Authorities in Washington State in the north-west US have re-launched the location filming incentive that was officially cancelled only a few months ago. The state seems to have conceded that a programme is needed to help its filming industry, although the scheme itself remains very small-scale.
Overall 2011 was a good year for Pinewood Shepperton, with the studios showing an impressive 24% rise in film revenue on the previous year. The healthy overall figure masks a slight dip in the second half of the year.
Washington Filmworks is asking for USD3.5 million to help attract filming projects to Washington State during the next legislative term. The state ended its 30% cash rebate filming incentive last year and Washington Filmworks has since been operating unfunded.
It’s been a good year for the established production hubs around the world, with regions like Buenos Aires, South Africa, Eastern Europe and New Zealand maintaining their appeal for commercial projects. Australia has seen a production resurgence, while in the US the spectre of budget deficits has put real pressure on state filming incentives.
It’s been a busy year for us here at The Location Guide and we’d like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as 2011 reaches its twilight days. We’ve had a full-on 12 months and are all the better for it – we hope it’s been a success for you too.
Penny got to know South Wales while studying at Newport Film School. After stumbling around in film and television for a few years as a freelancer she eventually became aware of film commissions and their work.
The British Government has announced that location filming tax relief will continue to be available for production in the UK through to the end of 2015. Projects budgeted at more than GBP20 million can get a 20% rebate, while those spending less than GBP20 million can access 25% tax relief.
A surge in UK TV production helped lift filming production levels in Liverpool by nearly 25% between April and September this year. Feature film production has declined, but the BBC’s partial relocation to Salford Quays in Manchester has benefitted TV production in Liverpool.