The pot of money used to lure film and television projects to the city is almost gone, but Mayor Michael Bloomberg is about to shoot a sequel.
The city is introducing legislation in Albany this week to extend the popular tax incentive program that began in 2005 to give a boost to an industry that pumps $5 billion a year into the local economy, officials told The Associated Press.
The initial 5 percent tax credit — on top of a state credit — was wildly successful in bringing millions of dollars worth of film and television business to the city, including the ABC comedy “Ugly Betty” and Jennifer Aniston’s upcoming movie, “The Baster.”
Many of those productions likely would have shot in Los Angeles or fled to other cities with tax incentive programs, faking New York City scenes on nondescript urban streets.
The city’s original tax incentive — $50 million for four years — was so attractive that the money dried up in about a year and had to be renewed in 2006.
Meanwhile, the state has also had to refill its fund and raised its 10 percent credit to 30 percent last year. The state just put another $350 million into its program last month.
The Bloomberg administration is proposing to extend the city’s program with some changes that will make the money last longer and work better for the industry, according to Katherine Oliver, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting.
“This an industry that chases tax incentive programs, and many other states across the country have adopted competing incentive programs,” Oliver said. “We feel to be competitive and keep the productions coming to New York, we need to revise and extend the program.”
Film and television productions are eligible for the credit if they do 75 percent of their work in the city and shoot for at least one day at a top production facility in it.
Under the new legislation, the city is proposing to offer a 4 percent credit, down from its original 5 percent. The state is still determining whether to renew its credit.
The city would provide $24 million per year through 2011 and would set a $250,000 cap for each film or episode of a TV series. Previously, there was no cap for the amount of money a production could get from the city.
Also, there is a limit to how long television shows can take advantage of the credit. A show can get the full 4 percent credit for three years, but in its fourth year that would go down to 3 percent, and down to 2 percent the following year.
The goal, Oliver said, is to tailor the credit to be more of an incentive to draw new productions to the city rather than a repeat source of funding for existing productions.
“When you just have a pool of money and no specifics about how to access that money, the pot runs out fairly quickly, and we’ve seen that happen several times,” she said. “It’s about bringing new business and retaining that business.”
Where The Buffalo Roam Signs Director Geordie Stephens For Spots and Branded Content
Production company Where The Buffalo Roam (WTBR) has signed director Geordie Stephens for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Stephens is known for his subtle performance-driven comedic style, emphasizing art direction, production design, and cinematography. Previously represented by Tool of North America, Bullitt and FANCY, Stephens has a commercial portfolio which includes such global brands as Mini Cooper, HP, Toyota, Bud Light, and Burger King. A former agency creative, Stephens transitioned to the director’s chair following a lengthy career on the agency side as a creative at Butler, Shine & Stern and CP+B Miami, among other shops.
PJ Koll, WTBR co-founder and executive producer, said of Stephens, “His expertise and talent perfectly complement our creative strengths, enhancing our ability to deliver at the highest level. We feel incredibly fortunate to have him join the herd.”
“When I met Tim [WTBR exec producer Pries] and PJ, we immediately hit it off,” added Stephens. “They’re super sharp, funny, and good people who have assembled a very interesting mix of talent with different skills. As a director, I’m always looking for simple human truths that everyone can relate to in a humorous and smart way. The Buffalo team specializes in the small wink, so they get my sense of humor and will give me the platform to keep pushing great work forward.”
During his advertising career, Stephens spearheaded campaigns for IKEA, Truth, Virgin Atlantic, Burger King, Sprite, and Volkswagen. His work also won top prizes at the Cannes Lions and Clios and has been honored by numerous One Show and AICP awards.
Raised in an artistic community in California’s Marin County by his writer-mother and... Read More