A new film commission in Utica aims to bring more movie-making to Central New York.
The Stanley Theatre announced Tuesday that Film Utica, the first-ever fully operational film commission in Utica, has received final approval and will operate out of the historic theater.
“It is exciting to start building this business for Utica,” The Stanley Theatre Executive Director Lisa Wilsey said in a statement. “Film and television production has been missing in the economics of the region and we are excited to spearhead this venture that will contribute to our tax base, create jobs, attract new business and contribute to economic stability in the region.”
Wilsey will serve on the board of the Utica film commission along with two other members, Film Commissioner Paul Buckley (appointed by Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri) and Business Agent of the Union Local ITEA 1 David DeCola.
According to a press release, Film Utica aims to attract movie and TV productions to shoot on location in the Utica and Rome area, as well as offer support for the projects, which will be eligible for New York state film tax credits. Neil Reilly, deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Development at the Empire State Development Corporation (ESD), gave the final nod of approval.
Film Utica’s website, filmutica.com, includes a variety of photos to help productions with location scouting. The Stanley Theatre has also been designated as a New York State Qualified Production Facility (QPF), also known as the Stanley Soundstage.
Filmmaking has grown rapidly in New York state over the past decade, largely thanks to state film tax credits worth 25% for production costs in New York City and 35% in Upstate New York. Gov. Kathy Hocul recently proposed increasing those tax breaks to 30% and 40%, respectively, and raising the total money available from $420 million to a record $700 million annually starting in 2024.
Movies that have shot in the Utica area include “Slap Shot” (1977), “On the Road” (2012), Jeff Goldblum’s “The Mountain” (2019), “As Long As We Both Shall Live” (2021), and Adrien Brody’s “Clean” (2022). A large number of films and television shows have also used other Upstate New York cities, including Buffalo, Albany and Syracuse.
Wilsey said two new projects are already “on the horizon” to film in Utica later this year.
“Film Utica has been lightning out of the gate and we couldn’t be more thrilled,” Wilsey said.
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