Chuck Slavin is one of the most tireless promoters of local movie, TV and commercial production in the Commonwealth. So single minded is he that when he attended the opening of the new Wahlburgers burger spot (yeah, those Wahlbergs) He didn't have a burger because he was too busy talking about... well you know. Hope el Chuck doesn't suffer anorexia from his dedication. He is confident that on his next visit he will have a burger as the place looked great.
Mr. Slavin does have bigger fish to fry than scoring some cholesterol. He and his Irish Whisper mate, Adriano Masciarelli as well as Arthur Wahlberg, went up to the state house to talk with the solons about the industry. They let members of the General Court know they are grateful for the support of the much-needed credit. They also discussed what else needs to be done. Right now, the credit does support bringing in the outside moviemakers and that is not a bad thing. They get the credit, but they are paying taxes for years if the movie is a hit.
There is, however, a problem. All too often the production team comes in as a self-contained unit. Everyone from the stars to the make up artists and craft services come in and leave with the movie. What needs to happen is a tweaking to come up with incentives for outsiders to hire our local people. This is a story we all have to hope is developing.
Another problem is the sunsetting of the credit. The legislature has a bill to remove that and let studio executives know the tax credits are permanent. Our new head of the Mass Film Office, Lisa Strout is out there working to get series produced here, but does not need a time limited tax credit to impede her work. Let your rep or senator know how you feel.
Not disconnected from the subject of credits and locals getting work is the subject of facilities. The Film Industry Examiner has visited this subject with Chuck before. Progress on the proposed studios at the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station has been happening, if not at a glacial pace, not at the speed of light either. Well, the report Chuck gave us today is pretty good. The land for the project has been secured from the Navy. LNR, the developer of has long planned a studio with sound stages.
Sound stages are vital to industry health if we are to compete. In the LA region there are approximately 351 sound stages in a 50-mile area. If we build it will they come? Well, they won't be a ready if we don't. Chuck vision, which he has had for a long time, is that everybody will be working. It is a little closer with things looking good in South Weymouth.
Chuck, as an actor, has taken time out from his activist role to actually perform in his profession. Our good man has entered the Doritos Crash the Superbowl contest. Click to see his entry: http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/?video=11732 . It's fun and watch it as many times as you can to help Chuck and the guys get some glory. Tell your friends and family. Tell your enemies, especially. Chuck says the enemies click more often. Each click is a vote.
As reported in this space, the movie, The Company You Keep is now Irish Whisper and has a new dirctor, Ben Proulx who made the trailer you can watch on this page. Chuck has a part in that. It is a thriller about a lad in an urban neighborhood trying to stay on the straight and narrow. Chuck has been cast in Irish Whisper. He is reticent to give away too much, but he plays a relative of the lead who is a positive influence.
Adriano Masciarelli is the impresario behind Irish Whisper. Chuck is impressed with how fast the young man learns. His focus and determination is impressive. As Chuck says, “He will either dig the tunnel or climb the wall but he will get through.
Chuck promises the Filmmakers Shindig will be back.
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