Media
Best of the NRV April 11th, 2011
"So much is noted about Blacksburg but for a beautiful ride, hike, small town feel Giles County has much to offer. Housing is far less expensive and the drive to Blacksburg is only 30 minutes on Rt.460. The ability to purchase a home at far less cost will allow your family to add more features to their home and garden. Blacksburg and Christiansburg has become so over crowded. Families should venture out to the are of Pembroke, Newport, Pearisburg for a calm and restful family pace."
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Legislation for Virginia’s first film industry tax credit legislation
Legislation for Virginia’s first film industry tax credit legislation The Giles County Film Office has announced that Governor Bob McDonnell signed into law Virginia’s first-ever tax credit legislation for the motion picture industry. He officially signed two bills: SB257, sponsored by Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth); and HB861, sponsored by Delegate Ben Cline (R-Lexington).
Designed to recruit the production of television, film, documentaries and interactive digital media to Virginia, this legislation was part of the Governor’s successful Jobs and Opportunity” economic development agenda which received broad bipartisan support during the past session of the General Assembly.
Governor McDonnell also highlighted a budget amendment he requested during the 2010 session which increases funding to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund from $200,000 to $2 million for FY 2011. This was also a part of the Governor’s “Jobs and Opportunity” agenda.
The Governor was joined at the signing by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, members of the Virginia General Assembly and noted local actor and director Tim Reid. The ceremony was held at St. John’s Church in Richmond, the recent site for the filming of Keepers of the Flame, a documentary celebrating the contributions of Virginians who are shining examples of those dedicated to justice, liberty and democracy. Reid, the film’s director, is the founder of New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, and an award-winning actor currently appearing in the acclaimed HBO mini-series Treme.
Governor McDonnell commented, “These measures are important parts of our goal to increase film production in the Commonwealth. They are smart investments to create jobs and raise revenue through economic growth. Increasing funding for the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund will make us more competitive in attracting new productions to the state. Virginia has so much to offer with its rich history and natural beauty, and it is critical that we capitalize on this to attract new motion picture productions to the state.
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling noted, “There is no good reason why the film industry cannot be big business in Virginia. As we’ve seen in the past, the return on investment for these projects is significant. However, to win in this very competitive market place we have to give our film professionals the tools they need to recruit these projects to our state. This legislation is an important first step in doing that. With a little effort, we can establish Virginia as one of the best locations on the East Coast to produce everything from full length motion pictures to TV commercials and everything in between.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng stated, “Virginia’s media production industry is an important part of this administration’s strategy for economic growth and job creation for the Commonwealth. This legislation will enable Virginia to be more competitive with the states offering significant incentives to recruit motion picture production.”
Tim Reid commented, “New Millennium Studios is proud to be a part of the film industry in a state that has such exceptional film locations, experienced crew, and high-tech production facilities. This tax credit legislation is a momentous step towards giving the state the kind of strong and vibrant media industry it deserves.”
Under the legislation, qualified companies producing film, television, documentaries or interactive digital media can apply to receive tax credits based on money spent in Virginia on labor, goods and services. Forty-two states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar legislation with a goal of bringing new business, jobs and economic benefits to their jurisdictions. Virginia’s new tax credit legislation will take effect in January of 2011.
The production of filmed entertainment has been an important part of Virginia’s economy, responsible for economic impact of more than $4 billion since 1980. In 2008, the industry employed 4,000 Virginians with a total economic impact of $378 million. Notable films made in Virginia include Dirty Dancing; John Adams; What About Bob; Dave and GI JANE.
Local Giles County Film Office representative, Brogan Dinger, concluded with these words, “The increased funding to the Opportunity Fund will help showcase the Commonwealth to the film industry. It is my hope that this will in turn attract production companies to look at Giles County as a future film location. When a company contacts the Giles Film Office or the VA Film Office we have photographs of over fifty locations to introduce them to the beauty of this area. In addition the production directory is complete; it lists some of the local services available to them to assist with the production needs.” Giles was recently visited by Ditchdigger Films in both May and June. There is no word yet as to whether the county has been selected for their film location.
Governor McDonnell Ceremonially Signs Virginia’s First Film Industry Tax Credit Legislation
-Joined by Virginia Actor and Director Tim Reid-
Also Highlights Funding Increase to Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today ceremonially signed into law Virginia’s first-ever tax credit legislation for the motion picture industry. He officially signed two bills: SB257, sponsored by Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth); and HB861, sponsored by Delegate Ben Cline (R-Lexington). Designed to recruit the production of television, film, documentaries and interactive digital media to Virginia, this legislation was part of the Governor’s successful Jobs and Opportunity” economic development agenda which received broad bipartisan support during the past session of the General Assembly. You can read more about the “Jobs and Opportunity” agenda by clicking here. Governor McDonnell also highlighted a budget amendment he requested during the 2010 session which increases funding to the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund from $200,000 to $2 million for FY 2011. This was also a part of the Governor’s “Jobs and Opportunity” agenda.
The Governor was joined at today’s event by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, members of the Virginia General Assembly and noted local actor and director Tim Reid. The ceremony was held at St. John’s Church in Richmond, the recent site for the filming of Keepers of the Flame, a documentary celebrating the contributions of Virginians who are shining examples of those dedicated to justice, liberty and democracy. Reid, the film’s director, is the founder of New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, and an award-winning actor currently appearing in the acclaimed HBO mini-series Treme.
Speaking about today’s ceremonial bill signing, Governor McDonnell commented, “These measures are important parts of our goal to increase film production in the Commonwealth. They are smart investments to create jobs and raise revenue through economic growth. Increasing funding for the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund will make us more competitive in attracting new productions to the state. Virginia has so much to offer with its rich history and natural beauty, and it is critical that we capitalize on this to attract new motion picture productions to the state. The legislation I am signing today and increased funding to the Opportunity Fund will help us showcase the Commonwealth to the film industry.”
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling noted, “There is no good reason why the film industry cannot be big business in Virginia. As we’ve seen in the past, the return on investment for these projects is significant. However, to win in this very competitive market place we have to give our film professionals the tools they need to recruit these projects to our state. This legislation is an important first step in doing that. With a little effort, we can establish Virginia as one of the best locations on the East Coast to produce everything from full length motion pictures to TV commercials and everything in between.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng stated, “Virginia’s media production industry is an important part of this administration’s strategy for economic growth and job creation for the Commonwealth. This legislation will enable Virginia to be more competitive with the states offering significant incentives to recruit motion picture production.”
Tim Reid commented, “New Millennium Studios is proud to be a part of the film industry in a state that has such exceptional film locations, experienced crew, and high-tech production facilities. This tax credit legislation is a momentous step towards giving the state the kind of strong and vibrant media industry it deserves.”
Under the legislation, qualified companies producing film, television, documentaries or interactive digital media can apply to receive tax credits based on money spent in Virginia on labor, goods and services. Forty-two states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar legislation with a goal of bringing new business, jobs and economic benefits to their jurisdictions. Virginia’s new tax credit legislation will take effect in January of 2011.
The production of filmed entertainment has been an important part of Virginia’s economy, responsible for economic impact of more than $4 billion since 1980. In 2008, the industry employed 4,000 Virginians with a total economic impact of $378 million. Notable films made in Virginia include: Dirty Dancing; John Adams; What About Bob; Dave; and GI Jane.
To learn more about SB257 please visit:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+sum+SB257
To learn more about HB861 please visit:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+sum+HB861
Virginia Film Office Wins Major Marketing Awards at Los Angeles Trade Event
RICHMOND - The Virginia Film Office was honored May 5th with four marketing awards in a competition sponsored by the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), the premiere association for film commissions from throughout the world. The awards were presented at Locations Trade Show, an annual trade event that has been held in Los Angeles for the past twenty-five years. Virginia’s awards were second only to Ausfilm, the film commission representing Australia, which won five.
Speaking about the awards, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell commented, “I commend the Virginia Film Office for its hard work and commitment on behalf of Virginia’s media production industry. It is an honor to have their marketing program recognized in an international arena and I applaud their efforts.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng stated, “Virginia’s media production industry is an important part of this administration’s strategy for economic growth and jobs creation for the Commonwealth, and successful marketing efforts are an important part of that strategy. We are actively working with the Virginia Film Office as it continues to promote the Commonwealth as an exceptional location for media production.”
The competition was divided into several categories that included print advertising, specialty items and apparel, digital media and advertising, production directories and websites. An independent judging panel of professional marketers and entertainment industry experts assessed each entry and selected the winners. Virginia took first place in the digital advertising and third place for print advertising, production services directory and digital media.
The winning entries were produced by the Virginia Film Office. The advertising and digital media entries were created in partnership with the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s graphics department, the production services directory was produced in association with Oz Publishing, and the digital advertising entry was produced with Dream’s Factory, a Richmond media production company.
“For 15 years, the AFCI Marketing Awards have recognized the creativity of our members,” said Larry Brownell, CEO of the AFCI. “As today’s global economy presents the entertainment industry with new challenges, it has become increasingly important to develop marketing and advertising campaigns that inspire filmmakers, capture audiences and span cultural divides.”
Virginia’s media production industry had an economic impact in 2008 of $337 million and provided 4000 jobs for Virginians.
