The Delaware Film Company is in talks to shoot the next Keanu Reeves film in Delaware.
Brian Sowards, DFC vice president, said Geoffrey Taylor, executive vice president and general counsel of Firstar Films called after reading about the Delaware Film Initiative.
Taylor's practice as general counsel for two Hollywood-based production companies involves options and development of new feature films, equity placement, production financing, co-development transactions as well as structuring print and advertising funds to market feature films.
"We have been looking at using the subsidy from New York's 30 percent film tax credit as collateral for a loan. However, Delaware's proposed loan program provides us with a straight-forward and less expensive financing solution," Taylor said.
Firstar Films President Scott Fischer has produced such films as "The Bank Job" and "The Forbidden Kingdom."
"I'm impressed with the proposed program in Delaware," Fischer said, adding that it may be "the smartest incentive program in the country. The Initiative immediately attracted our attention for our next film project with Keanu Reeves, currently slated to be shot in Buffalo, NY."
Based on the size of the production, this project would need to hire at least 150 people - from electricians and carpenters to production managers and equipment handlers. Additionally, the production would require the services of a variety of caterers, transportation providers, security and local hotels.
"The industry is at our door step, " Sowards said, "all we have to do is let them know we want their business." Sowards said. Those interested in supporting the bill can sign an online petition at bringfilmtodelaware.com
For more, visit BringFilmToDelaware.com
