OPENING DOORS FOR FILM IN MASSACHUSETTS

**By Laura Bernieri**

Having been appointed on November 4, 2004 as Executive Director of Film and Entertainment of the MSEC (Mass. Sports and Entertainment Commission), Mark Drago is now the Go-To-Guy for film and commercials in the state. He has a tremendous network of people from his past positions as advance man for Governors Weld and Cellucci. He knows how to cut through the bureaucracy to get things done. Like when he freed up 500 parking spaces at Logan Airport on short notice for the Farrelly brothers' crew on their Drew Barrymore-Jimmy Fallon starrer FEVER PITCH; or when he secured an MBTA car with less than 24 hours notice for a commercial shoot enabling Red Tree Productions to keep their production from leaving the state.

"I'm working with film executives, locally and nationally, in this important revenue-generating arena, to ensure they have everything they require to successfully complete their projects," says Drago. "My passion is, and always has been, people and building relationships. Some people invest in assets. I have chosen to invest in people throughout my career. The rate of return grows exponentially, not only in terms of the friendships I have made along the way, but also the business opportunities I have helped foster for the organizations of which I have been a part."

Well, because Senate President Robert Travaglini and Speaker of the House Salvatore DiMasi have crowned him, and we need someone who is blessed by Beacon Hill. His office and his mandate have the support of Governor Romney. "Mark is the ideal person to spearhead the Commonwealth's efforts to secure world-class film projects for Massachusetts," says Travaglini. "His leadership and proven ability make him the perfect choice for this position."

One of a film commissioner's most important roles is to juggle complicated logistics and work with city and state officials. Mark Drago can call upon his wealth of contacts from years of public service to facilitate film production. His first order of business is opening doors.

During the Democratic National Convention, Drago facilitated the shooting of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." Drago is currently pitching New Hampshire native and Emerson graduate Adam Sandler to make a film in Massachusetts. On a trade mission to Los Angeles, Governor Cellucci and Drago met with Jerry Weintraub, producer of OCEAN'S ELEVEN and OCEAN'S TWELVE, at his estate in Malibu. "These are the types of relationships I hope to build on. They are very important for Massachusetts. Producers have the power to determine where they want to film. They have choices when they determine what state to shoot their film in. I will work tirelessly to make Massachusetts that choice."

State House Majority Whip Representative Tom Petrolati, one of our biggest supports and advocates for the film community in the House, attests, "Mark has been instrumental in bringing all parties - the House, the Senate, and the unions - together for one common purpose. It's all a work in progress, but he's shown us how important it is to make filming in Massachusetts viable again." Petrolati cites the astounding success Drago has had enticing and producing world-class events like working with the Deutche Bank Championship, Sail Boston 2000, the Ryder Cup, the NHL All-Star Game and the CHEERS reunion. Looking at a chart of past televised sporting event successes, one is impressed by the attendance and even more, the economic impact that Drago can boast of: World Cup Soccer and NCAA Women's Final Four.

**Mark Drago, with music recording artists Brandy and JC Chasez in Palm Springs CA.** *Photo courtesy of MSEC.*

Patte Papa, director of the Boston Film Office, which facilitates all film production in the city, says, "Mark and I are each others eyes and ears. We talk on a weekly if not daily basis when tracking or scouting a film."
Drago emphasizes, "We're looking to create a user-friendly atmosphere in Massachusetts. We are in the process of creating a new production guide. We're getting the Mass film industry back up to speed - basically starting from scratch because of the current economic climate. But I want everyone to know that Massachusetts is open for film business. We intend to take a delegation to Los Angeles. L.A. is waiting for us."

During his tenure in the governor's office, Drago went on trade missions to Europe and Asia to state the advantages of doing business in the Commonwealth. This experience - marketing the Commonwealth - translates perfectly into showcasing the state to filmmakers. That so many prominent people from around the globe have attended colleges or universities here is a benefit. They like the European feel of Boston. They like the fact that it is provincial, a walking city with the Esplanade, the Charles River, the Public Garden, the architecture, the history. Add to that the Cape and the islands, the quaint western towns like Williamstown, Northampton, Lenox, Great Barrington and many underutilized places in between.

As John Connolly, National President of American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), who represents 80,000 performers, broadcast journalists, recording artists and other professionals, wrote to Drago in his November 10th letter: "Film and television production represents an exciting growth opportunity for Massachusetts. It promises good jobs not just for actors and production crews but also those who provide the many support services a film production requires. However, if Massachusetts is to attract more television and film work, it must be economically competitive. Massachusetts has to compete not only with other states but also with other countries like Canada where much production has drifted in recent years, attracted by generous incentives and lower costs. A comprehensive tax incentive package for filmmakers will level the playing field and help attract a wide range of film and television projects to the Commonwealth."

**Mark Drago and Mekhi Phifer, credits include ER, 8 MILE, and DAWN OF THE DEAD.** *Photo courtesy of MSEC.*

"In my dealings with Mark, I've found him to be very inclusive," says Executive Director of AFTRA/SAG Boston Dona Sommers. "I've met with him on numerous occasions where we have discussed issues that are important to our members. My hope would be that he would build on that model and expand it - reaching out and including all aspects of our industry so that his efforts are truly reflective of what our community wants and needs."

Drago understands that commercials represent a critical piece of the production puzzle. He worked jointly with State Lottery officials to keep its commercials, some of which had been shot out of state, routed through a Massachusetts company to keep jobs here. Mark Hanky of Picture Park, a major production house of commercials and independent features, says, "I'm excited to work with Mark. He brings a fresh approach and great energy to a very important position at a crucial time."

Says Bill Weld, "Mark was a great asset to my office when I was governor. He's a real professional. He has tremendous interpersonal skills, integrity, and ability to work with diverse constituencies. Above all, he's dependable."

Laura Bernieri is a Boston-based producer whose father Jack Carlson, as head of Division of Capital Planning for Governor Dukakis, allocated space in the Transportation Building for the Mass. Film Office in 1986.