MovieMaker Magazine Names the Top 10 American Cities to Make Movies in 2005

New York City has reclaimed its position as the number one American city for independent moviemakers, according to MovieMaker Magazine's fifth annual countdown

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 11, 2005 -- Its official: New York City reclaims its position as the best place in the country to make movies. Thanks to the citys ambitious Made in New York" campaign, local moviemakers can take advantage of healthy tax incentives, free public ad space and even project development support.

The editors at MovieMaker scoured big cities and small communities alike to determine the magazines fifth annual roundup of the 10 best cities to live and work in the exploding industry of independent moviemaking. They might not all be as big as the Big Apple, but they all offer their own unique benefits.

1) New York, NY: film-savvy nature, free permits, access to public locations"
2) Austin, TX: great weather, beautiful scenery and a venerable 'scene."
3) Philadelphia, PA: diverse locations, new tax incentives, direct and friendly access"
4) New Orleans, LA: assistance with production, resources, technical advice and educational opportunities"
5) Portland, OR: no sales tax, no-fee access to over 200 state parks, production rebates"
6) Chicago, IL: big tax credits, commitment to growing production, unique character"
7) Los Angeles, CA: great talent, top-notch film schools, widespread availability of digital technology"
8) Miami, FL: unique and inexpensive locations, cultural diversity, easy to secure permits and insurance"
9) Baltimore, MD: maverick spirit, plentiful resources, production incentives"
10) Orlando, FL: low cost of living, third busiest production center, great locations"

Honorable Mention:
Atlanta, GA: gorgeous weather, varied terrain, talented crew base"
San Diego, CA: no permit fees, free use of public property, discounted police services and hotels"

Says MovieMakers managing editor Jennifer Wood: While international financing continues to offer advantages to U.S. moviemakers, film offices across the country are quietly fighting back. Theyre slowly cinching the tourniquet on runaway production and beginning to reclaim their place at the center of the American independent film scene."

In creating its fifth annual list, the editors of MovieMaker consulted writers, DPs, film scouts, film office representatives and dozens of other in the know" moviemakers.

To request a full copy of the article via mail or PDF, please contact Michelle Devereaux at michelle@moviemaker.com or 212/766-4100.

Contact:
Michelle Devereaux
MovieMaker Magazine
121 Fulton Street
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212/766-4100
www.MovieMaker.com
michelle@moviemaker.com

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