HOOVER -- The film industry in Alabama is expanding, and a national entertainment payroll and production services company announced today that it is moving to Hoover to be part of that growth. Add to that a new production training program and vehicle by AIDT, and you’ve got a successful formula for the film industry to grow rapidly in the state.
Entertainment Partners (EP), the leader in payroll, residuals and production services, and its subsidiary EPPS Purchasing, Inc., are basing their operations in the City of Hoover because of its central location and proximity to Birmingham, but will also work with projects in other areas of the state. Their office is located at 571 Park Avenue in Hoover.
“Several producers have decided to shoot their next film project in Alabama since EP first announced the opening of our new office,” said Marco Cordova, director of business development and production planning at EP. “Based on my experience working with local businesses, residents, and state officials, Alabama seems to be embracing the opportunity to work with more film and television productions, and the state is committed to improving and enhancing the incentives and moviemaking experience for producers. EP is truly excited to be part of the growing Alabama film industry.”
Alabama Development Office Director Greg Canfield said his organization is excited to have the Alabama Film Office return as a division of ADO and looks forward to the economic activity many Alabama communities will experience as a result of film and television projects being planned. “The film and television production industry can have a significant financial impact on a community and the State of Alabama,” Canfield said.
As another incentive to attract filming in the state, Alabama’s excellent workforce training program, AIDT, unveiled its EMPACT (Entertainment Media Production and Crew Training) Grip Truck during the same announcement. AIDT has equipped a 48’ tractor-trailer with lighting and grip equipment to train students across the state.
The trailer will be used to help students become familiar with lighting and grip equipment, as well as become part of the incentives offered to productions in the state. The truck also features an 80 sq ft editing suite/production office featuring Apple computers, Final Cut Pro editing and two Cannon 5d Mark II DSLR cameras and rigs.
AIDT in conjunction with the Alabama Workforce System partners are pursuing this industry as it would any other. With an estimated return on investment of up to $2.50 for every one dollar in tax incentives to hourly wages approaching $18 to $35 per hour, the entertainment production industry has the potential to make a serious “IMPACT” on Alabama’s economy.
In the case of EP, the company-owned California firm locates incentive offices in the states with the most robust filming activity. The company currently operates in Alabama, New Mexico, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alaska, North Carolina, California, Connecticut, New York and Florida, Cordova said.
Hoover’s proximity to local productions and the Birmingham International Airport, as well as the support received from the Mayor’s Office, made the city the ideal location for both EP and EPPS.
“We are excited that Entertainment Partners and AIDT have chosen to locate their first office in Hoover. The film industry in the State of Alabama can certainly produce some well paying jobs. We are also very pleased that AIDT has a mobile training unit,” said Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey.