Archive for May 28th, 2009

Join us tomorrow for an interview with Clay Frey, a local financial planner turned movie producer. Clay is talking about his B horror movie Dead On Site. We’re going to talk about the process, ups and downs and Tucson’s film industry.

At one time Tucson had vibrant film industry. It started during the popularity of the classic westerns and carried over to films into the 80′s, that I grew up with, like Can’t Buy Me Love. For a full listing HERE.

Southern Arizona had an entire industry of film trades people that  movie and television production crews could tap into for the next TV miniseries or feature film. Within an hour of Tucson a production could be in saguaro forests or tall pined mountain tops.  The scenic back drops are incredible.

With the arrival  of film production companies came a lot of money. They hire local actors and behind the scene support personnel. They stay in area hotels and eat at local restaurants.

Even with great scenic locations, close proximity to L.A. and the creative talent needed, the film industry migrated away. New Mexico is where most of the productions and talent is now. NM went on a major buying spree for all types industries. Their plan to attract business came at a price. We are seeing now how New Mexico may have overstepped things a bit, which eventually lead to improprieties and scandals big enough to keep Gov. Richardson out of the Obama cabinet. Whether or not New Mexico’s investment will pay off remains to be seen.

We did a complete story on our local film history HERE a few months back.

The biggest hurdle facing Arizona’s film industry revolves around the structure of tax credits given to production companies to entice them to choose Arizona.

Just like spring training baseball stadiums that used to cost $28m and have now escalated to $125m, the stakes in the film industry have risen dramatically. Like many other economic incentives the community that offers the most money gets the business. Arizona has tried to implement a tax credit program but New Mexico issued a better one. Last year only $8m out of the total possible of $50m was claimed. The issue has to do with the amounts and levels of payouts as compared to competing states.  It may not be the right year to sweeten the offering given our states financial mess but it’s going to take some work.

CEO, Bill Harris of Science Foundation Arizona

Commentary from this weeks Arizona Illustrated – HERE