As in the rest of the United States, the New England Region is feeling the effects of the pending Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike. Production has slowed in light of the stalemate over contract talks between the SAG and the studios' bargaining agent. Ask any film commissioner in New England and they will tell you that production has been alarmingly sluggish. Nonetheless, New England’s positive attributes have always kept filmmakers. After all, the region now has some of the country’s strongest incentive packages. And, as a state like Vermont shows, the region also has incredibly well-preserved, natural landscapes — waiting to be explored.

Connecticut

Connecticut’s Digital Media & Motion Picture Tax Credit undoubtedly makes this state one of the most financially competitive in the region. Under the program, eligible productions may receive a tax credit of up to 30 percent of qualified digital media and motion picture production, preproduction, and postproduction expenses incurred within the state. This applies to motion pictures, documentaries, music videos, video games — you name it. Since July 2007, any production company producing one of the qualified productions within the state can qualify for this tax credit on qualified expenses, as long as expenses exceed $50,000.

In addition to its impressive tax credit, Connecticut offers a sensible hotel tax exemption, allowing productions whose hotel occupancy extends past 30 days to avoid paying a 12 percent hotel tax. They also offer a terrific property tax exemption for any equipment used in production. With these incentives alone, the state is an alluring destination for any variety of production team. “There has been an estimated half billion dollars of film production spending in Connecticut since the tax incentive legislation went into effect in July 2006,” says George Norfleet, director of the film division of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism.

Norfleet is feeling optimistic about the state’s new Film Industry Training Program, which began statewide this past July. The program aims to train Connecticut residents seeking the skills to work in the state’s film industry, ideally establishing a highly-skilled in-state film workforce. Classes will be given by industry professionals at three institutions throughout the state: Norwalk Community College, Middlesex Community College, and Quinnipiac University. By strengthening the workforce of the state’s burgeoning film industry, Norfleet hopes that Connecticut will provide even further incentives for producers looking for their next location. “It’s definitely going to bolster our in-state workforce. Preparing residents for potential Union membership is important; it will allow them to take part in the growing film industry.” Norfleet is confident in the strength of Connecticut’s “very comprehensive legislation.” 

 With a brilliant tax credit program and growing crew base, Connecticut is a force to be reckoned with, not only in New England, but also throughout the whole country. The locations aren’t too shabby either. Beautiful colonial cityscapes, scenic coastal lines, and quiet suburban settings have kept productions, from big studio projects to smaller independent undertakings, coming to the state for years. “We are all very jazzed about the future,” says Norfleet. It’s not hard to see why.