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Phoenix’s Film Industry: Desert or Oasis?
Lisa Cooling
In a rocky desert speckled by cacti, cowboys on horseback ride through the tumbleweeds in search of the nearest bunkhouse or saloon. That’s the impression many people outside the state have when they call to mind images of Arizona – a misperception at least partly caused by the cinema.
With the mere mention of Arizona triggering thoughts of high noon gunfights and John Wayne, it is clear that the looks and locales of those movies have made an impact on the world’s collective psyche. But the value of the state’s predictably clear weather, low production costs, and proximity to Los Angeles has attracted Hollywood. And they’re not here to shoot just Westerns anymore. Commercials, television programs, high-action dramas, slapstick comedies…these are all regular productions that are filmed right here in Arizona, and in Phoenix.
Yet some say that the film industry in the Valley is as dry as the heat. “If you want to do anything that will pay, you have to go to LA or maybe even Vegas,” says one anonymous production assistant. “I hope to get enough work this year so I can quit my second job. And if I don’t, I’m seriously considering LA myself.”
Phoenix certainly has plenty of talent. There are local production studios ready to provide the backdrop for almost any movie setting. Scores of actors and actresses are patiently waiting for calls from their agents. In essence, a lot of prepared professionals are here and only lacking the work. With industry jobs in short supply, the question has been raised, “Will the Valley ever attract a sustainable film industry of its own?”
In truth, the signs point to yes. While it may take years and many more big-budget productions shot on our soil, Arizona is actually enjoying a steady increase in the number of productions. From local commercials to major motion pictures, the film industry has had an undeniable economic impact on the state. Over $107 million was generated from Arizona-based film productions in 2003. This translated to 612 film industry jobs and another 1,096 indirect or induced local jobs, according to a 2004 Economic Impact Study from the Arizona Department of Commerce.
Film festivals also bring some extra cash into the economy, according to the study. The three film festivals operating in 2003, which brought in $240Kin revenue, had $220K in expenditures, $170K of which was spent in Arizona.
While that’s all fine and good, it’s paltry compared to the potential that still lies here among our iconic Saguaro. In recent years, more domestic film production has moved out of the U.S., favoring less expensive foreign locations. To convince production companies to use them for their next big movie, states have launched aggressive advertising campaigns and introduced tax incentives, all to compete with the appeal of the international markets.
Arizona has been a strong player in the game, especially in the past year. New state tax incentives were introduced in the past year, bringing an upswing in film production with them. The incentives allow companies who locate a film production in Arizona income tax credits and sales tax exemptions, attracting attention from industry players both large and small.
SUB:Roll cameras and…action!
Independent films are finding a welcome home around the state. Films such as the corporate-world vampire tale “Netherbeast Incorporated,” starring Darrell Hammond and Judd Nelson, was written and directed by Valley filmmakers Dean and Brian Ronalds and shot last year at the Hollywood Phoenix Studios in Avondale. “The Governor,” another indie film shot and set in Arizona, will make its World Premiere at the 2007 Phoenix Film Festival.
In 2006, the Universal Studios film “The Kingdom” was shot in Arizona. Local residents might recall freeway diversions for a couple of weekends on the eastern stretch of Loop 202 as Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner filmed crucial scenes. Traffic snarls aside, the project had a big impact on Arizona’s struggling film industry. Many local production technicians, as well as local actors, were put to work. And as a result of the production’s success, those in the local film industry think other large, big-budget films will be drawn to Phoenix in the next year.
“With the state incentives, the industry is going nowhere but up,” says Jason Carney, Director of the Phoenix Film Festival. “Having those in place, as well as a couple of top notch festivals like Phoenix and Sedona, definitely give us hope for continued growth. The way the current incentive is written allows for big budget films as well as lower budget indies. So I really see growth happening all across the board.”
With the advent of more affordable digital cameras, more and more people are making films. This new generation of filmmakers is active and innovative, and their work is becoming an important part of the arts community in Phoenix. Film competitions, such as the 48 Hour Film Challenge sponsored by the Independent Feature Project: Phoenix and the Phoenix Film Foundation, have raised interest in short film production and sparked local creativity. Evidence to the surge in local interest is the Phoenix Film Center, located on Seventh Avenue. Created through a partnership between the Phoenix Film Festival and the Metro Arts Institute, a charter high school on the first floor of the building, it is the official home to the Phoenix Film Festival, the Independent Feature Project and over five other production companies. “Five years ago this would have never happened in Phoenix: 6,000 square feet dedicated to independent film. It's a testament to the film community and to the courage of Metro Arts to make it happen,” says Carney.
The Phoenix film community is still relatively young, but it’s growing up fast. With the collective support of the local film community and the driving passion of artists and talent, there will be more work and greater opportunity in the coming years.
With the mere mention of Arizona triggering thoughts of high noon gunfights and John Wayne, it is clear that the looks and locales of those movies have made an impact on the world’s collective psyche. But the value of the state’s predictably clear weather, low production costs, and proximity to Los Angeles has attracted Hollywood. And they’re not here to shoot just Westerns anymore. Commercials, television programs, high-action dramas, slapstick comedies…these are all regular productions that are filmed right here in Arizona, and in Phoenix.
Yet some say that the film industry in the Valley is as dry as the heat. “If you want to do anything that will pay, you have to go to LA or maybe even Vegas,” says one anonymous production assistant. “I hope to get enough work this year so I can quit my second job. And if I don’t, I’m seriously considering LA myself.”
Phoenix certainly has plenty of talent. There are local production studios ready to provide the backdrop for almost any movie setting. Scores of actors and actresses are patiently waiting for calls from their agents. In essence, a lot of prepared professionals are here and only lacking the work. With industry jobs in short supply, the question has been raised, “Will the Valley ever attract a sustainable film industry of its own?”
In truth, the signs point to yes. While it may take years and many more big-budget productions shot on our soil, Arizona is actually enjoying a steady increase in the number of productions. From local commercials to major motion pictures, the film industry has had an undeniable economic impact on the state. Over $107 million was generated from Arizona-based film productions in 2003. This translated to 612 film industry jobs and another 1,096 indirect or induced local jobs, according to a 2004 Economic Impact Study from the Arizona Department of Commerce.
Film festivals also bring some extra cash into the economy, according to the study. The three film festivals operating in 2003, which brought in $240Kin revenue, had $220K in expenditures, $170K of which was spent in Arizona.
While that’s all fine and good, it’s paltry compared to the potential that still lies here among our iconic Saguaro. In recent years, more domestic film production has moved out of the U.S., favoring less expensive foreign locations. To convince production companies to use them for their next big movie, states have launched aggressive advertising campaigns and introduced tax incentives, all to compete with the appeal of the international markets.
Arizona has been a strong player in the game, especially in the past year. New state tax incentives were introduced in the past year, bringing an upswing in film production with them. The incentives allow companies who locate a film production in Arizona income tax credits and sales tax exemptions, attracting attention from industry players both large and small.
SUB:Roll cameras and…action!
Independent films are finding a welcome home around the state. Films such as the corporate-world vampire tale “Netherbeast Incorporated,” starring Darrell Hammond and Judd Nelson, was written and directed by Valley filmmakers Dean and Brian Ronalds and shot last year at the Hollywood Phoenix Studios in Avondale. “The Governor,” another indie film shot and set in Arizona, will make its World Premiere at the 2007 Phoenix Film Festival.
In 2006, the Universal Studios film “The Kingdom” was shot in Arizona. Local residents might recall freeway diversions for a couple of weekends on the eastern stretch of Loop 202 as Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner filmed crucial scenes. Traffic snarls aside, the project had a big impact on Arizona’s struggling film industry. Many local production technicians, as well as local actors, were put to work. And as a result of the production’s success, those in the local film industry think other large, big-budget films will be drawn to Phoenix in the next year.
“With the state incentives, the industry is going nowhere but up,” says Jason Carney, Director of the Phoenix Film Festival. “Having those in place, as well as a couple of top notch festivals like Phoenix and Sedona, definitely give us hope for continued growth. The way the current incentive is written allows for big budget films as well as lower budget indies. So I really see growth happening all across the board.”
With the advent of more affordable digital cameras, more and more people are making films. This new generation of filmmakers is active and innovative, and their work is becoming an important part of the arts community in Phoenix. Film competitions, such as the 48 Hour Film Challenge sponsored by the Independent Feature Project: Phoenix and the Phoenix Film Foundation, have raised interest in short film production and sparked local creativity. Evidence to the surge in local interest is the Phoenix Film Center, located on Seventh Avenue. Created through a partnership between the Phoenix Film Festival and the Metro Arts Institute, a charter high school on the first floor of the building, it is the official home to the Phoenix Film Festival, the Independent Feature Project and over five other production companies. “Five years ago this would have never happened in Phoenix: 6,000 square feet dedicated to independent film. It's a testament to the film community and to the courage of Metro Arts to make it happen,” says Carney.
The Phoenix film community is still relatively young, but it’s growing up fast. With the collective support of the local film community and the driving passion of artists and talent, there will be more work and greater opportunity in the coming years.
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