Jersey Film Commission Could Get the Axe

Jersey Film Commission Could Get the Axe

 

In a bid to save money, Governor Corzine has cut out all funding for the Jersey Film Commission in his proposed State budget, even though the group brings in millions of dollars a year in revenue from film and TV production companies.

Commission Associate Director Steve Gorelick says “as of last years figures, we brought in 92 million dollars on a 550 thousand dollar a year budget- so that’s a very good return on investment for the New Jersey Taxpayer. In fact, we estimate that our return on investments for the taxpayer over the course of our history has been 17 thousand percent - I only wish we could get that in the stock market these days!”

He says if the Commission is abolished in its present form, movies like War of the Worlds, A Beautiful Life and Goodfellas, and TV shows like The Sopranos and Law and Order Special Victims Unit probably won’t continue to be shot here.

“It’s essential that we are here to provide the services to the film industry that they require while they’re working in the State” says Gorelick, “otherwise surrounding States are going to suck up all this production.”

A spokesman for the Governor says Governor Corzine’s priorities are shrinking the size of Government, and also holding spending to 33 billion dollars or less, and consolidating the Film Commission within the Economic Development Authority is one step toward achieving that goal.” 

By: David Matthau

(Copyright 2007 by Millennium Radio Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.)

 

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N.J. commission in limbo - Hollywood Reporter

N.J. commission in limbo
By Randee Dawn
The Hollywood Reporter
April 10, 2008

New Jersey’s Motion Picture and Television Commission could shutter as early as June 30 if funding is not restored to the proposed state budget.

Currently, Gov. John Corzine’s proposed 2008-09 budget for New Jersey does not include provision for the Motion Picture and Television Commission, though the Garden State’s tax credit system remains unaffected.

“There is a serious budget problem in the state, and the governor and legislators are trying to address that situation,” associate director Steve Gorelick said. “We can’t minimize it, but we think we have a very good story to tell.”

Filmmakers spend “upward of $100 million” in the state every year, and “that can only work to solve our budget problems, not create more,” he said.

“It always surprises me when commissions are fighting for their budgets,” said David Declerque, line producer for NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU,” which has housed stages in North Bergen, N.J., for nine years. “They attract money into the state and bring in more than (the state) spends on having a commission. They were quite crucial for us when we came to New Jersey, and they continue to be very helpful with steering us in the right direction.”

In addition to assisting in oversight of the tax credit, the commission helps productions with child labor permits and getting licenses for such things as theatrical firearms and special effects.

“We’re optimistic that the situation will be resolved,” Gorelick said. “I can’t imagine New Jersey enjoying a thriving film industry here without a film commission.”

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