Written by Tom Deehan on Feb 3, 2016. Posted in General Interest

New direct flights from Buffalo to LAX set to boost the US film industry

The airline company JetBlue have announced plans to open up a direct flight from Buffalo, New York to LAX. While the company currently offers a variety of flights from Buffalo to parts of California, this new transport link is expected to have a major impact on both the Californian and New York film industry.

It has, until now been really onerous. It has been a huge commitment of time to try to get out to the West Coast.

Dottie Gallagher-Cohen, President and CEO of the Buffalo-Niagara Partnership

Tim Clark of the Buffalo-Niagara Film Commission explains: “that'll be a huge help because very often we hear that the trip to Buffalo is often weary… the first guy [to respond] within minutes was actor Bill Fichtner, who is excited about maybe doing a movie here in the next year or so. That's going to play a lot into his budget.”

In making the announcement on February 3^rd, Senator Charles Schumer added: “I’ve learned over the years that good transportation is key to bringing jobs here.”

While Buffalo-Niagara Partnership President and CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen noted: “it has, until now been really onerous. It has been a huge commitment of time to try to get out to the West Coast. I think for existing businesses, they're going to be rejoicing.”

Both New York and California are famed hot spots for filming, as they offer film friendly locations with up with 30% and 20% in tax credits respectively. Between them they have serviced productions including Ted 2, The Disaster Artist, and Marvel’s Jessica Jones. The new route will be open to the public on June 6^th.

New flight paths and connections have a crucial impact on expanding the film industry, as recently explained by Colin Simpson of the Highland Council in his interview with TLG.