Hollywood Dispersed

"New Mexico was the second state (after Oklahoma) to pursue film projects with tax breaks, and its efforts have paid off handsomely — in both money and prestige. The film industry spent $476 million in the state last year, compared to $1.5 million in 2001, the year before it enacted film tax incentives."

"States such as New Mexico, Louisiana and Massachusetts, many of which already attracted lots of film business with their tax incentives, are natural places for the new studios. Film crews are already familiar with the states, and they have plenty of financial motivation to stay. The studios draw bigger, longer-term projects and sometimes spawn permanent production crews who live nearby."

"In December 2006, Louisiana had six sound stages, but it had enough work to support 10 that year, according to a study done for the state."

"Pennsylvania and Rhode Island are on track to get state-of-the-art studios soon. Pacifica Ventures, the real estate developer responsible for Albuquerque Studios, has announced plans for film facilities in those states."

"And a group of studio executives are considering building a new movie facility at a former naval base in Massachusetts, if the state will extend the same tax breaks to the film industry as it gives to manufacturers."