The state budget includes a provision aimed at boosting the film industry in upstate New York. The new tax credit creates a two-tiered system that includes a 10 percent credit for productions using particular upstate locations.
The provision would take the total available credit for filming in upstate counties to 40 percent, without altering the cost of the original credit program for taxpayers.
Jason Darnieder, president of production company Flower City Media, says he doesn't know if the extra credit will generate more work for his business specifically -- but he's confident it will benefit the region.
"I think upstate is an amazing region for television and production. We have beautiful scenery and great locations and diversity, and the tax credit really just adds additional benefit to come film in upstate New York," he said.
Darnieder says he expects production rental companies to see an upswing from the credit, with hotels and catering companies also sharing in the increased activity.
He also hopes that it will encourage more use of the production infrastructure available upstate.
