ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona film office working to lure production companies for keeps

Sep 20, 2017, 9:25 AM

(Pixabay.com Photo)...

(Pixabay.com Photo)

(Pixabay.com Photo)

PHOENIX — As a program of the Arizona Commerce Authority, it’s the job of the Arizona Office of Film and Digital Media to bring motion-picture production to the Grand Canyon State.

Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Kentucky, New York, and even California have offered tax incentives to production companies to bring them out from (or in California’s case, keep them in) Hollywood.

But Arizona has a different plan: Reel Deals is a long-term program to establish the state as a partner in film production and helping the film industry establish a foothold in a state with more to offer than just locations, but real opportunity as a production center.

“A lot of states that give out large tax programs is because they don’t have the infrastructure … from LA. We’ve got the best people here, all the equipment, the locations, and the talent, everything you need,” the office’s director, Matthew Earl Jones, said.

Reel Deals wants to make the process of bringing a production crew to Arizona as easy as possible.

This means working with local businesses and state authorities to gain discounts (hotels, car rentals, facilities, wardrobe, craft services, etc), obtain permits, arrange to use roads, state parks—fee free. and build a continuing relationship with the production company for the next time it wants to shoot in “America’s Backlot.”

“Once you register your project with the state film office, it really engages the private sector and the business community into helping attract the film industry here,” Jones said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

7 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

7 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

8 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

10 hours ago

According to a recent study, film production in the metro Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in e...

David Veenstra

2024 film projects made $29.1M in economic impact on Phoenix area, new report says

According to a recent study, film production in the metro Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in economic impact in 2024.

12 hours ago

Tucson border patrol...

Roxanne De La Rosa

3 men arrested near Tucson after fleeing from Border Patrol

Tucson Border Patrol agents arrested three men on Tuesday near the southern border, after they tried to flee from law enforcement.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Arizona film office working to lure production companies for keeps