The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is pleased to announce that two new television pilots are slated to begin filming in Rhode Island in March 2009.
Mark Gordon (GREY'S ANATOMY, ARMY WIVES and CRIMINAL MINDS as well as feature films SPEED and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN) serves as Executive Producer on both.
HOUSE RULES
Produced by: ABC Studios
Network: CBS
Writer: Michael Seitzman
Executive Producers: Michael Seitzman, Mark Gordon (The Mark Gordon Company), Deborah Spera (The Mark Gordon Company)
Director: Dan Minihan
Cast: TBD
Logline: An ensemble drama following five freshman members of Congress.
EMPIRE STATE
Produced by: ABC Studios
Network: ABC
Writer: Michael Seitzman; Story By: Michael Seitzman and Jeff Reiner
Director: Jeremy Podeswa
Executive Producers: Michael Seitzman, Mark Gordon (The Mark Gordon Company), Deborah Spera (The Mark Gordon Company)
Cast: TBD
Logline: Two families - one of blue-collar ironworkers and the other of the wealthy real estate tycoons that run them - collide in present day Manhattan. At the center is a love story.
Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the Film & TV Office said, "We are very proud to be able to announce this great news. ABC Studios has chosen our beautiful state to film two of their new television pilots for the CBS and ABC networks. As a result, more jobs will be immediately available to our local crew and talent pool, while we continue to build upon Rhode Island's important creative economy. This is further proof that our Ocean State has the heart and resources to compete in even the most challenging of climates."
"The natural beauty and rich heritage of Rhode Island offers the perfect backdrop for any storyline," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "Our creative arts community is one of the best and most admired in the nation, and supports our ability to bring more of these opportunities to Rhode Island."
House Speaker William J. Murphy added, "The filming of two pilots will be a boost for our state's economy, particularly in these difficult times. With a vibrant and talented arts community, I continue to be a strong believer in the job opportunities that can be created through film and television productions."
"It is very exciting to hear that ABC Studios has selected Rhode Island for the filming of two new television pilots," said President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed. "Television and film productions provide our state with jobs, stimulate our economy, and give this beautiful state the opportunity to shine in living rooms across the country. I am proud that despite these difficult economic times Rhode Island remains a viable host for film and television production."
'Providence's selection as a location for these two ABC pilots is a testament to the city's creative workforce, production-friendly policies, and unprecedented collaboration between the RI Film & TV Office and our Department of Art, Culture + Tourism. We welcome ABC, the production jobs they will create, and their positive economic impact on our local economy." said Mayor David N. Cicilline.
ABC Studios is a leader in the development, production and strategic distribution of entertainment content across television and emerging digital platforms. As a key content driver for the Disney-ABC Television Group, the studio will produce 24 productions for broadcast and cable television in the 2008/09 season. The studio is an industry pioneer in the utilization of production incentives, currently producing series in four states and three countries.
The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is a division of The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Please visit our website at www.film.ri.gov.