Bolinsky Pushes for State Support of CT Film and TV Industry

Helps local economies, provides jobs

HARTFORD – State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) stood with members of the Connecticut Film and TV Alliance, Newtown’s own Jonathan Black of Chair 10 Productions and Newtown’s Director of Economic and Community Development John Voket advocating on behalf of strengthening Connecticut’s film tax credit which creates thousands of state jobs and boosts the state’s businesses.

Rep. Bolinsky said, “The film and entertainment production industry is alive and well in Connecticut!  I make this bold statement knowing that most folks I know or meet every day are not necessarily aware of this fact.  The activity and excitement being generated by Newtown’s own Chair 10 Productions is noteworthy, including the upcoming release of Paramount’s Republic Pictures ‘The Monster’ starring Djimon Hounsou, Lauren LaVera, Mia Healey; Gina Philips & Rapper ‘Prof’, among the cast.  Parts of the production were filmed in Newtown and other venues around our greater Danbury area.  The production employed local trade labor, stylists, design people, extras, and more – economically benefitting dozens of local area local businesses, across a myriad of support service needs, supplies, hospitality, food, drink, and more.  Local couple Jonathan and Lauren Black, who is a Newtown native, are the driving force behind Chair 10.  Their body of work is very impressive!”.

John Voket read a statement from Newtown First Selectman Jeff Capeci, “The Connecticut Film and TV Alliance (CTFTA) plays a vital role in strengthening and expanding Connecticut’s film and television industry. By attracting productions across various media — including digital content, commercials, music videos, feature films, short films, documentaries, and television programming — Connecticut communities like Newtown directly benefit from these initiatives.”

Chair 10 Productions Jonathan Black restated, “While Connecticut has lost manufacturing jobs in several sectors over the years, the entertainment industry has continued to expand. Connecticut’s film tax credit is an earned tax credit, which means that for every dollar that a production company or studio receives from the state, they have already spent three dollars in Connecticut, putting money directly into the state’s coffers through taxes on income, payroll, gas, car rentals, hotels and sales. But the economic impact goes beyond dollars spent, providing jobs and livable incomes that allow people to build lives in the state, buying cars and homes, paying taxes, raising kids, supporting local businesses and growing their communities.”

The film and digital media tax credit is one of three credits under Connecticut’s film industry tax credit program. The credit is available to eligible production companies that incur at least $100,000 in eligible in-state expenses for qualified productions.

The credit amount is based on total eligible expenses incurred and increases with more total expenses, as follows: (1) 10% for expenses of $100,000 to $500,000; (2) 15% for expenses exceeding $500,000, up to $1 million; and (3) 30% for expenses exceeding $1 million. An eligible production company is one that produces a qualified production in Connecticut and (1) conducts at least 50% of principal photography days within the state or (2) spends at least 50% or $1 million of postproduction costs in the state. Qualified productions include documentaries, long-form specials, series, videos and music videos, and commercials.

This year there is a proposed bill House Bill 6770 which would establish, within the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Film, Video and Media Office, whose work shall include, but not be limited to, promoting the use of Connecticut locations, facilities and services in the production of films, videos, streaming content and other media-related products.