Potential Important Changes to the MA Tax Incentives

Last night, WBZ news (click to see news report- you may have to choose the video from the thumbnails- it is a May 14 video on Movie Studios)) reported on developments on Beacon Hill this week to make changes to the film industry tax incentive legislation. The changes that are being sought would bring the required spending amount down to $50,000 (making this an important piece of legislation for all local indie filmmakers- not just large budget features), but would also significantly raise (or eliminate ) the cap at the top end(making Massachusetts a very desirable place to shoot large budget films).

The report also goes on to mention interest by an investor group in building a studio in Weymouth at the old naval base or in Plymouth….these appear to be still very early explorations from what I have been able to find out….

If you are not familiar with the tax incentive legislation, visit the new film office web site for more links –and while you are there, check out their new short trailer.

Massachusetts Film Industry welcomes newly appointed head of Film Office

Boston, MA (January 30th, 2007) – With Nicholas Paleologos named as the new executive director of the Massachusetts Film Office, the Massachusetts Production Coalition (MPC), representing the region’s top media professionals, is eager and excited about lending its support to the reconstituted office and its new head.

The MPC, the organization that took the lead in getting the State’s aggressive tax incentive package made into law, views Paleologos as an ideal leader for the Massachusetts Film Office and looks forward to together, supporting the region’s growing production community.

“Nick is perfect for the position in many ways,” says Joe Maiella, head of the MPC. “As an award-winning producer he has the strong production experience necessary to understand what resources Massachusetts needs to be able to provide. And as a successful former State legislator he knows how the State’s local politics and communities work and has the vision and personality to navigate them. Most importantly, like the MPC and its members, he’s passionate about seeing more film and television production take place in the State.”

Word of Paleologos’ hiring has spread quickly through the MPC’s ranks with many members lauding his significant track record in local politics and the entertainment industry. Chris O’Donnell, the MPC’s 1st Vice President commented on the possibilities that Paleologos presents to the State. “With Nick at the helm of the Film Office, coupled with the State’s tax incentives, Massachusetts is poised to experience significant growth in the film and television production sector. That can literally translate to millions in revenue for the state and hundreds if not thousands of jobs and economic opportunities for its citizens.”

In the coming weeks, the MPC has plans to formally welcome Nick Paleologos to the film and television production community it represents. The MPC is also anticipating working closely with the new Film Office to attract more film and television production to the Commonwealth. “We’ve worked closely with Richard Krezwick and the State’s Sports & Entertainment Commission in the past and will work closely with Nick Paleologos going forward, all in a concerted effort to attract more production and make Massachusetts a force in the film and television production industry,” says Maiella.

The Massachusetts Film Office

Members of the Massaachusetts film industry gathered yesterday morning in downtown Boston to celebrate the announcements of this years oscar nominees. But it wasn’t Oscar that most pleased the assembled crowd–it was the fact that they were there at an official event of the new Massachusetts Film Office–and had the opportunity to celebrate the new Massachusetts Film Office logo. Here is a portion of the remarks made by Richard Krezwick, Managing Director of the Massachusetts Sports and Entertainment Commission:

On Building a Filmmaking Community

There are great things stirring in the film and video community in Boston. A new sense of purpose and excitement–a sense of community and a willingness to take a chance that the community might indeed bring about change for the good of us all.

Change and growth are evident everywhere– whether you look at the employment figures for folks in the film and video industry (yes folks, they are going UP for a change), or you look at the skyline in Boston as you come in on the Pike from the West (yes, the new WGBH building is almost DONE!).

Three weeks ago the Massachusetts Production Coaltion (MPC) hosted an event to explain the new tax incentives here in Massachusetts. As an added bonus, the new acting head of the Massachusetts Sports and Entertainment Commission- Richard Krezwick, came and gave us all a brief update on the status of the new film commission.

The members of the Alliance for Independent Motion Media continue to offer a variety of programs designed to bring the community together as well as provide access to professional development opportunities for all of the independent filmmaking comunity. Check out the website and sign up for the mailing list …