In July of 2007 Massachusetts enacted the Film Credit and Sales Tax Exemption initiative, in hopes of providing new jobs and generating revenue from a local film boom.
Things haven’t started off well: In November 2009 The Boston Globe broke a story titled “A grand studio dream runs headlong into reality.” The ten page article spotlighted the many mishaps of Massachusetts’ highly anticipated film studio, Plymouth Rock Studios. Are Massachusetts’ dreams of Hollywood status doomed? Not quite, thanks to boutique film studios like Boston’s Black Screen Studios.
Plymouth Rock Studios focused their attention on the “glitz and glamour” of the movie business and, rather than start with producing good content, they focused their attention on building a state-of-the-art studio.
Black Screen Studios takes a different approach; their small company size lets them focus on the customer.
They’re with you from start to finish in the the film production process. They boast 24/7 customer service and availability, and they’re not just locked down in their film studio. Black Screen studios is active in the community, sponsoring and attending events as well as doing non-profit work.
Black Screen Studios is tapping into Boston’s student community as well. They’re pulling in the best talent from Boston and encouraging Boston’s film students to stay in Boston instead of heading to Hollywood. According to Amit Chatterjee, CEO of Black Screen Studios “we’ve got a stack of resumes piled up.”
Why is Black Screen such a hot place to work? They’re a full-production studio, meaning you could get involved designing storyboards or editing an animated series. The in-house production at Black Screen is diverse; they work with clients ranging from non-profits to video game companies.
“Black Screen is working with key partners too for a national audience,” says Chatterjee. “Many local companies are focused solely on Boston and not looking for a national presence.”
Staying focused on the local community while building a name for their diverse talents globally could mean big things for Black Screen’s brand.
Don’t believe me? Watch their reel and tell me you’re still unimpressed.
Is Black Screen Studios going to be what makes Massachusetts a bigger contender in the film industry? No doubt, they are a major influencer at the movement, but we need more companies to follow their lead and step away from the Hollywood glamor.
Massachusetts has potential to succeed in the movie industry. According to Black Screen, some 25 major productions have been filmed since the film credit was announced. Keeping it local and using studios like Black Screen will create more jobs and contribute to the innovative community.
What do you think, can Boston make it in the film industry?
Black Screen is doing some cool work, follow their tweets and fan them on Facebook.
