Sprint to the Studio

Five New England locations vie to build the area’s first major motion picture studio.

By David Pierotti

The historic Strathmore paper mill in Turner Falls, MA.  Photo by Alexander Schreyer. [Click to enlarge]

In 1918, Louis B. Mayer left Boston to form Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in Los Angeles.  Thus ended New England’s very brief run as a home for movie moguls.  Until now.  Maybe.  As a result of competitive tax incentive policies, studio film production has skyrocketed in the region, spurring entrepreneurs and filmmakers to consider making New England their home.  

Today, not one, but several full-blown film studios are in various stages of planning and design throughout New England. Since the fulfillment of these projects could impact the livelihood of NewEnglandFilm.com’s readership, we thought it was a good time to present a brief run-down of the who, where, and when of all the goings-on that has the potential to transform, economically and culturally, the film and television production industry in the area.

SouthField Studio

Where – Weymouth, MA (former site of South Weymouth Naval Base)

What – 30 acres, 10-15 soundstages

Who – International Studio Group 

If proposed tax credits are enacted they say they can start the permitting and construction process immediately, and be up and running within a year.  However, if the tax credits are not passed by the Massachusetts state legislature, the deal may die.  
 

Plymouth Rock Studio

Where – South Plymouth, MA

What – 300 acres, 14 soundstages, with the possibility for expansion

Who – A group of Hollywood investors led by producer David Kirkpatrick 

They expect to be about a year behind SouthField but are not relying on the tax credits (but, of course, wouldn’t mind them either).  They need some infrastructure and zoning help from the town but are expected to receive it.  Both groups say there is enough business for both of them.
 

Swift River Studios

Where – Former Strathmore paper mill in Turner Falls, MA

What – Two sound stages, two multi-camera broadcast stages, recording studio, multiple insert stages, and post-production suites with potential plans for a film festival and film school

Who – The Swift River Group, led by John Anctil 

The town is pleased with the project and is eager to help. The Swift River Group plans to raise several million dollars to build their enterprise. 
 

Hopkinton, RI

Where – Hopkinton, off Route 95, near the Connecticut border, about 40 miles southwest of Providence

What – 60 acres, series of soundstages and a hotel complex

Who – Pacifica Ventures, a real estate development company that specializes in film production facilities 

They have completed a similar project in Albuquerque, NM, and are planning another one in Philadelphia.  This development hinges on tax credits, which are pending in the Rhode Island legislature. 
 

Stratford, CT

Where – Former Army Engine Plant along the Housatonic River

What – Possibly over 30 soundstages, which would make it one of the largest independent movie studios in the country

Who – Hollywood East/Area 51 – a consortium of investors led by Allen Christopher  

The group won the bidding for the property and since Connecticut already has the requisite tax credits in place the only potential hang up here is who will clean up the environmental damage left behind by the US Army. 

Summary

So within a few years, there could be five or zero movie studios in New England; either hundreds or thousands of steady jobs for all types of actors, writers, trades people and craftspeople, or not, depending on the vagaries of politics and finance.  NewEnglandFilm.com will continue to provide updates on projects that could revolutionize filmmaking in the region.  And as always, we invite reader input and news updates.  Contact us at news@newenglandfilm.com.

Sources

http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2008/04/hollywood_east.php
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-pointstratford0416.artapr16,0,6148070.story
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/24/hollywood_east/
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/12/movie_studio_backers_seek_big_break/
http://www.patriotledger.com/business/x2124111019
http://www.projo.com/news/content/HOP_STAYINGPUT09_03-09-08_3D946AA_v251.3209881.html
http://www.projo.com/news/content/SC_HOP_MOVIES08_02-08-08_788UANK_v76.38dbfda.html
http://www.recorder.com/story.cfm?id_no=4232611
http://www.newenglandfilm.com/news/archives/2008/03/news.htm 

David Pierotti is a MA-based screenwriter.

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