Tag Archives: movie

Riley signs film incentives into law

Alabama Theater during Sidewalk Film FestivalThe Associated Press reported on Tuesday that Governor Riley had finally signed HB69 into law, creating tax incentives for the entertainment industry in Alabama. It was drafted and introduced to the Legislature by Rep. Richard Lindsey back in February, going through several revisions.

The bill was pushed along with the help of local supporters like Lindley Praytor, a local makeup artist and actress who prompted supporters into action and updated them via Facebook, and Alabama State Representative for District 60, Earl Hilliard. Hilliard serves on the Birmingham/Jefferson County Film Advisory Board and is a local film maker.

The law gives discounts on sales, income and lodging taxes to production companies spending at least $500,000 to film any type of commercial film or commercial in the state or spending at least $50,000 to make soundtracks. This will give Alabama the same chance as other states like Georgia and North Carolina to attract movie and TV production projects. Prior to this bill, film projects like Sweet Home Alabama (a movie with Alabama in its name!) were shot in neighboring Georgia because of the poor to non-existent tax incentives in the state.

Some recent film projects in Alabama include Honeydripper (directed by John Sayles) and Sony Pictures’ Talledega Nights.

Read HB69 here.

Photo: The Alabama. joshself/Flickr.

Sidewalk Scramble Screening this week

A grungy plumber dressed in a jumpsuit casually walks into the Upside-down Plaza bar in 5 Points South, downtown Birmingham.  He gives a nod to a customer sitting at the bar as he passes by. A few minutes later the customer follows the plumber into the back bathroom. A tool box opens and guns are distributed. They both know what to do. An epic orchestral soundtrack starts. (Think “Batman: The Dark Knight”). Every aspect of the plan has been thought out as they bust open the office door where the winnings of the illegal gambling front are kept…

The director yells “CUT!” as the camera dollies out on the homemade track system made of PVC pipe and plywood.  Actors double as grips, lighting techs and cinematographers. Grip trucks consist of a fleet of old Honda Civics and Ford Rangers that also double as fast moving dollies and get road shots. Props and wardrobe are found by digging through the bins at the local thrift stores. Catering and craft services are provided by dollar stores and Big Lots usually consisting of a 5-pound bag of almost expired pretzels and Werther’s candy in some very bendy paper bowls and questionable Mexican fruit drinks.

This is short film in Birmingham.

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