Production News Weekly – Below the Line

FilmLA: 2019 Television Report

October 26, 2019 Staff Comments Off

Prepared by its research division, FilmLA has released a new report that offers an overview of the current production landscape for U.S. based television series and TV projects. The report also assesses some of the trends shaping series production across broadcast, cable and digital networks. During the 2018-19 development cycle, a total of 465 live-action scripted series were available for viewing for the domestic market (467 in 2017-18). FilmLA also […]

FilmLA: On-Location Production Falls In Third Quarter

October 25, 2019 Staff Comments Off

According to new data recently published by FilmLA, the overall on-location filming in Greater Los Angeles has declined 5.2 percent from July through September. A total of 9,226 Shoot Days (SD) were logged during that period. While the third quarter of 2018 saw local filming attain near-record highs, the same period this year delivered declines in on-location feature film, television and commercial production. Only the TV Comedy category and “Other” […]

Austin Film Scene Keeps Plugging Along Nicely

March 14, 2018 Paul Tenebrini Comments Off

State-sponsored film incentives are a big driver of the entertainment industry these days. Georgia and Louisiana in particular have beefed up their programs, luring big projects away from states that have curbed their enthusiasm – like Texas. While the lack of incentives may have scared off big-budget projects, incentives aren’t the end-all and be-all for Texas film success. Smaller budget, yet influential filmmakers like Richard Linklater, continue to tell […]

Much More TV Scheduled To Shoot in New Orleans Including Amazon

March 14, 2018 Paul Tenebrini Comments Off

The crowd of TV folks shooting series in New Orleans is about to get even more crowded. Two new pilot projects, one from ABC, and the other from CBS and Warner Bros’ CW network, as well as an Amazon miniseries are setting up shop in town this spring. Read more at http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2018 /03/tv_series_shooting_in_new_orleans_ 03092018.html

Production News Weekly March 14, 2018 Hollywood South Is Back

March 14, 2018 Paul Tenebrini Comments Off

To my surprise, I have noticed over the last few weeks a resurgence of film and TV production heading back to Louisiana, in particular New Orleans. Not only have I seen an increase in production, but have also seen projects originally slated for Georgia now moving to Louisiana. It doesn’t hurt that some in the film and TV industry are calling for a boycott of the Peach State over […]

Ohio Plans To Increase Motion Picture Tax Credit

March 7, 2018 Paul Tenebrini Comments Off

A new bill before the Ohio General Assembly would more than double the state’s Motion Picture Tax Credit. Currently at $40 million per year, the credit would increase to $100 million annually under House Bill 525. The state legislature doubled it from $20 million in June 2016. If passed this will make Ohio one of the most competitive states in the country. Read more: https://www.wcpo.com/entertainment/ohio-general-assembly-considers-increasing-states-motion-picture-tax-credit

Detroit Rapper Big Sean Is Just Getting Started

March 7, 2018 Paul Tenebrini Comments Off

Sean “Big Sean” Anderson announced plans last week to build a revolutionary entertainment venue in his hometown that would house 10-12 movie screens as well as space for cultural events. He and his best friend, Lawrence Lamont, who has directed several of his videos, have started a film production company called Great Lakes Pictures. The duo hopes to follow the trail left by F. Gary Gray, the iconic […]

Production News Weekly March 7, 2018 Milwaukee Throws Hat In Ring!

March 7, 2018 Paul Tenebrini Comments Off

With a resurgence of film and TV production happening in the Midwest, filmmaker John Ridley, who won an Oscar for his adapted screenplay 12 Years A Slave, is taking over a building in what is known as the Pabst Brewery Complex in Milwaukee to create a creative hub for artists in his hometown. No Sudios, a 40,000 square foot building, will become a home to artists who want to create […]

Production News Weekly Feb. 28, 2018: A Banner Year For The U.K.

February 28, 2018 Paul Tenebrini Comments Off

The last couple of weeks, I have noticed an increase in film and tv production in the U.K. 2017 was a banner year for film and TV production in the United Kingdom, with spending hitting a record £2.84 billion ($4 billion) – an 11% increase from the previous year. With the quality of world-class studios, a talented workforce, VFX and production services, locations and a supportive tax regime, all […]

Portugal Launches New Bid To Lure Hollywood

February 28, 2018 Paul Tenebrini Comments Off

The government of Portugal is launching a new incentive program that is designed to lure more film, TV and streaming shoots from around the world. The new system is set to launch in March. Portugal’s incentive differs from other European programs in that it is a cash rebate, as opposed to a tax credit, and therefore would have a faster turnaround time. Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-portugal-europe-rebates-20180222-story.html