InfoAnda - Historic Plymouth OKs building $488M movie studio

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

S.Korea, US agree on auto deal to save trade pact | 4 December 2010
Knowing tops weekend box office | Entertainment | | 23 March 2009
America's most famous French bookstore to down shutters | 3 January 2009

Foreign Countries Upset About "Protectionist" U.S. Trade Bill | 21 September 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Historic Plymouth OKs building $488M movie studio

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Historic Plymouth OKs building $488M movie studio By DENISE LAVOIE,Associated Press Writer AP - 2 hours 52 minutes ago PLYMOUTH, Mass. - In this place sometimes known as America's hometown, schoolchildren and tourists flock to see Plymouth Rock, a replica of the Mayflower and the place where the Pilgrims and Mashpee Wampanoags Indians shared the first Thanksgiving meal. But the staid and historic image of Plymouth could soon be tempered by a decidedly modern attraction: a $488 million film and television studio, complete with 14 sound stages, a 10-acre back lot, a theater, a 300-room upscale hotel, a spa and 500,000 square feet of office space. The thought of turning Plymouth into a movie Mecca has won the enthusiastic support of many residents, but some don't like the idea of adding Hollywood to their history. "We don't need you; we've already got Plymouth Rock," says Laurien Enos, one of just three of 116 Town Meeting members who voted last month against allowing the developers to build the studio on a golf course here, about 40 miles south of Boston. While Enos and others worry about traffic and Hollywood glamour changing their town, most residents have embraced the studio. More than 1,100 people showed up at a recent jobs fair hosted by the project's developers. "I think it's a great idea," said Renee Stoddard, a waitress at The All-American Diner. "It's going to bring lots of jobs and more people into Plymouth, and more business for us. It couldn't be a better time for that. We get plumbers and carpenters in here all the time and they're saying there's no work." Even though construction isn't expected to begin until at least April once the final approvals are set _ and the studio won't be ready before late 2010 or early 2011 _ developers Plymouth Rock Studios LLC have pre-leased about 60 percent of the office space they'll need. Led by David Kirkpatrick, a former president of Paramount Pictures, with Earl Lestz, another former Paramount executive, Plymouth Rock Studios doesn't yet have financing. And that could prove a major obstacle given the current economy. But Joseph DiLorenzo, chief financial officer of Plymouth Rock Studios and former CFO of the NBA's Boston Celtics, is confident lenders will come through. He notes that the film industry _ though faltering now _ has weathered recessions before and that the project offers sound stages where filmmakers can do everything related to production, including editing and scoring. "Now that we know we can build on it, we'll go raise money," said DiLorenzo. "We've had letters from HBO, Warner, Paramount and Fox, saying, 'If you build it, we will come.'" Big-name producers and directors will come to Massachusetts because it offers filmmakers a sales tax exemption and a 25 percent tax credit for payroll and production expenses, DiLorenzo said. For its part, in addition to a zoning change, Plymouth's Town Meeting gave the developers a 75 percent break on the studio's real estate taxes for the first five years. The exemption will gradually decrease over 20 years. "We want to become the alternative to Hollywood for the film industry," said DiLorenzo. That may be a tall order, given the competition Massachusetts faces from other states that also offer financial incentives, including neighboring Connecticut, which offers a tax credit of up to 30 percent for in-state production expenses, and Rhode Island, which gives a 25 percent tax credit on production costs for movies, videos or TV shows produced primarily in the state. New York, which is widely seen as Hollywood's closest competitor, offers a 35 percent tax credit. And Michigan, also considered an attractive state for filmmakers, has begun refunding studios up to 42 percent of their in-state production expenses. Nicholas Paleologos, executive director of the Massachusetts Film Office, calls the Plymouth proposal "enormously ambitious" but says Plymouth could be a big draw. The number of tourists visiting Plymouth has dropped in recent years from about 1 million a year to about 750,000. "Plymouth is already a tourist attraction, and now, if you've got a place where people can visit the sets and take a tour of the back lots, it just enhances the tourist industry that's already there," Paleologos said. Plymouth also is just 20 miles from picturesque Cape Cod, where ferries take visitors to the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, popular vacation spots for celebrities. Since the first version of the incentive law went into effect in 2006, the state has seen a dramatic jump in the number of movies made here and the amount of money spent in the state by those productions. The film industry spent about $6 million in Massachusetts in 2005 and $60 million in 2006. Direct spending more than doubled to $125 million in 2007, on eight major films, including: "The Women," starring Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan, and "Pink Panther 2," starring Steve Martin. Direct spending is expected to double again this year to $350 million to $400 million on 10 films, Paleologos said. DiLorenzo said the developers expect the project to create about 1,000 construction jobs and another 2,000 permanent jobs at the studio, which is to be built on the Waverly Oaks Golf Course in a rural residential neighborhood in South Plymouth. The group secured the rights to the name "Hollywood East" from the Hollywood, Calif., Chamber of Commerce. Even people who work at the historic sites in Plymouth like the thought of a movie studio in town. Ann Young, the director of visitor services at Pilgrim Hall Museum, which houses the largest collection of Pilgrim artifacts in the world, said she isn't worried the glitz of a movie studio could taint Plymouth. "We're all thrilled about it," Young said. "I think that (the developers) are trying to do something new. They are like pilgrims coming to Plymouth to start something new." But some think the town has rushed, blinded by the thought of movie stars walking down the street. Ann Marie Flanagan, a Town Meeting member who voted against the proposal, said the developers have not answered key questions, such as how they are going to finance the project and how much they hope the town will contribute in infrastructure improvements. "People are just mesmerized," Flanagan said. "They're dropping names like Julia Roberts, and saying you're all going to have jobs." DiLorenzo said the development group couldn't seek funding until Town Meeting approved the zoning change. The project also needs to get a state environmental permit and state approval for an access road. The developers have pledged to provide buses to take tourists from the historic sites in Plymouth to the studio. "We think people will come here for the tax credits and for the location," DiLorenzo said. "You have the ocean, the hills, foliage, the city _ it's all here." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Historic Plymouth OKs building $488M movie studioAP - 2 hours 52 minutes ago Fleet Foxes aim to be timeless with alternative brand of folkAFP - Monday, November 24 Morocco film festival award goes to Russia's "Wild Field"AFP - Sunday, November 23 Tenor's Met Opera feat: 2 major roles in a dayAP - Sunday, November 23 MTV holds its first African music awardsAP - Sunday, November 23 Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Merkel warns 2009 will be 'year of bad news' for economy Over 200 narwhal trapped in Canadian ice New strain of deadly Ebola virus discovered Wall Street plunges again as panic spreads Aussie mayor wins sexist 'award' for inviting ugly women to town View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Sunday, 23 November 2008
Leader: Pakistan won't be first in nuclear strike
Michelito, the battle-scarred, 10-year-old bullfighter
Second phase of polls in Indian Kashmir begins
French adventurer faces new feat as head of Antarctic station
Dalai Lama warns delegates of failure
Fleet Foxes aim to be timeless with alternative brand of folk
Australia could re-define beer to beat tax loophole: report
Historic Plymouth OKs building $488M movie studio
PM Lee holds bilateral meetings with APEC leaders
Low—income families to get more childcare subsidies from Jan 1
PM Lee says protectionist measures will only worsen global slowdown
Thai protesters vow final showdown with government
Taiwan's Lin wins Hong Kong Open golf
Malaysia to probe astronaut over lecture fees
Enlarged pupils in children could be a sign of glaucoma
Pakistan for nuclear-free South Asia
Britain set to slash tax on goods and services
Ransoms bring wealth to Somali pirate bases | International |
Obama tells Karzai Afghan security will be priority | International |
War takes shine off Georgian revolution anniversary | International |
Israeli report urges peace progress with Syria | International |
Opponent accuses Philippine leader of impropriety
Thai protesters in final battle against government | International |
S$2 million set aside for inter—generational programmes
Broken fingernail? Please don't call an ambulance
Planned China provincial investments exceed $1.4T
Dalai Lama rules out retirement and reaffirms middle way | International |
Maldives' first president dies at 82
All Blacks coach Henry eyes Grand Slam
Karzai: Obama promises to fight terror in region
MediaCorp’s mocca.com organises motoring event
Bangladesh national elections delayed to Dec. 29
Clashes mar second phase of Kashmir elections
Pasir Ris—Punggol Town Council says part of S$4m investment not written off
Australians return 11 stranded whales to sea
1 million more plants in South West district over next 10 years
Parents disagree with suggestion to only recruit graduate teachers
First-class return for surprise rugby league world champs NZ
Blaze under overhead bridge destroys 3 motorcycles
Turnout high in Kashmir polls despite protests
Chinese provinces line up for stimulus projects
`Twilight' sucks up $70.5M in debut
Stiller, Rock say Israel's better than Hollywood
MediaCorp’s Channel 8 celebrates 45 years of quality entertainment
Bangladesh national elections delayed to Dec. 29
Singapore, Commonwealth Secretariat to host study programme
Afghans say Obama promises more US military help
Dalai Lama urges Tibetan exiles to be prudent
Goa stakes claim to be 'Cannes of the east'
Pakistan raid a sign of sharper US intelligence
Thai protesters vow final showdown with government
China, Russia pledge deeper cooperation
International Emmys to honor "Law & Order" creator
De Niro in launch of Doha international film festival
'Twilight' takes big bite out of box office
Next NKorea talks meeting in China December 8: Rice
DVR usage making big changes in television viewing
Chinese provinces propose $1.4 trillion stimulus
'Young Frankenstein' sets a Jan. 4 closing date
Iraq's neighbors discuss security cooperation
Iraq: Saddam Hussein-era officials face new trial
Baghdad opens campaign to kill city's stray dogs
Michael Jackson settles court case: spokeswoman
Thai protesters begin final march to oust government | International |
Merkel sees grim 2009 for recession-hit Germany
U.S. alone critical of Syria at Iraq conference | International |
Civilian, 28 rebels killed in Afghanistan
Venezuela to seek 1.0 million bpd OPEC cut
Iraq PM says U.S. troops will leave if no pact | International |
Russia's Lavrov skeptical about U.S. missile shield | International |
With Geithner tapped for Treasury, Obama builds a team
Guinea-Bissau leader survives post-election attack | International |
Maldives' first president dies at 82
Seoul shares down as banks, exporters retreat
Lame-duck US, Israeli leaders to meet a final time
Solar panels on graves give power to Spanish town
Pressure grows for WTO ministerial meeting | International |
South Korean won up 1.7 pct on econ policy hopes
Geithner tapped to be Obama's Treasury chief
Violence against Afghan children rising: U.N | International |
NZ benchmark stock index opens 1.2 percent higher
Pakistan cricket signs $140.5 million TV deal
Sony's Crackle.com set to roll out new Web shows | Technology |
Palm cutting jobs as competition intensifies | Technology |
Venezuela to seek 1.0 million bpd OPEC cut
Moviegoers enter Twilight zone at box office | Entertainment |
Michael Jackson cancels plan to appear in UK court | Entertainment |
Michael Jackson cancels plan to appear in UK court | Entertainment |
De Niro in launch of Doha international film festival
Stiller, Rock say Israel's better than Hollywood
Sony's Crackle.com set to roll out new Web shows | Entertainment |
Jackson spokeswoman: singer, sheik settle lawsuit
Thai protesters surround parliament for 'final battle'
Thai lawmakers postpone session amid protests
Japan PM denounces murder of bureaucrat
AMAs mix awards with action-packed performances
Australia's Rudd ends first year as PM strong in polls
Ideas wanted to bond grandparents and the young
Jonas Brothers hope to meet Kanye
RPT-GLOBAL MARKETS-Asia bank shares slump on Citigroup worries
NKorea calls meeting with SKorean firms before border curbs
Thai protesters at Parliament for 'final showdown'
Rescued whales find pod off Australia
Bland 'White Christmas' dilutes its holiday cheer
NKorea to restrict cross-border movements, suspend rail service
Report: NKorea serious about Dec. 1 shutdown
Chris Brown wants to duet with Madonna on new CD
China's second-richest person detained: state media
Thai Parliament postpones meeting amid protests
StanChart plans $3 bln rights issue-source
Hu's LatAm trip expands China's profile in US backyard
NKorea to suspend cross-border rail service
Economy, not rights, rules the new China-US world
Protesters at Thai Parliament for 'final showdown'
Blasts hit Baghdad bus, Green Zone, killing 16
Iraq police say female suicide bomber kills 5
North Korea vows to go ahead with border closure | International |
Britain to unveil stimulus plan as recession looms
Obama plans second stimulus package of up to 700 bln dlrs: report
Chavez wins Venezuela vote but opposition gains | International |
US govt vows to protect Citigroup from 'large losses'
Baghdad bomb attacks kill 18 | International |
New drug yields lab breakthrough against viruses
In India state, election mirrors national struggles | International |
Taiwanese banker facing Chen fraud allegations
Obama to introduce economic team
China to reduce tariffs by 20-30 percent: report | International |
Vietnam starts building new resort island airport
Bush, Olmert to bid farewell in Monday talks
South Korea builds city from sea at wetland's expense | International |
Ex-ally accuses Arroyo of bribing lawmakers
Pakistani c.bank sells 20 bln rupees of T-bills
Russian leader sees Obama flexible on missile defense
NKorea serious about restricting border traffic
China to cut tariffs up to 30 percent: report
Triple Guild play for Microsoft | Technology |
Russian president sees Obama flexible on missile defense
UPDATE 2-Standard Chartered in 1.8 bln pound rights issue
S.Korea FSC says to quickly set up bond fund
Seoul shares end 3.3 pct lower; automakers fall
Indian shipping union calls for UN patrols against pirates
Seoul courts rules 2003 KEB sale to Lone Star legal
Int’l school offering US—based curriculum to open at Upper Serangoon Rd
China's second-richest person detained: state media
Singapore's Oct inflation slows on oil price fall
S.Korea central bank to help ease crunch with new funds
Kazakhstan cuts oil price forecast as crisis bites
R&B star Chris Brown sweeps American Music Awards | Entertainment |
NZ dollar pares gains on risk aversion; debt firm
Singapore's Oct inflation slows on oil price fall
Hollywood actors will vote on strike | Entertainment |
Japanese markets closed Monday for holiday
Michael Jackson cancels plan to appear in court | Entertainment |
George Lopez and Billy Ray Cyrus Spy comedy | Entertainment |
Hard times force Tyra Banks out of syndication | Entertainment |
A&E and Seagal put viewers under siege | Entertainment |
Double Shot of Ikki love at MTV | Entertainment |
Triple Guild play for Microsoft | Entertainment |
China's censors cool on Guns N' Roses democracy album
Producers of gourmet foie gras queasy over future
Publishers cash in on Obama book boom
Rebels claim killing 43 Sri Lankan soldiers
Ex-ally fingers Philippine leader in corruption probe
American youth trail in Internet use -- survey
Taxis stage strike in central Chinese city
Tiger rebels claim killing 43 Sri Lankan soldiers
Australian officials say rescued whales now safe at sea
Standard Chartered in 1.8 bln pound rights issue
Protesters at Thai Parliament for 'final showdown'
Vatican beatifies Japanese martyrs in Nagasaki
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01