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New York, NY (December 20, 2004): The Creative Coalition (TCC) commends the New York City Council for last week’s passage of The Empire State Film Production Credit, legislation aimed at stemming the outsourcing of film and television production from New York City. Under the new law, production companies are now allowed a 5% refundable tax credit, in addition to the 10% tax credit already offered by New York State, for filming any feature length film or television episode that spends 75% of its qualified production costs at a New York City stage.
Actor and The Creative Coalition Co-President Joe Pantoliano testified before the New York City Finance Committee two weeks ago. Mr. Pantoliano commented, “I applaud the entire New York City Council, Mayor Bloomberg, the New York Legislature, and Governor Pataki for their leadership on this issue and for taking the first step in combating runaway production in New York. The Empire State Film Production Credit is indeed an important first step, but it should not be our last step, we should be vigilant in identifying additional incentives to bring about a more vibrant film and television industry in New York.”
Actor/director and The Creative Coalition Co-President Tony Goldwyn echoed those sentiments. “We are very encouraged by the passing of this tax credit; however, we will continue to do more. We need to continue to make it financially viable to film in New York in order compete with other countries and even other states. With aggressive tax incentives we can keep jobs in New York City in the short term, and safeguard a vibrant film industry for generations to come,” said Mr. Goldwyn.
Stuart Match Suna, President of Silvercup Studios and Chairman of the The Creative Coalition’s New York Runaway Task Force commented, “This piece of legislation is good for all of New York City. Any number of our small businesses will reap the benefits. It is as much for our city’s dry cleaners, for our lumber yards, for our utilities – this is a tremendous and positive step toward investing in New York City’s economic future in the 21st century. This is a great win for the people of New York.”
Formed in 2003, The Creative Coalition’s New York Runaway Task Force is comprised of recognized community, business and entertainment industry leaders with a commitment to New York’s economic development issues. The Task Force continues to work in concert with a steering committee of key entertainment industry stakeholders – from both labor and business – to develop an economic analysis and various strategies to address the impact of loss of production on New York State. Members of The Creative Coalition New York Runaway Task Force include: Amy Robinson Productions, Con Edison, The County Chamber of Commerce, Westchester County, New York, The Durst Organization, Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz, Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, Hotel Association of New York City, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Miramax Films, The New York City Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting, New York Hotel Trades Council, New York State AFL-CIO, New York State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture & TV Development, Sachs Consulting, Screen Actors Guild, Silvercup Studios, Tribeca Enterprises, United Artists, and Westchester County Film Office.
The Creative Coalition is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition, headquartered in New York City, also has offices in Washington, DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates.