Film industry in Connecticut

The film industry in Connecticut, which previously consisted of small production companies making commercials, industrial films and some television programs, began growing dramatically as a state tax credit went into effect in 2006, attracting numerous filmmakers to shoot on location in the state.

The state's film tax-incentive program went into effect July 1, 2006 and immediately attracted film companies (many of them based in New York, New York) to shooting locations. Starting in August 2006, In Bloom (scheduled for release in 2008) became the first major, full-length film since "The Ice Storm" to be shot entirely in Connecticut. [ [http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-film1aug19,0,5884691,print.story "Thurman film first to receive state tax credits"] , article by Donna Porstner, "The Advocate" of Stamford, August 19, 2006, accessed August 20, 2006. The film was also shot at Norwalk Community College in August.]

The tax law allows producers who spend in excess of $50,000 in the state to receive up to 30 percent tax credits.Nash, Margo, [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/03topicct.html "Hollywood Finds a Match Made in Connecticut"] , article, "The New York Times", Connecticut section, June 3, 2007, accessed April 4, 2008]

"Connecticut is absolutely a prime filming location now due to the tax incentive program which makes the state very appealing", according to Ellen Woolf, project manager with the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, Film Division. Before the tax break went into effect, the state saw between $3 million and $6 million a year in filmaking revenue. In 2007, Woolf estimated, "we’ll probably be hitting the $300 million mark". [Caldwell, Maggie and Shea, Brian, "Hollywood comes to Wilton: Old Dogs to shoot in town tomorrow", article in "Wilton Bulletin", Wilton, Connecticut, August 9, 2007]

According to a "Variety" article, the state is among the "top five" best state tax incentive programs in the country, although the evaluation was said to be "far from an exact science". The article described the state's film presence over the previous two years as having "gone from nonentity to major player in the incentive game, and has offered further proof that film-related legislation has the ability to give local economies an immediate boost." It said there were seven "high-profile" features shooting in the state as of early 2008, including Andrew Jarecki's "All Good Things" with Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst, P. J. Hogan's "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and Sam Mendes' "Farlanders". [Ross, Matthew, [http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=print_story&articleid=VR1117985361&categoryid=-1 "Rebates are blooming in these states: The top five film incentive packages in the U.S."] , "Variety", May 8, 2008, retrieved June 1, 2008]

Film Division of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism

The Film Division was created to promote Connecticut as a filming location and help production companies making films in the state. The agency's activities include: [Web page titled "About the Film Division" at the Web site of the Film Division of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, accessed August 16, 2007]

* Supporting production for film, television and other media industries
* Promoting the state as a location for films, television shows, commercials, magazine and photo shoots
* Publishing an online "Production Guide Directory"
* Maintaining a photo gallery and database for filming locations
* Promoting the state's production companies, studios, service companies, and professionals
* Serving as a liaison between the industry and Connecticut municipalities to secure film permits

ee also

*List of films shot in Stamford, Connecticut

Notes

External links

* [http://www.cultureandtourism.org/cct/taxonomy/taxonomy.asp?DLN=43458&cctNav=%7C43458%7C&CCTNAV_GID=1637 Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, Film Division]