News
January 29, 2016
Weekly Update from Kelly Graham-Scherer, Los Angeles Representative: January 29, 2016
Happy Friday everyone,
I was so pleased to hear from Sheridan College this week that 21 Sheridan animation students and alumni have been nominated for 12 Annie Awards! Here is a link to Sheridan's press release with more details about all of the nominees:
https://www.sheridancollege.ca/news-and-events/news/sheridan-graduates-and-students-receive-10-annie-award-nominations.aspx
The scheduled Fox presentation of Grease live by Paramount TV this Sunday has been accompanies by a massive marketing campaign throughout Los Angeles. As reported in the L.A. Times below, part of that press was news that the production was able to shoot in LA because it received the California Tax Credit.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-grease-live-tax-credit-new-york-los-angeles-20160126-story.html
Proposed changes to film and television tax credits in Massachusetts have industry advocates there concerned. As detailed in the Boston Globe below, Governor Charlie Baker has moved to reinstate the program’s original $7 million cap per project — a cap that was lifted in 2007 — and make the credits no longer refundable.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2016/01/27/filmmakers-assail-gov-baker-plan-limit-state-tax-credit/UCISsqGyBZXK7xpQybOuUN/story.html
A class action law suit filed on behalf of production assistants made headlines in Hollywood this week. As reported in the L.A. Times below, Paramount Pictures is among a group of production companies named by PAs who say they were not paid minimum wage or overtime despite working "round-the-clock."
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-paramount-pa-lawsuit-20160126-story.html#nt=outfit
Finally this week, the adaption of American Gods which is set to start shooting in Ontario soon, is generating quite a bit of excitement in the trades. A recent casting decision was reported with fanfare in the Hollywood Reporter below.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-gods-adaptation-finds-lead-860061
You'll find the full text for the linked articles below my signature. Please feel free to distribute this e-mail widely and to get in touch with comments or links for inclusion.
I will be in Ontario next week to attend Primetime in Ottawa and I look forward to speaking with as many Ontario stakeholders as possible while there.
This report will return on Friday, February 12th.
Warmest regards,
Kelly