Recently, the state of Massachusetts has been cementing itself as a premier destination for filmmakers, as numerous new Hollywood blockbusters have been filmed in the Bay State. This is all well and good, but the small problem remains that they all leave after spending mere weeks here. If a South Boston developer can get his proposal approved, that could all change.
Ben and Casey Affleck on the set of Gone Baby Gone, a recent movie shot primarily in Dorchester.
Mostly due to a bill that provided filmmakers with millions of tax credits for filming within the state, the number of movies being shot in Massachusetts has gone up significantly. Everyone from the local guy trying to get a start to Hollywood stars have made their way over to the Bay State. Unfortunately, due to the lack of any real production studios in the area, most of these actors and directors end up packing their bags after only a few weeks.
Recent proposals have surfaced that would change all that, such as a massive complex proposed for Plymouth, and another $300 million proposal for South Weymouth. Most recently, South Boston developer Tim Pappas has jumped into the fray, proposing the construction of two smaller sound stages on some industrial property that he owns in South Boston.
Unlike the two other proposals mentioned above, Pappas has plans to start out with a more modest sized project. He would like to start with only one or two sound stages. If the market remained strong, Pappas would explore the option of expanding and adding more facilities to the property.
Several lawmakers in the city (including Mayor Menino) have already been briefed regarding the proposal. According to spokeswoman for the Mayor, Menino has urged Pappas to present his plans to the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
Source: Boston Herald
Image: Boston.com
Filed under: Boston, Entertainment, Massachusetts, Proposal, South Boston
