“We had quite a run, there’s no doubt about it, in the ’90s and even up until probably 2006 or 2007,” said Katchman, a Centerville native who has worked in sales, marketing and acquisition roles for Orion, MGM, Lionsgate and First Look studios.
Too many films flooded the market, forcing an industry contraction that saw the closing of such specialty film divisions as Fox Atomic and Warner Independent Pictures, as well as a consolidation of domestic indie film distribution.
Hollywood’s woes have continued. Movie attendance this spring was down 20 percent from the same period in 2010, representing the worst downturn in ticket sales in six years.
The Neon, a Dayton theater that specializes in independent and foreign films, reported record revenues in 2010. Manager Jonathan McNeal credited the success of such films as “Black Swan,” and “The King’s Speech,” as well as sales of beer and wine, for the Neon’s best year ever.
McNeal said Dayton’s independent film audience probably can’t support more than the Neon’s two screens. “We do well, but are certainly by no means close to capacity,” he said.
Dayton area film professionals are seeing plenty of “action” despite a motion picture industry downturn that in recent years has seen independent film studios close, DVD revenues dry up and Hollywood ticket sales drop as much as 20 percent.
Nearly 20 motion pictures have been approved to shoot in Ohio using the state film tax credit enacted in 2009, creating jobs for Ohio production crew members, said Kristen Erwin, executive director of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Commission.
“We’ve never had greater traffic of motion pictures, as well as television and commercial production,” Erwin said.
More than a dozen Dayton-area residents make their living as film professionals, said Eva Buttacavoli, director of FilmDayton, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the region’s film community.
The group’s third annual FilmDayton Festival, featuring films with Miami Valley ties, continues today at The Neon movie theater in downtown Dayton.
Wright State University’s motion pictures program averages 50 to 60 students, said W. Stuart McDowell, chairman of the school’s Department of Theater Arts, Dance and Motion Pictures.
“Not too many of them are out flinging burgers in their mid-30s to support their film habit,” McDowell said. “They are able to tack on to some film project somewhere and do what they want to do.”
Wright State crew
More than half of Wright State’s film graduates pursue work in the independent sector, McDowell said.
About 10 people with ties to Wright State or Dayton are working as department heads on the feature film “The Philly Kid,” which started shooting this month in Baton Rouge, La.
“The Wright State kids, many of them live in Louisiana, which has the most stable tax incentive in the country right now,” said Karri O’Reilly, the Dayton-based line producer of “The Philly Kid” and a Wright State graduate.
Louisiana has generated nearly $3 billion since the state implemented its film tax incentive program in 2002, according to the Louisiana Office of Entertainment Industry Development.
State tax incentives, combined with the weak U.S. dollar, are the driving force behind domestic film production, O’Reilly said.
“For Ohio filmmakers it’s actually one of the best times we’ve had because we finally, after lagging greatly behind the rest of the country, have a film incentive that seems to be starting to catch some traction,” O’Reilly said.
Film tax credit
The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive, totaling $30 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2011, provides a refundable tax credit up to 35 percent for productions that spend a minimum of $300,000 in the state.
In the last two years, production companies have spent more than $117 million making movies, television programs and commercials here, according to the Ohio Film Office. The tax credit has helped employ more than 9,200 Ohioans, resulting in crew wages of $30.7 million, said Ohio Department of Development spokeswoman Katie Sabatino.
“The Avengers,” a big-budget superhero film starring Robert Downey Jr., is projected to employ 4,425 Ohioans as part of its production crew and cast when it shoots this summer in Cleveland and Cincinnati.
An untitled movie starring Nickelodeon’s Victoria Justice will shoot this summer in Cleveland and is projected to employ about 545 Ohioans.
“The Ides of March,” the George Clooney film shot this spring in Cincinnati and Oxford, employed 409 Ohioans, including eight from Dayton.
A portion of “Unstoppable,” an action thriller starring Denzel Washington, was filmed in late 2009 in southeast Ohio and employed an Ohio cast and crew of 1,361.
Buttacavoli said the movie business is down as a whole, “but because Ohio is the hot, new really tax incentive-generous state in the film industry, we’ve come out better than even.”
Industry woes
Nationally, the independent film business is suffering from a “huge downturn,” said Michael Katchman, president of Rivercoast Media, a Cincinnati-based independent DVD distributor.
“We had quite a run, there’s no doubt about it, in the ’90s and even up until probably 2006 or 2007,” said Katchman, a Centerville native who has worked in sales, marketing and acquisition roles for Orion, MGM, Lionsgate and First Look studios.
Too many films flooded the market, forcing an industry contraction that saw the closing of such specialty film divisions as Fox Atomic and Warner Independent Pictures, as well as a consolidation of domestic indie film distribution.
Hollywood’s woes have continued. Movie attendance this spring was down 20 percent from the same period in 2010, representing the worst downturn in ticket sales in six years.
The Neon, a Dayton theater that specializes in independent and foreign films, reported record revenues in 2010. Manager Jonathan McNeal credited the success of such films as “Black Swan,” and “The King’s Speech,” as well as sales of beer and wine, for the Neon’s best year ever.
McNeal said Dayton’s independent film audience probably can’t support more than the Neon’s two screens. “We do well, but are certainly by no means close to capacity,” he said.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
More Filming in Ohio... I 'm JEALOUS!!! Article by Colin McEwen
‘Fun Size’ One of Three Films to Shoot in the Area
In addition to 'Fun Size,' production companies also scouting locations for two other films.
By Colin McEwen | May 20, 2011
A film that may be shot in Lakewood might be sharing the spotlight.
That’s because there are also two other movies set to begin production in the Cleveland area.
Representatives from Paramount Pictures have been scouting neighborhoods in Lakewood — specifically Arthur Avenue near the Lakewood Public Library — to shoot its new film “Fun Size.”
The film — an adventure comedy about Halloween — is set to begin production in June. “Fun Size” stars Nickelodeon’s Victoria Justice (Zoey 101, Victorious, iCarly) and will be directed by Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl, Chuck).
And it may not be the only show in town.
In addition, the other films shooting in the Cleveland-area are “The Avengers” and “Boot Tracks.”
Marvel Studios’ The Avengers is tentatively scheduled to begin shooting in early August and will star Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson.
A Marvel Studios Casting Coordinator will hold Cleveland area extras casting call in early July.
Boot Tracks, set to begin shooting any day now, features Michelle Monaghan (Source Code, Due Date), is directed by David Jacobson (Down in the Valley), and produced by Larry Rattner.
“Fun Size” has been approved to receive funding through the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Film Office.
However, the plans to shoot the film in Lakewood are not final.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission — the organization that has brought the trio of movies to Northeast Ohio — is working with Paramount Pictures to find a location for "Fun Size." Other possible locations include Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and Euclid.
GCFC Executive Director Ivan Schwarz said that it’s not unusual for a production company to keep the location of a movie a secret until the shoot is over. That way crowds don’t interfere with the production.
While the plans are not final, representatives of Paramount Pictures have actively been scouting locations in Lakewood.
And there have been several sightings of film crews around the city.
“We have three movies (in the Cleveland area), and people are scouting all over Northeast Ohio,” Schwarz said.
The film will employ local crew, cast and extras — and will with local vendors and service providers.
That means lots of jobs for the local economy, Schwarz said.
“We’re creating jobs and creating economic development, but we’re doing it through these films,” he said. “Having one movie is kind of cool, but having three movies is really what’s important to me.”
Schwarz added praise for the Ohio Department of Development, which helped to secure a tax credit that is luring production companies away from other states such as Michigan.
“Films are coming to Cleveland because of the city’s incredible resources, locations and people,” he said. “But if there were no tax incentives, there would be no films shot here. Period.”
In addition to 'Fun Size,' production companies also scouting locations for two other films.
By Colin McEwen | May 20, 2011
A film that may be shot in Lakewood might be sharing the spotlight.
That’s because there are also two other movies set to begin production in the Cleveland area.
Representatives from Paramount Pictures have been scouting neighborhoods in Lakewood — specifically Arthur Avenue near the Lakewood Public Library — to shoot its new film “Fun Size.”
The film — an adventure comedy about Halloween — is set to begin production in June. “Fun Size” stars Nickelodeon’s Victoria Justice (Zoey 101, Victorious, iCarly) and will be directed by Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl, Chuck).
And it may not be the only show in town.
In addition, the other films shooting in the Cleveland-area are “The Avengers” and “Boot Tracks.”
Marvel Studios’ The Avengers is tentatively scheduled to begin shooting in early August and will star Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson.
A Marvel Studios Casting Coordinator will hold Cleveland area extras casting call in early July.
Boot Tracks, set to begin shooting any day now, features Michelle Monaghan (Source Code, Due Date), is directed by David Jacobson (Down in the Valley), and produced by Larry Rattner.
“Fun Size” has been approved to receive funding through the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Film Office.
However, the plans to shoot the film in Lakewood are not final.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission — the organization that has brought the trio of movies to Northeast Ohio — is working with Paramount Pictures to find a location for "Fun Size." Other possible locations include Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and Euclid.
GCFC Executive Director Ivan Schwarz said that it’s not unusual for a production company to keep the location of a movie a secret until the shoot is over. That way crowds don’t interfere with the production.
While the plans are not final, representatives of Paramount Pictures have actively been scouting locations in Lakewood.
And there have been several sightings of film crews around the city.
“We have three movies (in the Cleveland area), and people are scouting all over Northeast Ohio,” Schwarz said.
The film will employ local crew, cast and extras — and will with local vendors and service providers.
That means lots of jobs for the local economy, Schwarz said.
“We’re creating jobs and creating economic development, but we’re doing it through these films,” he said. “Having one movie is kind of cool, but having three movies is really what’s important to me.”
Schwarz added praise for the Ohio Department of Development, which helped to secure a tax credit that is luring production companies away from other states such as Michigan.
“Films are coming to Cleveland because of the city’s incredible resources, locations and people,” he said. “But if there were no tax incentives, there would be no films shot here. Period.”
from Citybizlist: Maryland's Film Situation Improves
Governor O’Malley Signs $70M InvestMaryland Bill
Posted May 20, 2011
2011 legislative business accomplishments include creation of cyber commission, $8M for biotech tax credit
Annapolis, MD -- Joined by Maryland business leaders and elected officials, Governor Martin O'Malley today signed into law InvestMaryland - HB173 - an historic initiative which will infuse a minimum of $70 million into promising start-up and early stage companies in Maryland, creating the largest venture capital investment in the State's history. The program, which will be rolled out over the next year and administered by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), was proposed by Governor O'Malley nearly a year ago and received widespread support from the business community, academicians and industry experts during the legislative session. Among its benefits, the program has the potential to create thousands of jobs in Innovation Economy sectors - life sciences and biotechnology, cyber security/IT and clean/green tech and attract billions of follow on capital, all with no immediate cost to taxpayers. A video wrap up of the 2011 General Assembly session featuring interviews of Maryland's business leaders is available here.
"This is an historic day for innovation and entrepreneurship in Maryland. This program will bring the maximum benefit for taxpayers, while investing in our Innovation Economy, fueling the jobs and companies of tomorrow and creating an economic climate where the most promising ideas and innovations have a chance to mature," said Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson.
"Maryland values the contributions of small businesses to our economy. InvestMaryland will inject much needed funding into small technology and biotechnology startup companies," said Kathy Snyder, President and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Maryland Economic Development Commission. "This will help spark Maryland's Innovation Economy and create jobs."
"InvestMaryland sends a powerful message of support to entrepreneurs in Maryland," said Steve Dubin, CEO,Martek Biosciences Corporation, Inc., who founded his company in Maryland more than two decades ago and recently sold it for more than $1 billion to a Dutch life sciences conglomerate. "The bill's signing today also sends a broader message to venture funds and entrepreneurs around the country that Maryland will be a key player in the growth of our innovation driven economy and a welcoming place for those seeking to start and grow businesses. "
Over the next year, key tenets of the program will be implemented, including the creation of the Maryland Venture Fund Authority, a nine-member panel that will select third party consultants to manage the tax credit auction, as well as select three to four private venture capital firms that will invest 67 percent of the funds raised. Of the funds invested through private VC firms, 100 percent of the principle and 80 percent of the profits will be returned to the State's general fund.
The remaining funds - 33 percent - will be deposited into the State's 15-year-old Maryland Venture Fund (MVF). Over its life, the MVF has invested $25 million into hundreds of start up and early stage technology and life sciences companies, generating a $61 million return. The Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA) will also receive a portion of funds for investment. Returns on the funds invested through the MVF will be reinvested in the program.
In early 2012, the tax credit auction for insurance companies will take place, with a floor of $.70 on the dollar and a maximum of $100 million in tax credits as authorized by HB 173. Insurance companies will be able to claim tax credits beginning in 2015. Once the funds are raised, the private venture capital firms will be able to begin making investments by June 2012.
In addition to the passage of InvestMaryland, the 2011 General Assembly session included a number of important wins for Maryland's business community. DBED's key incentive program - the Maryland Economic Development Authority and Fund - received an appropriation of $15 million for FY2012, an increase of $3 million from the previous fiscal year. For a complete review of 2011 legislative business accomplishments, please click here.
In an effort to stimulate and create jobs in the State's film industry, the Maryland Film Production Employment Act of 2011 was passed, helping to enhance the State's reputation as the go-to state for film production. The program replaces the existing Film Rebate Fund with a refundable film production tax credit and allows up to $7.5 million in tax credits to be issued annually for qualified productions. Last month, HBO announced that it will be filming the movie, Game Change, in Maryland.
The Department's Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit was held steady at $8 million in funding for the second consecutive year, and was also expanded to include biotechnology companies that have been in active business for 15 years. This provision will sunset in 2013.
In addition to these bills, the General Assembly passed a bill that will create the Commission on Maryland Cybersecurity Innovation and Excellence, which will help the State further its efforts to establish Maryland as the nation's epicenter of cybersecurity.
About DBED:
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development's mission is to attract new businesses, stimulate private investment and create jobs, encourage the expansion and retention of existing companies and provide businesses in Maryland with workforce training and financial assistance. The department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development, international trade and tourism. As a major economic generator, the department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit http://www.choosemaryland.org.
Posted May 20, 2011
2011 legislative business accomplishments include creation of cyber commission, $8M for biotech tax credit
Annapolis, MD -- Joined by Maryland business leaders and elected officials, Governor Martin O'Malley today signed into law InvestMaryland - HB173 - an historic initiative which will infuse a minimum of $70 million into promising start-up and early stage companies in Maryland, creating the largest venture capital investment in the State's history. The program, which will be rolled out over the next year and administered by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), was proposed by Governor O'Malley nearly a year ago and received widespread support from the business community, academicians and industry experts during the legislative session. Among its benefits, the program has the potential to create thousands of jobs in Innovation Economy sectors - life sciences and biotechnology, cyber security/IT and clean/green tech and attract billions of follow on capital, all with no immediate cost to taxpayers. A video wrap up of the 2011 General Assembly session featuring interviews of Maryland's business leaders is available here.
"This is an historic day for innovation and entrepreneurship in Maryland. This program will bring the maximum benefit for taxpayers, while investing in our Innovation Economy, fueling the jobs and companies of tomorrow and creating an economic climate where the most promising ideas and innovations have a chance to mature," said Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson.
"Maryland values the contributions of small businesses to our economy. InvestMaryland will inject much needed funding into small technology and biotechnology startup companies," said Kathy Snyder, President and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Maryland Economic Development Commission. "This will help spark Maryland's Innovation Economy and create jobs."
"InvestMaryland sends a powerful message of support to entrepreneurs in Maryland," said Steve Dubin, CEO,Martek Biosciences Corporation, Inc., who founded his company in Maryland more than two decades ago and recently sold it for more than $1 billion to a Dutch life sciences conglomerate. "The bill's signing today also sends a broader message to venture funds and entrepreneurs around the country that Maryland will be a key player in the growth of our innovation driven economy and a welcoming place for those seeking to start and grow businesses. "
Over the next year, key tenets of the program will be implemented, including the creation of the Maryland Venture Fund Authority, a nine-member panel that will select third party consultants to manage the tax credit auction, as well as select three to four private venture capital firms that will invest 67 percent of the funds raised. Of the funds invested through private VC firms, 100 percent of the principle and 80 percent of the profits will be returned to the State's general fund.
The remaining funds - 33 percent - will be deposited into the State's 15-year-old Maryland Venture Fund (MVF). Over its life, the MVF has invested $25 million into hundreds of start up and early stage technology and life sciences companies, generating a $61 million return. The Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA) will also receive a portion of funds for investment. Returns on the funds invested through the MVF will be reinvested in the program.
In early 2012, the tax credit auction for insurance companies will take place, with a floor of $.70 on the dollar and a maximum of $100 million in tax credits as authorized by HB 173. Insurance companies will be able to claim tax credits beginning in 2015. Once the funds are raised, the private venture capital firms will be able to begin making investments by June 2012.
In addition to the passage of InvestMaryland, the 2011 General Assembly session included a number of important wins for Maryland's business community. DBED's key incentive program - the Maryland Economic Development Authority and Fund - received an appropriation of $15 million for FY2012, an increase of $3 million from the previous fiscal year. For a complete review of 2011 legislative business accomplishments, please click here.
In an effort to stimulate and create jobs in the State's film industry, the Maryland Film Production Employment Act of 2011 was passed, helping to enhance the State's reputation as the go-to state for film production. The program replaces the existing Film Rebate Fund with a refundable film production tax credit and allows up to $7.5 million in tax credits to be issued annually for qualified productions. Last month, HBO announced that it will be filming the movie, Game Change, in Maryland.
The Department's Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit was held steady at $8 million in funding for the second consecutive year, and was also expanded to include biotechnology companies that have been in active business for 15 years. This provision will sunset in 2013.
In addition to these bills, the General Assembly passed a bill that will create the Commission on Maryland Cybersecurity Innovation and Excellence, which will help the State further its efforts to establish Maryland as the nation's epicenter of cybersecurity.
About DBED:
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development's mission is to attract new businesses, stimulate private investment and create jobs, encourage the expansion and retention of existing companies and provide businesses in Maryland with workforce training and financial assistance. The department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development, international trade and tourism. As a major economic generator, the department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit http://www.choosemaryland.org.
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