State Money Approved To Expand Alaska's Film Industry

Governor signs off on $486K to train locals interested in entertainment

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By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: Jul 7, 2011 at 11:47 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 7, 2011 at 11:55 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE—Gov. Sean Parnell (R-AK) has approved $486,000 in this year’s capital budget to train Alaskans to prepare for projects in the film and television industry headed to the state.

The grants will help grow the local workforce so entertainment professionals can properly train those who want to join the industry.

“We have an industry here, it's a small industry,” said Bob Crockett, president of Alaska Film Group. “We need to kick it up a couple notches and respond to these productions that are now coming into the state.”

Film tax incentives from the state have helped bring multi-million dollar movies up here, and film industry say having additional funding to make sure locals are trained is crucial.

“We don’t want Alaska’s talented crew going out of state to find work,” said Deborah Schildt, instructor for Alaska Crew Training. “It’s an opportunity to really put Alaskans to work and keep them here.”

The state Senate unanimously passed a 10-year extension of the film tax incentives. It’s scheduled to be taken up by the House Finance Committee in January when legislators head back to Juneau.

 

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