ARE FILM SOUND STAGES GOOD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENGINES?

The number of examples provided by cities pursuing or obtaining film sound stages absolutely clarifies one question – are film sound stages a good means for achieving economic development for a community?

?This article focuses are the reasons the numerous communities are striving to obtain film sound stages.?

First of all, what is a film sound stage?? Simply put, a sound stage (also written soundstage) is a large, soundproof structure, building or room with large doors and high ceilings, used for the production of theatrical film-making and television productions, usually located on a secured movie or television studio property.

Reliable film sound stages are managed (not necessarily completely owned) by film-knowledgeable, experienced professionals, often under the guidance of a film industry consulting firm.? Sound business plans, sustainable construction, realistic operational plans and cash flow means, and reliable relationships with major film production companies who will use the sound stages are the backbone of a successful film sound stage endeavor.

This is the business side of film sound stages.? It is the consequences of a functional film sound stage that strongly appeals to community leaders interested in the best option for local, sustainable economic development that benefits the entire community and establishes long term, continuous economic growth.

This article attempts to represent the benefits to a community of a film sound stage by summarizing those results obtained by the numerous communities with existing film sound stages.

As previously said, the examples of successful economic development results documented through the numerous testimonials of cities and states (and nations) clearly make the case for the advantages of film sound stages.?

Below, in summary and based on most recent historical data, is what a community can expect from a local film sound stage:

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ECONOMIC IMPACT

·???????? $200 million in expenditures in the local area

DIRECT-HIRE WAGES PAID BY STUDIO CLIENTS

·???????? $82 million in wages

INCREASE IN POPULATION IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF THE STUDIO

·???????? 4,000 mostly highly educated residents ages 20 to 30 years old

JOBS CREATION

·???????? Approximately 845 permanent jobs working directly for the Studio

·???????? Approximately 3,000 permanent jobs indirectly within the immediate vicinity

·???????? Increased total employment in the area by more than 22% in a single year

?TOTAL PAYROLL INCREASE IN THE AREA

·???????? More than $350 million per year

AVERAGE SALARY

·???????? $79,637 annually

SALES TAX IMPACT TO THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

·???????? In excess of $22 million

EDUCATIONAL IMPACT

·???????? Local University/College

o?? Collaboration with the School of Theater and Film

o?? Interns in film production

o?? Interns in film technology

o?? Utilization of college theater actors

·???????? High Schools

o?? Support of film production and technology through training

o?? New career training options

·???????? Technical Training School

o?? Support of local technical school film production and technology programs

DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY

·???????? Often introduces an entirely new major industry to a region

o?? Diversifies occupations

o?? Creates new career opportunities

o?? Leads to new training and educational enterprises

CREATION OR STIMULATION OF NEW OR EXISTING BUSINESSES (RIPPLE EFFECT) – BUSINESSES IMMEDIATELY IMPACTED

·???????? Hotels, restaurants, service companies

·???????? Construction, maintenance companies

·???????? Retail businesses

·???????? Residential areas, public parks, recreational

·???????? Development of a residential, recreational, and commercial neighborhood surrounding the film sound stage studios.

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THEME PARK – A LOCAL FILM STUDIO MAY INCLUDE IN THEIR CAMPUS, A THEME PARK

·???????? Immediate and long-term film-induced tourism resulting in millions of dollars spend by tourist in the community

·???????? A “tourism engine” is created that will result in the tremendous benefits of a local tourism industry. ?A local tourism industry will add millions of dollars to the local economy.

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INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL RESIDENTS IN CULTURAL ARTS AND MOTION PICTURE ROLES

·???????? Creation and/or support of local artists

·???????? Creation of local artistic events

·???????? Promotion of local artists and artists crafts

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These examples of direct and indirect benefits from a local film sound stages are built upon what communities are realizing and not speculation.

For those communities in need of a strong, sustainable economic development program which is

·???????? environmentally friendly,

·???????? stimulates existing businesses and triggers entrepreneurial growth,

·???????? is not dependent on just one means of demand but is sustained by numerous demands and supply engines (film production, tourism, film festivals, theme park, educational hub, workforce training center, creation of a surrounding residential and commercial neighborhood, etc.), and

·???????? positively introduces the community to the entire nation and world (further stimulating economic growth)

thereby resulting in an entire economic ecosystem, consider film sound stages as a wise investment.

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