DON'T GO WEST, YOUNG MAN
Last week, there was a front page article in the Boston Globe about Emerson College's espansion of its Hollywood program.
That's good for Emerson, I suppose, but the expansion of the program is based as much on fantasy than reality, and it comes at as time when film production activity, both from within and without the State is increasing.
It is tgrue that Emerson's program has increased and improved over the last twenty years (I taught there at the beginning of the expansion) And a lot of Emerson slum have moved there. Many are happy (although they miss the New England seasons), but others find themselves at entry evel, menial jobs that are abundant out there, but are not prfessionally fulfilling.
Hollywood hasn't changed much since Nathanial West wrote his devastiating critique of Holywood in DAY OF THE LOCUST. But then, in l939, Hollywood was at least centralized. Now, there is very little activity there. Last Thanksgiving, when I last visited, there was an op-ed piece by LA's mayor peading with film people to stay. Holywood has become increasingly decentrlized, what with film production being done every place but in Hollywood.
Why go? MMaybe to see for oneself, only to return in 4 r five years. But, although I think it might be a bit prematgure, if not slightly naive, for Beanywood to announce the Boston has become the intersection between Beantown and Holywod, the area still offers promise. With at least four major Hollywood productins being shot in the state before the end of the year, and no fewer than a dozen local productiions (what with the new tax incentives which now begin for ocal indie productions starting at $50,000). Beanywod and the group making "12" (see an earlier blog) are actualy prjects to promote filmmaking in Massachusetts. And there is Nick Paleologos, the new head of the State Film Office, a man with perspective, experience and contacts, to oversee the Renaissance. On top of that, there is Paul Sherman's book on the histry of filmmaking in Massachusetts.
In short, just like thirty years ago, when it was great to be a fil mgoer in Bostn (what with the Orsn Welles, Off the Wall and the Central Square) the end of the first decade of the 21st century will mark a period where it wil be great to be a filmmaker in Boston.
So before are you glassy eyed Emerson grads head west, take a closer look at what's going on around you. No matter what, Hollywood has become largely decentralized, and Boston is on the way back.
That's good for Emerson, I suppose, but the expansion of the program is based as much on fantasy than reality, and it comes at as time when film production activity, both from within and without the State is increasing.
It is tgrue that Emerson's program has increased and improved over the last twenty years (I taught there at the beginning of the expansion) And a lot of Emerson slum have moved there. Many are happy (although they miss the New England seasons), but others find themselves at entry evel, menial jobs that are abundant out there, but are not prfessionally fulfilling.
Hollywood hasn't changed much since Nathanial West wrote his devastiating critique of Holywood in DAY OF THE LOCUST. But then, in l939, Hollywood was at least centralized. Now, there is very little activity there. Last Thanksgiving, when I last visited, there was an op-ed piece by LA's mayor peading with film people to stay. Holywood has become increasingly decentrlized, what with film production being done every place but in Hollywood.
Why go? MMaybe to see for oneself, only to return in 4 r five years. But, although I think it might be a bit prematgure, if not slightly naive, for Beanywood to announce the Boston has become the intersection between Beantown and Holywod, the area still offers promise. With at least four major Hollywood productins being shot in the state before the end of the year, and no fewer than a dozen local productiions (what with the new tax incentives which now begin for ocal indie productions starting at $50,000). Beanywod and the group making "12" (see an earlier blog) are actualy prjects to promote filmmaking in Massachusetts. And there is Nick Paleologos, the new head of the State Film Office, a man with perspective, experience and contacts, to oversee the Renaissance. On top of that, there is Paul Sherman's book on the histry of filmmaking in Massachusetts.
In short, just like thirty years ago, when it was great to be a fil mgoer in Bostn (what with the Orsn Welles, Off the Wall and the Central Square) the end of the first decade of the 21st century will mark a period where it wil be great to be a filmmaker in Boston.
So before are you glassy eyed Emerson grads head west, take a closer look at what's going on around you. No matter what, Hollywood has become largely decentralized, and Boston is on the way back.
1 Comments:
As an Emerson Student, the LA Program is a great opportunity that allows us to continue our education and get exposed to LA within an internship, so we can later on make the right decision on our lives. I would take your opinion more seriously if you did not make so many spelling errors.
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