Viewpoint

“…Filmmaking is the business of turning money
into light and then back into money again.”
-- John Boorman

Aliceann Wolhbruck, Executive Director, NADO Research Foundation

The cover story in this issue of the Digest reminds us of the diversity of the US economy and the wide variety of opportunities for job creation. While the search for traditional manufacturing and service jobs is the focus of many development organizations, some small metropolitan and rural regions are benefiting from one of the nation’s large industries – filmmaking including television and commercials.

The film and television industry is an important source of domestic economic growth and employment. Film production and distribution generate at least $18 billion in direct and indirect export revenues for the US and generate over $20 billion in economic activity in our country. Although the US has lost many films to other countries, many states and localities are generating sizable revenues from this industry.

The cover story highlights two states and a county that are actively pursuing Hollywood through various means. The Western Regional North Carolina Commission is working with a network of local organizations including an Economic Development District in helping filmmakers find possible movie locations. The Washington state film office has started a rural economic development program to reach out to rural communities to educate statewide partners and local communities about the opportunities available in the film industry. The state also offers financial incentives to attract film studios. Humboldt County in rural California has made itself known and attractive to filmmakers in Hollywood. According to the US Department of Commerce there are growing film industries in Nevada, New Jersey, Arizona, Utah, Louisiana, Washington, and Massachusetts.

One of the favorite clichés in Washington is “one size does not fit all” and this is certainly true for regional development organizations working with cities and counties to find appropriate economic activities that take advantage of existing resources such as attractive and accessible film locations. Although filming on location may not create permanent jobs, it does help identify scenic and historic places that can give visibility to places for tourism and other attraction strategies.

The Digest will be examining a variety of traditional and nontraditional economic development tools and techniques and welcomes our readers’ suggestions for future stories. l

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