New RED Ranch...

[Jeff Coatney]

Anyone looking to build a factory here in the US right now have access to competitive tax breaks and state and local government incentives and their pick of commercial real estate in which to house it. If you want to build a piece of high tech gear domestically, as Red has confirmed is the plan for Epic, you literally have your pick of where to do that. Red has facilities in Lake Forest, CA, Austin TX, Hollywood CA, and in San José CA. Any one of them could house Epic manufacturing. But it makes sense to get the best deal on taxes and other incentives because a factory is all about labor costs. That's the only part of the product that doesn't have a fixed cost.

[Kalani Prince]

Hey Jim, can you do phase two on Maui? We've got way too many sugarcane fields : )

[Tim Whitcomb]

I don't know what I am doing different from you, but there is 48 days left in my 2010!

its actually 49! LOL 18 Days left in Nov + 31 days in Dec = 49

[Michael Hastings]

Anyone looking to build a factory here in the US right now have access to competitive tax breaks and state and local government incentives and their pick of commercial real estate in which to house it. If you want to build a piece of high tech gear domestically, as Red has confirmed is the plan for Epic, you literally have your pick of where to do that. Red has facilities in Lake Forest, CA, Austin TX, Hollywood CA, and in San José CA. Any one of them could house Epic manufacturing. But it makes sense to get the best deal on taxes and other incentives because a factory is all about labor costs. That's the only part of the product that doesn't have a fixed cost.

Circuit boards would normally be farmed out so can be at lower wage places anyway. Same with machining although I don't think you would save that much per unit over just buying the Cnc and doing it in house in oc or Hollywood. A $25 to $40K haas minimill (haas is a major cnc mfg right there in california) only takes up about six feet by six feet and can probably crank out an epic top or side panel every 10-20 minutes, twenty to 25 in a 2000sq ft space could crank out LOTS of bodies fast for the purchase price of about that many cameras. How much time can it really take to assemble and test that u would save more than a couple hundred dollars? Not to mention there seems to be dozens on Reduser that would do it for free :-)

[Tim Duran]

Being in Nevada has huge immediate benefits and huge potential benefits. First, the obvious is no state taxes. Not so obvious is the capital equipment deductions available right now. Less immediate are structring a state of the art studio (ILM) complex, fly in helipad(s), low(er) wages, lots of real estate deals to build production offices, vendor warehouses, shops, etc. In fact, 15 acres is probably too small. And now is the time to buy. Look at all those Epic deposits they are sitting on.

[M Most]

Being in Nevada has huge immediate benefits and huge potential benefits. First, the obvious is no state taxes. Not so obvious is the capital equipment deductions available right now. Less immediate are structring a state of the art studio (ILM) complex, fly in helipad(s), low(er) wages, lots of real estate deals to build production offices, vendor warehouses, shops, etc. In fact, 15 acres is probably too small. And now is the time to buy. Look at all those Epic deposits they are sitting on.

It's also about 114 degrees during the day for at least 3-4 months a year. And very cold at night during the winter. People tend to forget some of the main factors that brought the industry to Southern California in the first place: varied terrain and great, reliable weather (not necessarily this year, though..). Not having to deal with constantly scheduling cover days is a big advantage for something like television series production.

Everyone always says "no taxes," but that is hardly the case. No personal income tax, yes. No taxes, uhhh, no.

[Graham_C]

I just read all the thread thinking blimey things really are moving fast, Jim is far zippier than i thought!..i`ve just noticed it started in 2008,not a new recon today! I`m not sure what this makes me,but it must be something.

[Andrew Huse]

how about some slot machines in the shape of epic?

[Jeff Coatney]

How about slot machines that pay off in Epics?

[Kelley Muro]

That is so cool! MORE RED!

[Mark Stock]

It's also about 114 degrees during the day for at least 3-4 months a year. And very cold at night during the winter. People tend to forget some of the main factors that brought the industry to Southern California in the first place: varied terrain and great, reliable weather (not necessarily this year, though..). Not having to deal with constantly scheduling cover days is a big advantage for something like television series production.

Everyone always says "no taxes," but that is hardly the case. No personal income tax, yes. No taxes, uhhh, no.

Also, there is no Nevada state corporate tax.

[Michael Hastings]

Also, there is no Nevada state corporate tax.

but sales, hotel, property, etc. etc. just like Florida where we get to squeeze enough out of the tourists to avoid the income tax. TANSTAAFL.

I imagine North Dakota has incentives too, but at some point location trumps expense. Check out the rent at a popular mall, but they pay it because business supports it.



People tend to forget some of the main factors that brought the industry to Southern California in the first place: varied terrain and great, reliable weather (not necessarily this year, though..). Not having to deal with constantly scheduling cover days is a big advantage for something like television series production.

Everyone always says "no taxes," but that is hardly the case. No personal income tax, yes. No taxes, uhhh, no.

Right, mike. Florida people seem to always wonder why we can't get a serious film industry going here, lower wages, no income tax, incentives, Disney, etc.

Somehow they forget that for about 4 months in the summer EVERY day there is a downpour in midafternoon. And lots of unpredictable weather at other times of the year. Not to mention that the biggest hill between Key West and Orlando (mid state) is a landfill.

[Joe Carney]

but sales, hotel, property, etc. etc. just like Florida where we get to squeeze enough out of the tourists to avoid the income tax. TANSTAAFL.

I imagine North Dakota has incentives too, but at some point location trumps expense. Check out the rent at a popular mall, but they pay it because business supports it.




Right, mike. Florida people seem to always wonder why we can't get a serious film industry going here, lower wages, no income tax, incentives, Disney, etc.

Somehow they forget that for about 4 months in the summer EVERY day there is a downpour in midafternoon. And lots of unpredictable weather at other times of the year. Not to mention that the biggest hill between Key West and Orlando (mid state) is a landfill.
You forgot they have some pretty big overpasses around Miami:smile:

[James Bender]

Opening is scheduled for 2010.

Jim

And everything is subject to change, so count on it!



Please take this as joking in good fun. Love ur stuff guys.

[Dj Joofa]

People tend to forget some of the main factors that brought the industry to Southern California in the first place: varied terrain and great, reliable weather (not necessarily this year, though..).

Hi Mike,

In addition to the factors you mention that help boost industry, "technology hubs" in US, which includes California, Texas, Boston, etc., have typically benefited with immediate access to an available pool of talented students and resources of nearby/in-town major research universities. Not sure how this perspective fits into Red's move to Las Vegas.

Joofa

[Tim Duran]

M Most: Southern California of the 40's and 50's is no more. What drew so many people there 60+ years ago, including my parents, grand parents and great grand parents, is now only a Hollywood dream. If it is such a great place today, why so many run away productions to get out of the basin? As to 100+ temps, as I recall it was high 90's in LA just a month or so ago.

DJ: Like you have something againt ULV? If Huges can market LV, then people in this industry can point out all the healty reasons to live there: less traffic, no smog, no one hour commutes, direct access to Europe and beyond, etc.

No, LV has a lot of merrit and deserves serious consideration. Just as the CofC if you don't believe me.

[M Most]

M Most: Southern California of the 40's and 50's is no more. What drew so many people there 60+ years ago, including my parents, grand parents and great grand parents, is now only a Hollywood dream. If it is such a great place today, why so many run away productions to get out of the basin? As to 100+ temps, as I recall it was high 90's in LA just a month or so ago..

:banghead:

I just knew that someone would react this way.

Fact: All major studios are and continue to be headquartered in greater Los Angeles.
Fact: The largest share - by far - of network television production still takes place in Southern California. As does probably close to 90% of all post production activity, even on productions that aren't shot here.
Fact: Bribes (some call them "incentives"..) offered by other areas attract interest for a period of time because, well, they're bribes. That's how they work. If you pass yourself off as being cheap, sooner or later you lose because someone else comes along who's even cheaper than you are. That's a lesson some people in our industry are learning the hard way, and it's a lesson that many incentivized locations have and are continuing to learn the hard way as well.
And, finally, fact: Los Angeles and all of coastal Southern California has some of the best weather, by nearly every standard, in the world. That doesn't mean the San Fernando Valley isn't hot during the summer. It is. But the basin generally is not, and the beaches are almost never over 80 degrees. Las Vegas has some of the most brutal summer weather outside of Phoenix. Your choice of pointing out the anomaly rather than the rule is a bit off the mark.

I'm not saying L.A. is better than anyplace else. It's not. But that doesn't change any of the facts listed above. If you want to argue, fine, I can't stop you. But this is my last post on the matter because it's clear that it's a waste of time.

[Dj Joofa]

DJ: Like you have something againt ULV? If Huges can market LV, then people in this industry can point out all the healty reasons to live there: less traffic, no smog, no one hour commutes, direct access to Europe and beyond, etc.


Hi,

I just mentioned a fact that helps boost industry: access to high quality university resources and students, as clearly demonstrated by trends in California and Texas. I'm sure Red has weighed in all pluses and minuses and the overall decision would be to move, and they would be willing to tap into the resources offered by UNLV.

And, what would I know about LV or UNLV, etc. I have never been to LV. :ohmy:

Joofa

[Tim Whitcomb]

:banghead:

I just knew that someone would react this way.

Fact: All major studios are and continue to be headquartered in greater Los Angeles.
Fact: The largest share - by far - of network television production still takes place in Southern California. As does probably close to 90% of all post production activity, even on productions that aren't shot here.
Fact: Bribes (some call them "incentives"..) offered by other areas attract interest for a period of time because, well, they're bribes. That's how they work. If you pass yourself off as being cheap, sooner or later you lose because someone else comes along who's even cheaper than you are. That's a lesson some people in our industry are learning the hard way, and it's a lesson that many incentivized locations have and are continuing to learn the hard way as well.
And, finally, fact: Los Angeles and all of coastal Southern California has some of the best weather, by nearly every standard, in the world. That doesn't mean the San Fernando Valley isn't hot during the summer. It is. But the basin generally is not, and the beaches are almost never over 80 degrees. Las Vegas has some of the most brutal summer weather outside of Phoenix. Your choice of pointing out the anomaly rather than the rule is a bit off the mark.

I'm not saying L.A. is better than anyplace else. It's not. But that doesn't change any of the facts listed above. If you want to argue, fine, I can't stop you. But this is my last post on the matter because it's clear that it's a waste of time.

Battle:Los Angeles - looks bad ass Mike - oh if LA would meet such a fate sayeth all those not living in LA. :)

happy holidays all! 2011 looking to be fun fun fun.

[Leo Sardello]

I think Mr. Most’s assessment of the industry as it relates to Southern Cali. is pretty spot on. My personal feelings on LA might be to flush it all away and learn to swim, but that doesn’t change the fact that it IS the hub for this industry.

Are there other places one could locate? Sure. But even other large production hubs like NY and Vancouver don’t compare in scope to SC. If you’re in this biz long enough you are pretty much guaranteed to make a trip to LA at some point for one reason or another (if you’re in North America that is).

Anyway, if we're rooting for home towns- let’s not forget what having a view of the beautiful Rocky Mountains out of your office window does for moral…:tongue:

[Peter Moretti]

At some point and time you have to decide what you are going to do fulltime w/ your life, esp. if you want to get good at it. LA has people who have made this decision in spades.

Yes they are more expensive, but they tend to know what they are doing, and there are a lot of them.

Runaway production is an issue, no doubt. But incentives don't necessarily mean meaningful quantities of people are going to commit to making the necessary career changes to create an industry that will rival LA.

... at least that's one of our hopes, LOL.

[Terry VerHaar]

...Anyway, if we're rooting for home towns- let’s not forget what having a view of the beautiful Rocky Mountains out of your office window does for moral…:tongue:

If we have to choose, I think I am with you, Leo. I'd vote for making Boulder the new Hollywood!! (But then there would be all those PEOPLE!!) :blink:

[Christopher Nagel]

I just read all the thread thinking blimey things really are moving fast, Jim is far zippier than i thought!..i`ve just noticed it started in 2008,not a new recon today! I`m not sure what this makes me,but it must be something.

Yeah, I just noticed that too! ZOMBIE THREAD ALERT! :emote_22_yikes:

[Joe Carney]

From what I've heard about Las Vega, unless you're involved in gambling or hospitality, it's one of the most boring places in the States. Culture there,like the city, is 100 miles wide and one inch deep.
Many people who relocate there from SoCal and other places, because of the cost of living, end up leaving. Much of the population is transient, making it difficult to put down roots and establish long term ties.
Nevada may be a great place to shoot a movie, but not a great place to base the industry.

[Joe Taylor]

From what I've heard about Las Vega, unless you're involved in gambling or hospitality, it's one of the most boring places in the States. Culture there,like the city, is 100 miles wide and one inch deep.
Many people who relocate there from SoCal and other places, because of the cost of living, end up leaving. Much of the population is transient, making it difficult to put down roots and establish long term ties.
Nevada may be a great place to shoot a movie, but not a great place to base the industry.

Ah, but then there's the glorious Mojave, which is why I'm here.

[Leo Sardello]

If we have to choose, I think I am with you, Leo. I'd vote for making Boulder the new Hollywood!! (But then there would be all those PEOPLE!!) :blink:

Heh heh, we don’t need all of Hollywood here, RED Studios would be sufficient…:devil:

[Gavin Greenwalt]

I would point out Seattle has no income tax, similar climate to Vancouver and copious bribery... and yet only a very small studio-feature-film industry. (I've heard anecdotal claims that more indie films are shot here per capita but I find those dubious and unsubstantiated.)

Taxes aren't everything.

[Terry VerHaar]

From what I've heard about Las Vega, unless you're involved in gambling or hospitality, it's one of the most boring places in the States. Culture there,like the city, is 100 miles wide and one inch deep.
Many people who relocate there from SoCal and other places, because of the cost of living, end up leaving. Much of the population is transient, making it difficult to put down roots and establish long term ties.
Nevada may be a great place to shoot a movie, but not a great place to base the industry.

Oooh, harsh. :angelsad2:

[patrick G]

RED Ranch, my next vacation spot

[jaadgy akanni]

From what I've heard about Las Vega, unless you're involved in gambling or hospitality, it's one of the most boring places in the States. Culture there,like the city, is 100 miles wide and one inch deep.
Many people who relocate there from SoCal and other places, because of the cost of living, end up leaving. Much of the population is transient, making it difficult to put down roots and establish long term ties.
Nevada may be a great place to shoot a movie, but not a great place to base the industry.

So true. I was there this summer;and after 3 weeks I was like "I'd have to be in a coma to live here" Having lived in New York all my life, where every moment is vibrant, I think (and hope) that the only other place I could possibly feel alive would be in LA, provided I'm in the middle of where things are happening, that is.