Las Vegas Business Press :: News : Film production tops $100 million for fifth consecutive year

Film production tops $100 million for fifth consecutive year

BY BARBARA SCHERZER

BUSINESS PRESS

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, chair of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development, which oversees the Nevada Film Office (NFO), proudly announced last week that 2004 calendar year film revenues for the State of Nevada were nearly $117 million. At the press conference held at the Aladdin Resort and Casino and hosted by Planet Hollywood, Hunt said, "The world wants to see Las Vegas and the world is beginning to see Nevada. We're aggressive; we're growing."

Screenwriter Brian Rouff, left, receives first prize from the Nevada Film Office from Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt.

Although many states are experiencing declining film revenues, Nevada continues its five-year record of exceeding the $100 million dollar threshold and this year enjoyed an increase in movie related revenues of more than 10 percent from 2003. Although 42 feature films added to the state's 2004 production-revenues, television programming was by far the largest category, leading the way with about 65 percent of all the production activity. Overall, 654 film projects spent 3,072 days working within our borders since January 1 last year.

"To see the growth that we're experiencing is exciting to me," Hunt added. "We're all committed to seeing this industry grow and remain strong."

Next, the lieutenant governor presented certificates of achievement, gift bags, and monetary prizes to the top three winners of the Nevada Film Office's Screenwriters Competition. The oldest state-sponsored event for scriptwriters in this country -- 17 years and counting -- the contest provides unknown writers the opportunity to be recognized and have their scripts read by producers and production companies based in Hollywood.

Charles Geocaris, Director of the NFO, said, "Access is the best prize."

This year's winners include: first place to Nevada resident Brian Rouff for his black comedy "Dice Angel," second place co-winners Jeremy Rubin & Gary Lumpp for their horror treatment "SK8R 666," and third place to Dan Wedeking for his mob drama "Mayhem and Made Men."

Rouff, who is primarily a novelist, said that "Dice Angel" is his first effort as a screenwriter. His script revolves around Jimmy Delaney, a 20-year resident and Vegas bar owner who is a long-time loser. He meets a ditzy lady who claims to bring folks luck by blowing on their dice. Delaney ultimately decides to hook up with this Dice Angel.

Of the screenwriting competition Rouff said, "I feel it will bring me credibility."

The NFO also took this opportunity to launch its 2005 Nevada Production Directory. The book that is published annually contains a comprehensive listing of information, contacts, and resources for filming within Nevada. It is distributed free of charge to professionals working in TV, film, and commercial production. The directory can be viewed online at www.nevadafilm.com. Print copies can be obtained by calling the NFO at 702-486-2711.

Any producers or production companies who are interested in reading the top three scripts from this year's screenwriting competition can contact the NFO toll-free at 877-638-3456.

beebeelee@aol.com

Search Classifieds: