O Fraptious Day!

"36 Hours" may not seem like a lifetime, but it's taken a lifetime to get here! The new film, currently in development by Raj Productions (under the watchful eye of Willy Gilly Productions) is on track to secure major talent, through their best efforts, and begin the pre-production process. The film, about a jihadist plot to kidnap the next projected Pope, is expected to begin shooting sometime later this fall with a major cast (including a superstar). Currently budgeted at about ten million dollars, the producers are looking forward to making the film right here in the Hudson Valley, providing hundreds of jobs for local residents!

In the meantime, Broadway has received "Grace" (at least in preview)! We are looking forward to attending the opening of the play later this month. Longtime friend and David Wilson's former co-star (The Bronx Zoo) Ed Asner is back on stage for the first time in awhile! We are sure he's doing a great job! Everybody get your tickets at the Cort Theatre; the play also stars Paul Rudd and Michael Shannon! Word is on the street that "Grace" is one of top three Broadway plays to see this season!

On another front, "Collar" has been selected to be featured at the Beacon Film Festival in February! We will be meeting with them to discuss the presentation of the film and also the possibility of staging a new live production at the Beacon Theatre. Things are happenin' in the HV!

Also, we met with Congresswoman Nan Hayworth at the Goshen Chamber of Commerce Breakfast this morning. While there, we received a firm commitment from Rep. Hayworth to promote and support entertainment development and production throughout the region, and to stand for the re-instatement of IRC Rule 181c, tax deductions for independent film and TV production. Ironically, that package of tax benefits was dropped from the Jobs Act this past spring, with a promise to revisit and vote on specific elements later this year. Now it appears that HR 5793 is stuck in limbo, with no action scheduled in the near future. However, that bill, which being sponsored by Rep. Dryer of California, and specifically the film tax breaks for independents, has been vehemently opposed by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the major networks.

The bill, originally intended to stop production from leaving the US, has resulted in spawning huge financial incentives throughout the lower 48 states, leaving California high and dry. New York, currently ranked number two in US production, stands to lose a significant number of independent films and programs if things stand as they are. This can mean the loss of tens of thousands of jobs here in our state, owing to the fact that this deduction is critical to potential investors!

With the elections on the horizon, stay tuned...because it means so much to the future of film in our county, our region and our state!