Written by Tom Deehan on Jul 14, 2016. Posted in On Location / Production News

Jack Black’s The Polka King to film in Rhode Island

The latest film to star Actor/Musician Jack Black , The Polka King will film on location in Rhode Island from mid-July to mid-August 2016. Based on true events, The Polka King will detail the life of the infamous Jan Lewan, a musician turned con-man who was able to trick an entire town out of millions of dollars.

ShivHans Pictures will produce and finance the film, with Maya Forbes (Infinitely Polar Bear) and Wallace Wolodarsky (The Simpsons) being brought on to direct.

Governor Gina M. Raimondo describes: “with our unique locations in close proximity and an organized talent pool of local artists and professional technicians, Rhode Island is the perfect place to make a successful movie. I am pleased that many small businesses will be impacted by this film. This is the type of positive energy that keeps our economy moving forward.”

Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien adds: “Pawtucket is thrilled to welcome Jack Black and The Polka King to our great city. It’s truly exciting to have the film’s production headquarters in the city’s Armoury Arts District in historic downtown, and that a number of local Pawtucket businesses are being considered for film locations.”

The state of Rhode Island currently operates a tax credit incentive system that covers up to 25% of locally incurred production costs. A minimum spend of USD100,000 is required to obtain eligibility, with at least 51% of filming taking place within the state. The per-project cap sits at USD5 million.

A number of high profile feature films have taken advantage of Rhode Island’s tax credit scheme including The Purge: Election Year and The Discovery, starring Robert Redford and Rooney Mara.

Rhode Island benefits from its close proximity to New York City, also famous for its lucrative 30% tax credit scheme.