Right now Massachusetts is hot to trot with lights, camera, and action. We know first hand how desirable the Bay State is with our endless talent pool, hot casting outlets, breath-taking views and landscapes to boot. Of course all these amenities lure Hollywood filmmakers to cruise the coast but let’s face it, the BENEFITS sway us to stay.
Hollywood filmmakers like Adam Sandler and Kevin James come back to Mass not only because our amenities are irresistible, but the benefits from the Massachusetts film and tax credit are ‘Grown Up.’ Everyone is looking for ways to save some green no matter who you are, so why wouldn’t filmmakers want to save and shoot on the beautiful Bay State?!
It was six years ago when the state first instituted a 25% tax incentive for film and television projects such as Grown Ups, and it was the Massachusetts Film Office who kept it sizzling.
But it’s a new year and a new face. This Monday, May 2nd, the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism will have their second briefing about the film and tax credit at the Dedham Community Theater located on 580 High Street in Dedham. And it’s open to the public.
We scored an exclusive chat with the house chair of the joint committee of Tourism and Arts Cultural Development, Rep Sarah Peake, to find out more about the agenda for the May 2nd gathering. “The purpose of it is that we have a lot of new committee members and there is generally a very strong support for the film tax credit. People have asked for some information about what we’re doing and wanting to make sure that things are working out with the consolidation, all under the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism,” Peake tells us.
“We expect to hear from the Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and from people who work in the industry. It will give the opportunity for the committee to gather information, learn more about the economic benefits for the Commonwealth, and understand how we as a committee might either, through legislation or otherwise, support the film industry in Massachusetts,” Peake adds.
Peake confirmed that Senator Donoghue, Betsy Wall, Executive Director of the MA Office of Travel & Tourism, and award-winning filmmaker Tug Yourgrau President of Powderhouse will all be in attendance. The committee will be touring Powderhouse when the meeting is adjourned.
“He invited us,” excitedly Rep Peake responded when we asked why the committee would be touring Powerhouse. She said she has never been through a production studio and was looking forward to it.
The tax and film briefing is open to the community on May 2nd at 10am over at the Dedham Community Theater. The public is welcome to listen but at this time there is no question & answer scheduled. The tour is only for the committee members.
Hollywood East Connection will be there and we know at least 40 members of the film and television community have confirmed with the New England Talent and Crew. Let’s find out what the Tourism Committee will be sizzling up for Hollywood East.
Hope to see you there!
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