By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
LITTLE VALLEY — Two Cattaraugus County filmmakers outlined a proposal for building a full-service film, television and streaming production studio to county lawmakers Wednesday.
Panvenni Films producer/director Murphy E. Tom and production administrator Sharon A. Tom told the county legislature’s Development and Agriculture Committee they have a goal of a production facility that would host outside productions and provide an economic boost to the region.
A production facility, including stages, offices and equipment rental, could be new construction or renovated existing buildings, Murphy Tom told the committee.
Cattaraugus County and the Southern Tier region feature numerous locations for shooting film scenes, as well as several universities where students are learning skills that can be applied to different aspects of filmmaking, he said.
“This is my home,” Tom said. “My family’s home.”
The economics behind filmmaking opportunities in New York state lies in the requirement for film companies to qualify for state tax credits to spend production funds locally.
That can add up to a lot of money for hotels, restaurants and other local services for a film with a budget of $20 million, Tom said. Up to 40% of production costs could be housing and feeding film crews
The county could potentially generate tens of millions of new economic activity year after year under the plan, Tom said. “The aim is to fund the creation of the facility through a tax funding approach that could include state and local incentives, New York capital grant opportunities, private investment and strategic financing partnerships,” he said.
A facility could be built for between $10 and $13 million. They would work with Buffalo/Niagara to actively promote the Southern Tier for film opportunities.
“The ripple effect” of film production money in a community is a pattern that has played out in other communities, including the Georgia town that plays host to the “The Walking Dead” television series, Tom said.
The producer/director emphasized he “didn’t come here looking for money.” Instead, he explained, “I thought we needed to get the word out.” He said he has spoken with a few local people about the film production studio proposal and “wanted to expose you to the concept.”
Legislature Vice Chairman Ginger Schroder, R-Farmersville, asked if it was a situation of “build it and they will come?”
Tom said the model they are following is to “build the infrastructure, attract production, and generate recurring economic activity. The regions that succeed long term are not dependent on one hit project, they create pipelines of continuous production activity,” he added.
They continue to scout the area for a suitable building, but haven’t ruled out new construction.
“If we move forward with this, we are not just building a facility, we are establishing a new economic function within our region, one that brings in outside capital, supports local businesses and creates opportunity across multiple sectors,” Tom told legislators.
“We are creating a place where productions come not once, but repeatedly. Local businesses see consistent new revenue,” he said. “Young people have a reason to stay and build careers here, and our region becomes known not just for what it has been, but for what it is becoming.”
Afterward, Legislator Rick Smith, R-Olean, said, “I was very impressed. I hope it comes to fruition. It would be great for the Olean area. If we could land this it would be huge. I hope it goes through.”
