[ OUR OPINION ]
UNCERTAINTY about Hawaii's economy should not extend to the film industry, which has been on the rebound in the past year and is planting the seeds of a robust future. The state's aggressive effort to lure movie and television producers to the islands is reaping rewards. The most recent is the pilot for a police drama series scheduled for filming on Oahu as early as next month for the Fox television network. Steady promotion
energizes Hawaii’s
film industry
THE ISSUE Fox Television has approved the filming of a pilot for "The Break," a police-drama TV series, to begin on Oahu.
The film industry is a crucial element of Hawaii's economy, providing free exposure to attract tourism. Extra bonuses are employment for local actors and technicians and income for local supply companies. The producers of Fox's "The Break" plan on hiring a crew, including cast, that will be comprised of at least 70 percent local residents.
Film expenditures in Hawaii set a record of more than $136 million in 2000, but revenue fell by nearly half the following year due to the cancellation of "Baywatch Hawaii" and the threat of a strike by Hollywood writers and actors. Revenue is expected to have reached $100 million last year with the production of several movies.
Much of the success can be attributed to economic incentives approved by the Legislature two years ago and efforts by state film promoters to spread the word. State and county officials traveled to Hollywood to host a dinner for more than two dozen producers last April and a reception for 150 filmmakers in November, advising them of the incentives. Those include tax credits of 4 percent on production expenditures, 7.25 percent on hotel costs and 100 percent on investments in Hawaii-based performing-arts projects, plus an exemption from taxes on royalties.
"Hawaii understands the importance of tax incentives as part of our overall promotion efforts," says Donne Dawson, the state film commissioner. "We are the premier tropical film location in the world, and the scenic beauty of our locations combined with the quality of our accommodations and infrastructure are unbeatable. However, we know that production decisions are not based on aesthetics alone, and we are working very hard to compete on the financial level."
Recent improvements in the 7.5-acre Hawaii Film Studio at Diamond Head have been instrumental in the industry's success. Construction of a second stage and other improvements of the studio planned for completion in 2005 would help. The Legislature should regard funding those long-awaited renovations in the upcoming session as a worthwhile investment.
Two other developments have increased stability and local involvement in the industry. Hawaii Teamsters who drive vehicles for the productions recently merged into a larger union branch, which should end friction deriving from alleged nepotism in hiring. And the University of Hawaii launched an undergraduate program in film studies that Chris Lee, its co-chairman, says should be an "anchor for the production industry in Hawaii."
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