News Summary
The Massachusetts film industry, once a hub for major productions, is witnessing a significant decline with the fewest movie and TV productions in over a decade. Factors like Hollywood strikes and financial cutbacks from streaming platforms have contributed to this downturn, leaving local filmmakers struggling for work. Despite these challenges, the state maintains a permanent film tax credit, generating economic activity and still attracting some major productions. While the future remains uncertain, there are signs of resilience within the local film community as they adapt to the changing landscape.
Massachusetts on Film: Industry Hit Hard by Slowdown
Boston, the hub of incredible history and culture, has been taking a serious hit lately in its film and television production scene. Once a booming haven for major productions featuring A-list celebrities, the Massachusetts film industry saw a dramatic drop in activity last year, clocking in with the fewest movie and TV productions in over a decade. The only time that figure was lower was during the pandemic when everything paused in 2020.
From Hopeful to Hurdles
With such a notable decline, industry buzzwords have transitioned from “survive until 2025” to a realization that a hoped-for rebound is still waiting to happen. Just a few years ago, the Massachusetts film landscape was a playground for big stars like Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer Lawrence, bringing their projects to the iconic streets of downtown Boston. The peak of productions reached around 2021 and 2022 when the streaming wars prompted a explosion of movie-making buzz across the state.
It was during this prime time that the film “CODA,” which showcased Massachusetts as its backdrop, snagged the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars in 2022. However, as production levels have taken a nosedive, many are left questioning where it all went wrong.
Blame the Strikes and the Overseas Shift
Several factors have combined to lead to this slow down—most notably, strikes within the Hollywood community. The recent screenwriter and actor strikes in 2023 led to production pauses of up to five months and left many local filmmakers without work. As a result, employment rates in the film and sound recording industry slumped almost 25% from their previous highs, causing significant concerns among local professionals.
On top of that, financial cutbacks from streaming platforms, previously riding high on the coattails of Netflix’s dominance, are forcing companies to rethink and redirect their production budgets. Now, productions are being shifted overseas, where favorable exchange rates and cheaper costs may take precedence over keeping that beautiful Massachusetts charm that we all adore.
The Local Impact
Union members are feeling the pinch, with reports showing they’ve only been working one-fifth of the days they enjoyed during those peak years. Even New England Studios, a practical mainstay for film projects, has turned its attention toward smaller events and corporate bookings rather than any major productions for 2023 or 2024.
In fact, a projected film production campus in Braintree has been scrapped altogether, showcasing a reduced interest in large-scale projects that could boost local economies. In comparison, states like California and Michigan are actively seeking to enhance their film tax incentives, with California proposing plans to effectively double its annual film tax credit cap.
The Massachusetts Advantage
Now, it’s important to note that Massachusetts is not throwing in the towel just yet. Since 2021, the state has maintained a permanent film tax credit, which has generated over $4 billion in economic activity since 2006. Local filmmakers benefited significantly with over $100 million in tax credits in the 2023 fiscal year alone. Even though challenges abound, there’s still a glimmer of hope, with projects like Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” currently filming in Boston, along with a spinoff of “Walking Dead.”
Furthermore, prime Massachusetts locations will soon host major productions featuring talents like Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, while Boston Harbor Studios is actively expanding, preparing for some nail-biting productions such as the horror film “Blur” and the thriller “Mission Hill.”
Bright Spots and Future Endeavors
Beyond just production, Massachusetts offers fantastic educational programs in film and boasts a remarkable workforce that has been trained at local colleges. The diverse locations throughout the state continue to be a significant draw for filmmakers.
As the industry redesigns itself, safety concerns are being addressed as well, with upcoming documentaries like “Safe Sets” highlighting the unseen dangers crew members often face. Dr. Paul Heinzelmann, a medical professional, is pioneering efforts to ensure health and safety on film sets, tackling some systemic issues within the industry head-on.
While the landscape may be shifting, a number of recent productions including “Hocus Pocus 2” and “Madame Web,” exemplify the resilience of the Massachusetts film scene. The industry may be facing some bumps in the road, but with vibrant communities and a dedicated workforce, who’s to say Massachusetts won’t rise to the occasion again? Only time will tell.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Massachusetts film industry
- Boston Magazine
- Google Search: Massachusetts film tax credit
- The Berkshire Edge
- Google Scholar: Massachusetts film industry
- Boston Globe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: film industry
- This Week in Worcester
- Google News: Massachusetts film industry
