Boston Herald Editorial
Friday, May 18, 2007
Two thumbs-up to state officials who now recognize that they can play more than a cameo role in drawing big-screen blockbusters to film in the Bay State.
Building on the success of a 2005 initiative, Gov. Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Sal DiMasi yesterday announced agreement on a bill that would expand the tax incentives that are currently made available to film producers who shoot in the Bay State.
Who knows? Maybe they’re angling for bit parts in the next “Pink Panther” movie (which now has a better shot at filming here).
More likely they’re just heeding the advice of the state’s new film czar, Nick Paleologos, that to realize the greatest economic benefit the state must attract bigger-budget features.
And to do that we must compete with states that are more proactive . . . and that can easily be made to look like Massachusetts.
The bill increases the percentage of a film’s payroll that qualifies for a tax credit from 20 to 25 percent, and continues to allow a 25 percent credit for other production costs. It also lifts the $7 million cap on overall credits, leveling the playing field with Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The swift action speaks well of Paleologos’ connections both in La-La Land (the changes were recommended to him directly by film producers) and on Beacon Hill. What a difference having a grownup in charge makes.