BUFFALO, N.Y. — 2024 is shaping up to be a big year for the film industry in Western New York as new tax incentives are encouraging more filmmakers to come here.
"This is a freight train, and it's right on us. It's coming at 90 miles an hour, and we're going to be ready for it," says Tim Clark, Buffalo Niagara Film Commissioner.
New York State's film production tax credit will increase from $420 million a year to $700 million starting next year through 2034. And the Buffalo Niagara Film Commissioner says that means places like Georgia and New Mexico aren't as appealing to filmmakers anymore.
"We're getting all kinds of calls, we're scouting pretty much every day with new projects and directors and, you know, there's some inbound stuff that's looking pretty solid for 2024, and it's all big stuff and good stuff," said Tim Clark.
Clark says a couple of big studio movies are already booked to shoot here next year and several independently produced films have also said yes to Western New York.
"They spend enormous amounts of money, and I mean millions of dollars in a community on things like lumber, fuel for all those big movie trucks, and the taxes of course go right into the county coffers," said Tim Clark.
So what makes Western New York so appealing to Hollywood besides the tax incentives?
"Moving them around, you can be in downtown Buffalo and then be out in the cornfield in Eden in twenty minutes, and in some cities, you can't get out of the parking garage in twenty minutes, so, you know, you take a look at that ease of movement, you take a look at the enormous friendliness, the way that we embrace one another in this town is unreal," said Tim Clark.
Clark says Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany are also benefiting from the tax incentives with directors choosing those cities, too.
"Get your popcorn to stand on the street corner and watch endless hours of acting because we have some really, really A-list stars that are, you know, signed onto these movies," said Tim Clark.
And while he can't reveal who they are just yet, you might also have the chance to work alongside some of them. Extras will be needed for some of the movies, so keep an eye out for casting calls next year.