BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....To Yoni Bokser, seeing such productions as "Rewind Christmas" or "Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story" filmed across the eight county Western New York region is just the beginning of what he hopes becomes a robust industry.
Bokser, New York State Governor's OPffice of Motion Picture & Television Development executive director, seeing the regional film industry grow is key.
The foundation is there, Bokser said in crediting Buffalo Niagara Film Commission's Tim Clark, commissioner for the regional growth.
But, keep moving forward, Bokser said.
"Things have changed a lot in the last 10 years," Bokser said. "Western New York has a thriving film base."
The region has 15 regional qualified production facilities led by Buffalo Filmworks on Babcock Street and Great Point Studio on Niagara Street.
And, depending on the production as much as 50% in tax credits and other incentives may be available.
Bokser noted with each new film shoot in the region, Western New York's reputation as production-friendly location grows.
"You are developing a very strong film and TV production economy," Bokser said.
Bokser's view is shared by Karen Utz, Empire State Development regional direcctor.
"Who doesn't love to see what's happening here," Utz said. "Every movie shot here leaves behind an economic ripple effect."
Clark pointed to "A Quiet Place II" that was largely filmed across the region including the Village of Akron.
The nearly two-month production used 16,480 hotel room nights, 4,200 AirBnB nights, the crews bought 1,200 gallons of paint from local hardware stores and hired nearly 600 people at various points.
In all, the film's production company spent $61 million on the movie, with the bulk of those dollars being within the local economy, Clark said.
"There is a regional effect," Clark said.
Yoni Bokser sees great potential to grow WNY's film industry
Yoni Bokser sees great potential to grow WNY's film industry
