For Immediate Release
Contact:
Lisa Simmons, Director of Communications
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Sports & Film
617-973-8508
lisa.simmons@state.ma.us
PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES’ R.I.P.D. TO BEGIN IN MASSACHUSETTS THIS SEPTEMBER
R.I.P.D., starring Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges, to create local jobs and economic activity within the Commonwealth
BOSTON – Monday, August 22, 2011 – The Patrick-Murray Administration’s Massachusetts Film Office (MFO) today announced that R.I.P.D., a supernatural action-adventure from Universal Pictures, will begin principal photography in Massachusetts this September and that production will occur entirely in the Commonwealth. Through early 2012, the project will create jobs and significant economic activity while boosting the state’s growing film industry.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and versatile locations the Commonwealth has to offer,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Top producers and filmmakers, like Universal, are recognizing Massachusetts as a great place to grow the industry.”
“Creating jobs is a top priority for our administration, and this film comes at the right time,” said Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray. “The length and scope of this large production will leverage increased job opportunities for Massachusetts residents and also increased revenues for area businesses within the Commonwealth.”
As part of the effort to grow the Massachusetts film industry, create more jobs and increase revenue for local businesses and services, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki traveled with union officials to Los Angeles in February to meet with studio and film executives, including those at NBCUniversal. Following Secretary Bialecki’s visit, NBCUniversal executives met with Lieutenant Governor Murray in Massachusetts. These meetings, along with the recent appointment of film industry veteran Lisa Strout as MFO director, helped to convey that the Commonwealth is an ideal place for Hollywood to invest and that the state is prepared for increased film and television activity.
Since January 2011, when the Administration and Legislature moved the film office under the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), three major feature films have come to the Commonwealth. Many other projects are currently considering Massachusetts for future productions.
R.I.P.D., which will be released in theaters on June 28, 2013, stars Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges as two undead police officers dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect the world from an increasingly destructive array of creatures who refuse to move peacefully to the other side. R.I.P.D. is directed by Robert Schwentke (Red) and produced by Neal H. Moritz (the Fast and Furious series, I Am Legend), Michael Fottrell (the Fast and Furious series, Live Free or Die Hard) and Mike Richardson (Hellboy, Hellboy II: The Golden Army).
“Universal’s R.I.P.D. will put hundreds of local craftspeople and technicians to work,” said Chris O’Donnell, Business Manager of I.A.T.S.E. Local 481. “While creating the sets, lighting, costumes and all that it will take to make this film, this talented workforce will earn very good wages and receive health and retirement benefits for themselves and their families.”
“We are grateful to Universal for partnering with the Commonwealth in this valuable opportunity,” said MFO Director Lisa Strout. “It is a chance to prove that we can handle any size, type and genre of film and that we have world-class crew, talent and business bases.”
MovieMaker magazine recently ranked Boston the No. 1 city in the country to film, a highly coveted distinction. Additionally, several Massachusetts-based films received Golden Globe and Academy Award honors this past awards season. From 2006, when the film tax law went into effect, to 2009 local production activity increased significantly, generating $161.2 million in new revenues, creating more than 1,800 new jobs and marketing the state to national and international audiences. MOTT and the MFO remain committed to ensuring Massachusetts is a choice destination for film, commercial and advertising investment and maximizing the return on investment of the film tax credit program.
About the MFO
The Massachusetts Film Office is the official state agency charged with assisting movie making in Massachusetts. It is located at 10 Park Plaza, Boston—within the Mass. Office of Travel + Tourism. Lisa Strout, Director. Phone # 617-973-8400 Website: www.mafilm.org
About MOTT
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state’s economy, tourism generates more than $915 million in state and local taxes and $14.4 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,500 in-state jobs. www.massvacation.com