And it starts to come home...

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Finally, some mainstream press is begining to catch onto one of the most under-reported trends in film of the last couple of years, the return of Hollywood production to America.  USA today has a story on the rise of production in unlikely places, including our own Shreveport Louisiana. Written by  Alexandyr Kent, "Hooray for locations outside Hollywood" in USA TODAY succinctly describes the various tax schemes and financial incentives used to attract film productions.  It's a good read, I recommend checking it out.

Tax Credits and rebates were all that was needed to take production out of America in the first place.  Other countries put up hard cash to attract film production, and we came.  Now the states have figured out that they can attract the same producers with the same tactics, and guess what, it works.  Most of the returning productions are not going to California, but to other states, but at least its a start.

More and more, I am needing to send vfx people from Bulgaria to America, and now I am actually able to hire Americans again to work.  Whatever you may think about the financial constructs used, this is good.

The entire world declared war on Hollywood years ago and the industry has been far too slow to react.  But the mix of dollar devaluation, recession, European economic slowdown, and a newly flexible industry have begun to change things.  The other states are fighting fire with fire and are able to bring the work to their own backyard.  The next battleground will be between the states as they start to compete with each other for the same films.

Richard Wright - RIP

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Showing my age today.  I am breaking from my tradition of only posting vfx or comics related things to comment on the passing of a legend today.  Richard Wright was a founding member of Pink Floyd.

From the BBC

"Wright appeared on the group's first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, in 1967 alongside lead guitarist Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and Nick Mason.

Dave Gilmour joined the band at the start of 1968 while Barrett left the group shortly after wards.

Gilmour said: "No-one can replace Richard Wright - he was my musical partner and my friend."

Writing on his website, he added: "In the welter of arguments about who or what was Pink Floyd, Rick's enormous input was frequently forgotten."

Wright's spokesman said in a statement: "The family of Richard Wright, founder member of Pink Floyd, announce with great sadness that Richard died today after a short struggle with cancer.

"The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

He did not say what form of cancer the self-taught keyboard player and pianist had."

Needless to say, his absence will be greatly felt, and he leaves a vast legacy in music.  God Bless Rick.  He has gone on to the great gig in the sky.  Send our regards to Syd.

Seagalogy

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I'm currently reading "Seagalogy - A study of the ass-kicking films of Steven Seagal" by Vern.  Finally, someone writes about the subject with the love and affection Seagal's films deserve.  Vern is there to provide insightful commentary on one the most amazing careers in film today.  As someone who has worked on five (5) Steve Seagal movies, I am reading with page turning earnest.   Vern contributes regularly to AICN, and is pretty much the best thing there.  Vern's website is here.

By all means, pick up this book.  It's hilarious and tragic, and makes the best case for why I still love my job, and why its still the best job in the world.