FIB reader Steve just sent me a link to this article in Crain’s NY: Fox’s hit show Fringe looks to leave NYC
In a nutshell, thanks to the economy being in the dumps, the money for the state tax incentives that brought so many productions to New York recently has dried up, and the state legislature isn’t planning on deciding the plan’s fate until April at the earliest. But waiting that long won’t wait for most productions. According to the article, shows like Fringe, Damages, and Life on Mars are making plans to move if the issue isn’t settled very soon. They can’t afford to stay without the tax incentives, and moving these huge productions to another city takes time – they have to make their decisions very soon.
This would be devastating to the local filming economy. Not only would local crew members lose their jobs, but all of the businesses that the productions support would be hurt also. Some film workers have started a petition to try to help save their jobs. You can read and sign it here: Save New York State’s TV and Film Tax Credits
Originally posted on Filming In Brooklyn
8 responses so far ↓
1 neigborhood threat // Feb 12, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Selfishly I would like my neighborhood and my parking back. however, i would not be glad for my friends in the industry.
i would like these productions to put a little more cash into the neighborhoods they exploit.
2 Nathan // Feb 12, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I can tell you of five TV pilots that were planning to shoot here that have pulled out since the Tax Credit isn’t being renewed.
3 Teddy // Feb 12, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Unfortunately, with hospitals closing, our transit system falling apart & teachers/state workers getting laid off, Albany has higher priorities at the moment. I know it sucks for people in the film biz, but that’s the economic reality.
If Albany doesn’t renew it, I’m sure they will when the economy improves, hopefully next year. The films & TV shows will come back like they always do because this is New York. A lot of people today are savvy enough to know the difference between Toronto & the real New York.
4 Nathan // Feb 12, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Actually, in the long run, the Tax Credit generates revenue for the State, not the other way around. Ernst & Young recently completed a study showing that for every $1.00 credited, it generates $1.90 in revenues paid (in the form of sales, property and other taxes paid by suppliers and employees of the projects in question.)
Also, the way the law was written, (the formula for when Producers realize the credits), the credits being paid for shows in Production now will be spread out until 2013. The State takes in the money long before it “credits” (i.e. refunds it) to the productions.
The credit never actually costs the State a dime (even in the form of money to be recouped later).
5 Nathan // Feb 12, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Oh, and savvy enough to know the difference between NY and Toronto doesn’t translate into Producers giving a shit. I’m working on two different Pilots right now that will each shoot 2-3 days in NY and the remainder in Toronto.
6 Tracy // Feb 13, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Nathan, as always, I’m glad you’re here to give the industry side of a situation, & explain the exact details of the tax credit program.
I think it would be a huge loss for the city & the state for shows & movies to leave. As you said Nathan, there are the sales & property taxes, as well as income taxes. Then there’s all the equipment rental companies, etc. And of course all the actors & crew members who would be out of work.
Selfishly, I love the look & feel of shows & movies actually filmed in NY. You can tell the difference, nothing can substitute for it.
Amy, thanks for reporting this, & great comment that you left on the article itself.
7 NYS Tax Incentives For Filming Still Lack Funding // Feb 20, 2009 at 7:00 am
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