Our country’s stunning and tragic loss of space shuttle Columbia and its magnificent crew of seven hit just as we were going to print with this issue of IMAGINE. We had just caught our breath after a difficult 2002, and had just begun to celebrate the bright beginnings and joys promised or hoped for in 2003. I take some solace in that I know each astronaut perished while they were living what they loved. They were imaginative and creative individuals who were dedicated to their mission. It is now our duty to be certain these brave men and women did not lose their precious lives in vain. The loss is untold, incomprehensible, unfathomable; we mourn for them, for the grief of their families and loved ones, and the pain our nation’s people must once again endure.
Again I’m wishing for that giant eraser to rub out the alarming few minutes NASA lost contact with Columbia; the time that became a horrific reality. I want to rewind the clock. The task of rebuilding our spirits after the 9/11 terrorists attacks will be temporarily on hold as we suffer through this shock to our systems.
When my heart is heavy, I find my work and focus even harder to reach its goals. In my own way I’m hoping my efforts will ease some suffering, make something better, revitalize standards and protocols we might otherwise have lost along the way. We are grappling with an economy that has provided challenges to our industry not seen in over a decade when the mass exodus of film and movie production, along with much of its accompanying talent and technology, moved first to Canada and then to other parts of the world. So, I ask myself today if I am doing everything I can do to right my own industry’s boat, which now appears to be floating around in a sea of dread, denial, and uncertainty.
It’s important now to re-launch our visions and renew our spirits. In Massachusetts what can we do to get a state supported film office reconstituted on some scale? The political climate has changed. New Governor Mitt Romney believes in bringing business to this great state. How can we help the Governor jump-start the economy in the current vacuum? We can tell him and our legislators what we need.
Business development for this industry needs a state sponsored telephone number that is answered by a real person who understands the industry. We need a liaison from the State who can assist permitting and the previous commitment to fee free locations for state-owned properties. We need a website that interested parties around the world can access through our state government that addresses locations, local talent and crew depth, equipment, production and post production capabilities. We need someone who can represent hospitality for housing, and facilitate transportation, food, security and emergency. We need to address tax and production incentives for those who might choose to come here. We need tax relief for those who have already invested here, the industry businesses that in order to compete with our neighboring states start out with a 5% deficit to sales taxes alone on every bid they make. And finally, we require outreach, marketing, and attraction just like the bio-medical, high-tech, insurance and educational entities.
This is a good list. I believe we could get a good start with 3 – 5 items, a jump-start if we can get them all.
Meeting these needs means we can keep talented and creative people that the Commonwealth has already invested in through our outstanding educational and professional institutions, right here so they can write their stories, practice their talents, skills and crafts, do business and keep paying taxes in Massachusetts, not in New York or California! Investing with the kind of potential return this business provides is good business for The State and its cities.
Economic development that supports this industry means broadening and increasing the tax base for The Commonwealth. That’s revenue! Economic development and outreach for our industry supported by the state also means the most elevated form of “tourism” in the State. Moviemaking “tourists” from other states and parts of the world spend more money, remain in the state longer, use more services, hire more locals and pay more taxes than any other set of tourists. We must reopen a door for them.
Increased revenues for the State at this time make up the new Governor’s vision for the Commonwealth. Working to bring commercial work and moviemakers to Massachusetts means that we have more money to spend on education, healthcare and infrastructure, while it means the Commonwealth will need to spend less money on healthcare and unemployment.
This is not a difficult connection to make. Now it is our job to be certain our voice is heard and that we find the right people to advance our vision and a sensible economic development plan. It is not difficult to compute the sensibility of attracting commercial and movie work. It is estimated that MYSTIC RIVER provided 1300 man-days for extras and background players alone. That’s the equivalent of more than 4.5 years work for an individual jammed into a little more than two months shooting time and represents only the tip of the iceberg for local hires. The production spent an estimated $22 million in Massachusetts. All of which is destined to end up in the treasuries of cities and the state, ultimately. And what they take away is a very good image of us for the entire world to see. We couldn’t afford to buy that! And our local professionals that made that happen need to be congratulated.
It’s good business to grow the economy through our industry. That’s how we get out of debt and provide opportunity for our citizens. It’s also how we entice more tourism and industry to our region
I did get to do some wonderful things since my last TAKE TWO that included seeing friend, writer, attorney and producer’s rep, Mark Litwak at a Harvard Dudley House Lecture and traveling to New Orleans for NATPE 2003 pitching product and ideas. I was present at the swearing in ceremony for the House of Representatives at the State House and noted with great glee that the commemorative program for the day cited, “Steven Spielberg’s AMISTAD and, more recently, former Secretary of State, James Michael Connolly’s A GENTLEMAN FROM BOSTON, include scenes filmed in the House Chamber.” Obviously, someone in Massachusetts believes filmmaking is important to our well-being, heritage and culture.
Attending the Grand Opening Party for High Output, Inc. and Charles River Studios at their new home in Canton, MA demonstrated further the wisdom of industry investment here. Congratulations to Jim Hirsch, John Cini, and Bob Hirsch for this achievement and a marvelous party. I was also delighted to be included for two kick-off parties at the Charles Hotel. First for the celebration of the Brattle Theatre’s Fiftieth year as a movie theatre at Noir (special events begin February 16 with the Bugs Bunny Film Festival), and the media kick-off party for the Charles Hotel Jazz Festival in their lovely Regatta Bar.
My highlight is the wonderful turnout for the Imagine Winter Jazz Party at Tom Kershaw’s Jazz Café in Faneiul Hall. The evening was filled with wonderful and talented people getting together for a really good time of it even though it was bloody cold and some had a 3 AM call for MONA LISA SMILE. Many came to Boston for the party from Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine. See the whole story and a photo page in this issue and visit our website to see more.
Soon it will be Valentine’s Day. I send my love to everyone and hope Governor Mitt Romney, Speaker Finneran, Senate President Travaglini, and Mayor Thomas Menino will be our industry’s special Valentines this year!
Carol Patton,
Publisher