Filed at 11:50 am under by www.offthemapmovie.com
There’s a problem in the independent film world. It can be summed in one basic sentence: people don’t buy DVD’s anymore. Whether it’s Netflix, Hulu or a what-have-you host of websites, increasing numbers of global movie watchers now turn to digitized streaming video as their main means of film consumption.Yes, this enables a larger consumer base to see independent film via the internet, but while that may be the end goal in an ideal world, independent filmmaking is still a business and businesses see money to survive. Netflix buys content at a fair price and certainly there are means of legal movie downloading by which filmmakers can be duly compensated, but the independent film industry which is already strapped for cash in terms of budgets is hit particularly hard by piracy and free online movie viewing. Devoid of major studio funds, indie flicks have long relied on DVD sales as a key source of revenue in balancing out the sometime out-of-pocket production costs. The advent of the internet, precipitating the decline in DVD sales has been absolutely wonderful in terms of exposure for the indie scene. Unfortunately exposure doesn’t directly translate into revenue. Read more »
Filed at 1:45 pm under by admin
Without major studio money, indie flicks often find themselves scrounging for filming locations well beyond the glamorous backdrop of the Hollywood hills. Recent tax cut breaks for film production have locations scouts drooling over newly inexpensive settings in which to set up shop. Georgia, for example, raised its film making incentives to 30 in 2008, spurring a sizable increase in movie making for the Peach State. This 30 is comprised of a 20 tax credit for film, TV and video game productions spending over 500,000 in a single year. The remaining 10 is earned if the production displays a State of Georgia logo or animation in the title, credits or other suitable product placement.Michigan offers the highest tax incentives for potential film makers on a percentage basis, a welcome respite for the struggling Michigan economy plagued by the demise of Detroit’s automotive industry. The state’s 42 tax break for film production lures many limited budget and some full feature films to the northland. It’s border with the Great Lakes offers diversity of scenery, as it can provide sandy white beaches that with the right props and lighting can even resemble a Caribbean locale.Though Louisiana offers just a 25 tax break, slightly lower than that of both Michigan and Georgia, the Bayou State adds an additional 10 if the film crew is comprised of local Louisiana residents. While Michigan limits its tax credits for salaries at 2 million, Louisiana does not have a cap figure. Read more »
