Feature Films Lured by Hawaii's 15-20% Tax Credit

Hawaii has long been a magnet for TV shows, reality series, commercials, and music videos, but rare is the feature film in the islands (with notable exceptions, of course, such as "Jurassic Park," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and "Pearl Harbor").

But thanks to the new 15-20% refundable production tax credit, feature films are rediscovering Hawaii. Among the recent features that have been lured by the tax credit is "Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End," which took in a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend gross of $142 million. The blockbuster's 6-day haul to date is estimated at $401 million. The third installment of the popular Disney franchise shot just one scene in one day in Hawaii, and was the first feature film to take advantage of Hawaii's new 15-20% tax credit.

Next came Universal's "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," a "romantic disaster movie" written by and starring Jason Segel ("Freaks and Geeks"), starring Kristen Bell ("Veronica Mars"), and produced by Judd Apatow ("40-Year Old Virgin"), which is slated for release next year.

Supposedly on its way to Kauai this summer is the Ben Stiller-helmed comedy "Tropic Thunder."

And finally, rumors are swirling about the upcoming production of the long overdue "Indiana Jones IV" starring Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf. According to CHUD.com, the sequel will be shooting in the L.A. area, Connecticut, New Mexico and, lo and behold, Hawaii. Of the four locations, California is the only one that does not have a tax incentive for film production.

>> ‘Pirates’ Haul So Far Estimated at $401 Million [NY Times, 5/29/07]
>> The Aloha allure [The Hollywood Reporter, 5/22/07]
>> Feel the ‘Tropic Thunder’ [The Garden Island, 5/3/07]
>> Grease is the Word for Indy Jr. [CHUD.com, 5/20/07]

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Hawaii Film Office Site Down...For Some

Where oh where is hawaiifilmoffice.com?

The official Hawaii Film Office site, hawaiifilmoffice.com, may produce a 404 errors ("The webpage cannot be found") for some visitors due to an incomplete server migration.

Back in January, the HFO site relaunched on new servers and under a new content management system. However, the old, static site was never fully erased, so a good number of site visitors were still accessing this old site.

The Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism's IT Dept. (which spearheaded this site migration) recently realized this problem, and erased the old site completely. So now, users who had previously been directed to the old site (including me), are now directed to...nothing!

So, those of you who need to download permit applications and instructions, tax credit applications and instructions, or find out more information about shooting in Hawaii, should contact the Hawaii Film Office at (808) 586-2570 as we wait for the HFO site to go back up for everyone.

Tim Ryan's Reel Hawaii is Back

Long-time Hawaii-based entertainment news reporter Tim Ryan has sort of revived his "Reel Hawaii" column, previously featured in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Tim, now Executive Editor of Hawaii Film & Video Magazine, just launched a blog offering juicy tidbits on what's going on in Hawaii's film and TV world. Check out his latest scoop on Tim Ryan’s Reel Hawaii.

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State Seeking Hawaii-China Film Proposals

Improve Hawaii-China relations through the universal language of film!
(Source: Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin)

The Hawaii Film Office (part of the state's Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism) is soliciting proposals for projects involving a Hawaii-China film development program. $50,000 will be granted to the winning proposal. Here's a summary of what the state is looking for:

SOLICITATION #: RFP-07-14-CID

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The primary objective of the solicitation is to support film projects involving a Hawaii-China film development program. The types of film project that will be considered are documentaries, television shows, independent feature films or shorts. The film project should explore the Hawaii-China connection and include an educational or workforce development program. This project also seeks to:
* Develop local production expertise and talent;
* Sustain local industry development;
* Increase investment in Hawaii-based productions; and
* Foster continued exploration and understanding of the unique Hawaii-China relationship.

DEADLINES:
* All written questions must be submitted to DBEDT's Contracts office by 3pm HST on May 18, 2007. The Contracts office can be reached at bids@dbedt.hawaii.gov or 808-586-9312.
* The deadline for the proposals themselves is 11am HST on June 6, 2007.

>> Click here to review the complete submission guidelines.

18th Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival

The Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival has announced its slate for the upcoming 18th annual edition. The fest will take place from May 24 to May 27 at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Academy of Arts and the Cupola Events Theatre at the new Honolulu Design Center. Highlights include:

• Opening film "No Regret" by Leesong Hee-il, the first openly gay South Korean filmmaker to write and direct a gay themed film
• Scottish humor meets Bollywood spectacle in the British comedy "Nina's Heavenly Delights"
• World premiere of Andrea Meyerson’s documentary/concert film "Kate Clinton’s 25th Anniversary Tour" as well as her film "Laughing Matters…The Men"
• Gala Benefit & Silent Auction Event with keynote speaker Kim Coco Iwamoto, a Hawaii Board of Education member and the highest elected transgendered office holder in the U.S.
• World premiere of "Out Running," a documentary exemplifying the rising presence of openly LGBT people in public office
• "Alexis Arquette: She's My Brother," a documentary about the process of sexual reassignment for Alexis Arquette, the once brother, now sister of actors Rosanna, Patricia, & David Arquette. Alexis Arquette is scheduled to appear at the event.
• "Saint of 9/11," about Father Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar and chaplain of the Fire Dept. of New York, whose journey as a gay man, an alcoholic and a priest became a symbol of courage and sacrifice during the 9/11 tragedy

For more info, including showtimes and ticket prices, go to hglcf.org.

New Mini Local Film Fest, May 14-15

There's another new lil' film fest in town. Here's its official press release:

Misfit Movie Madness!
May 14 & 15
7:00 pm @ ARTS at Marks Garage

Local Film Superheroes the 5' GIANTS are combining forces with other independent filmmakers to bring you this TWO-NIGHT cinematic treat that's low on calories, but packed with impact!

The first night is action-packed with over 5 short movies leaping onto the big screen! Comedies and dramatic shorts from 3TOAD, Renegade Filmmaker, the 5' GIANTS and other local filmmakers that defy the Hollywood Machine. You'll never know what to expect with this cinematic grab bag!

The second night will be an adventure of a different sort. With the premiere of the latest 5' GIANTS feature "Comfortable Affliction" and two other short films taking center stage.

Admission at the door is $8/person. Spirits and surprises will be served. Leave the kids at home because this type of cinema is not for everyone.

For more info or to book your seat in advance, call 349-4195 or email info@5ftgiants.com. For program info visit: www.myspace.com/5ftgiants

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What Happened at the 2007 Legislature?

The 2007 Hawaii State Legislature adjourned last week, and all film-related bills essentially died, except for one: SB1922, which appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii's Academy for Creative Media for various facilities and programs.

Here's what ACM Chair Tom Brislin had to say about the passage of SB1922, SD2, HD1, CD1:

A special thanks to all students, faculty, and community and industry supporters who urged our state legislators to support ACM. The House and Senate unanimously passed a measure that will give almost $5 million for an ACM facility and equipment. Next steps are for the governor to sign the measure into law, and for the university and Hawaii Public TV to agree on a lease that would provide a long-term home for ACM in the KHET-TV building on the corner of University and Dole. Stay tuned.

>> ACM Update #8 [5/4/07]

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The End of "Lost" is Found (and Near)

"Lost" to say buh-bye to Hawaii (and the world) in 2009-10 season

You can put all those rumors about "Lost"'s demise to rest now: ABC officially announced yesterday that the made-in-Hawaii sci-fi drama will indeed expire in the 2009-10 TV season.

The network's decision had nothing to do with the hit show's softening ratings, but rather, with the desire to allow current exec producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse to end the show with dignity (i.e., with a natural story arc that would remain tight and riveting throughout the rest of the show's lifespan).

After this season, "Lost" (still a hit show, by the way) will run for 3 more uninterrupted seasons, so enjoy it while you can!

>> End in sight for 'Lost': 48 episodes, 3 seasons [The Hollywood Reporter, 5/7/07]

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