Hello Darling. How are you? Still working off a bit of that Holiday fuzz? Trying to get back in the swing of things? Yeah, I know what you mean. Anyway, enough of that. Question; have you ever had one of those moments where you want to throw your hands up in the air and say “fuck it” then run away, far, far away from LA? .. No? Just me? Ok, fine. I guess that I’m writing this article for myself then.
In all seriousness (or as serious as I am capable of being), pursuing an entertainment career outside of Los Angeles (or any of the Big City players like New York or Chicago), is becoming more and more of plausible idea. Especially with the mass exodus of film and television production that has been happening within the last handful of years. (A survey in 2012 found that California lost $3 billion in wages from 2004 to 2011 because of film and TV production moving to other states and countries… OOF.) For most people, it’s not even “escapism” that’s the primary motivator in making this move. A lot of industry peeps (especially actors) choose to make this change of location, even if just temporary, to build credits/experience at a much faster rate. Think about it; big fish in a small pond. … mmm.. Sushi.
So this got my little brain-hamster spinning in his cage. *IF* I were to pack that suitcase and drive off into the sunset… er.. sunrise, where would I go? I needed to do some research. SO! Off to the internets I went!
Obviously there are TONS of options out there in this great “Land of Opportunity” but, today I’m sticking with the top 5 that, for whatever reason, were of interest to me. (It’s my article, I can do what I want. If you wanted this personalized, you should have spoken up during the first paragraph) I’ll try not to bog this down with a bunch stats and facts. I wouldn’t want to get TOO informative.
* Louisiana
In 2010, Shreveport-Bossier ranked # 4 in motion picture industry growth by Business Facilities Magazine. In New Orleans alone, there are currently 270 projects being cast right now. (Keep in mind that this number does include background and non-paying work) During the course of 2011, 44 movies and 9 TV series filmed in the state. Don’t forget about the mind-blowing New Orleans music scene… and the Beignets.
* Portland, Oregon
Leverage, Grimm, and Portlandia all film there. Some of Oregon’s recently filmed bigger movies include; Gone, Paranorman, Ghost Mine, Shiver, and Wild (that new Reese Witherspoon movie) Bonus; The Goonies was filmed in Astoria, Oregon. “Hey you guuuuuys!”. You can finally break out those suspenders with the birds stitched on them, and strut around town with confidence. Plus, I hear that they have good fish.
* Texas (Austin/Dallas)
One of the tax incentives for productions include cash grants of up to 22.5% (for qualifying projects). In 2011, 15 TV shows filmed in the Lone Star State. And it seems like a state that reaches out to the film industry and wants to create a successful relationship. This is a snippet from the states website: “Texas Film Commission’s Film Friendly Texas program provides training and ongoing guidance on how communities can effectively work with on-location filming, putting their best foot forward in marketing their resources to film, television, commercial and still photo projects.” Of course they could be blowing smoke up my bum. I have no idea. I know that we all know about the BBQ and the chilli… but, don’t forget about the higher concentration of cowboys/girls. Amiright?
* New Mexico
Every year New Mexico Allocates 50 million buckaroos specifically for productions that film in its purdy lil’ state. (But it’s a first come, first serve bases. So, all you pre-production people need to plan that shit out) Also, it’s a 25% refundable film tax credit. That ain’t too shabby. There were over 13 big-ish movies (meaning; not including all of the indy films) that filmed there in 2013. Including the upcoming ABC mini-series Killer Women. Side note: apparently Albuqurque is a very bike friendly town. And, don’t worry, it’s a “dry heat”.
* Georgia
There are currently 359 projects casting in Atlanta. (Not “now” but, at the time that I wrote this. I’m not a time traveler) And there were 333 productions shot in the state in 2012. Among the current television productions are Vampire Diaries, Drop Dead Diva, and Walking Dead. So you know that Georgians are very “living dead” friendly. How progressive. And bonus points: my new baby niece lives in GA. That might not be an incentive for you, but it should be. She’s the cat’s pajamas.
OK. Now, write in to tell me about all the wonderful other options I neglected to mention. Or to debate that instead of playing along with the current trend of abandoning this great state of California, we should take up arms and fight to keep the industry afloat. Either way, I want to hear your voice. It’s kind of sexy when you get all worked up.
Sources:
http://www.mpaa.org/policy/state-by-state
http://governor.state.tx.us/film
http://www.georgia.org/industries/entertainment/georgia-film-tv-production/facts/