Posted on 01/25/2006 7:22:54 AM PST by LurkedLongEnough
(New London-WTNH, Jan. 24, 2006 4:29 PM) _ Move over Hollywood, Connecticut could soon be the next major player in the movie business. There's a growing movement to encourage filmmakers to call Connecticut home.
Stage fifteen at Sonalysts Studios in Waterford is where the courtroom scenes in the movie "Amistad" were filmed. It may be known for its sound stages used by many musicians and its animation department, but most of what Sonalysts does is for the defense industry, and it is hoping new state tax incentives will also boost its work in the film industry.
"It will give us an even playing field with the other states that are so close to us, Massachusetts and Rhode Island," says Jane Goldsmith.
Right now those making movies in the Ocean State get a twenty-five percent tax break based on their production costs. Many are hoping Connecticut can soon compete, especially with Utopia Studios and North Stonington Studios looking to set up shop here.
"You've got crews, you've got coffee shops, hardware stores, all the things that support their work," says Donna Simpson from the Eastern Regional Tourism District.
Up until now most people say there really was not an established film industry here in Connecticut, just individual movies made here and which have made some areas famous.
"We're a tourist destination now," says Robert Rustico from Mystic Pizza.
Even after eighteen years Mystic Pizza's star power keeps the crowds coming.
"Julia Roberts became huge and now people just want to come and see where she made her first movie," says Rustico.
Movies may get people to visit, but tourism officials say a movie studio will get people to stay.
"Then you're talking about permanent jobs, an anchor in a community that brings a synergy to doing that kind of work here," says Simpson.
And in Southeastern Connecticut, where they fought to save the subbase, they know what synergy is all about.
The state's Commission on Culture and Tourism says it supports tax incentive packages and expects proposals will be made when state lawmakers reconvene in February.
just what CT needs - another dying industry!
Ledyard does not have the same cachet as Las Vegas.
They could propose a film about two gay Puritans who are oppressed by an uncaring, heartless community. Or how about a story about two gay New England whalers who are oppressed by an uncaring, heartless community. That should bring them running.
They can film the remake of Raisin In The Sun in New Canaan.
What?
It was filmed in New Jersey???
You're kidding...
Hollywood has already butchered both of those classics (and two of my favorite books, I might add). Please don't encourage that gang to do it again.
Just dangle some 10-year-old boys in front of them and you'll have more than you ever wanted....
"They could propose a film about two gay Puritans who are oppressed by an uncaring, heartless community. Or how about a story about two gay New England whalers who are oppressed by an uncaring, heartless community. That should bring them running."
Cartman: No dude, independent films are those black and white hippie movies. They're always about gay cowboys eating pudding.
Wenday: No they're not. Independent films are produced outside the hollywood system. They're movies without all the glitch and glamour of Hollywood.
Cartman: Well, you show one independent film that isn't about gay cowboys eating pudding.
It's like the movie State and Main http://imdb.com/title/tt0120202/taglines
Bill Smith: It's Marty, he's on the coast.
Walt Price: On the coast? Of course he's on the coast, where would he be, The Hague?
Re do "Valley of the Dolls" in Redding Center
Last night I wave goodbye
Now its seems years
I'm back in the city
Where nothing is clear
But thoughts of me holding you
Bringing us near
And tell me
[Chorus:]
When will our eyes meet?
When can I touch you?
When will this strong Yankee end
And when will I hold you again
Time in New England
Took me away
To long rocky beaches
And you by the bay
We started a story
Whose end must now wait
And tell me
[Chorus]
I feel the change coming
I feel the wind blow
I feel brave and daring
I feel my blood flow
With you I could bring out
The kick Lieberman out fad
With you there's New Haven
So earth ain't so bad
And tell me
When will our eyes meet?
When can I touch you?
When will this strong Yankee end
And when will I hold you again.
(apologies to Manilow...and Connecticut, a beautiful state)
Connecticut ping!
Please Freepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent Connecticut ping list.
We Connecticut folks would have invited Hollywood much earlier, but we had a little eminant domain thang to work out first.
Ahh, the Whalers.
Best movie set in CT (IMO of course)? "The Ref". Denis Leary was hilarious in that one.
Hmm it may have been set in CT, but apparently was filmed in Canada. No wonder the town didn't look very familiar.
Filming Locations: Carlisle, Ontario, Canada| Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada| Oakville, Ontario, Canada| Oshawa, Ontario, Canada| Parkwood Estate, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada| Pickering, Ontario, Canada| Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Didja ever get that worked out???
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