East Granby Floats Film, TV Production Campus

EAST GRANBY, CT — East Granby is exploring whether a film and television production campus could become an economic development engine for the town and North Central Connecticut.

First Selectperson Jason Hayes presented the early-stage idea July 23 at the East Granby Senior/Community Center. Presentation materials describe a sound-stage campus, called “Connecticut’s Northern Production Campus,” intended to attract film and TV work to the region.

State Rep. Tami Zawistowski, who attended the event, said Hayes’ presentation examined Connecticut’s past and current work with Hallmark and other producers, as well as the incentives and costs offered by other Northeastern states. Hayes has worked for decades as a professional wigmaker in film and theater production.

The idea remains a concept, not a submitted development plan. Publicly released materials do not identify a proposed location, developer, project cost, financing plan or construction timeline. Zawistowski said she wants more information, including where in town a campus could be located.

Hayes’ materials point to possible benefits including new tax revenue, support for nearby businesses, tourism, jobs and internship opportunities in the trades and performing arts. No jobs or revenue projections were announced.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz introduced the presentation, according to Zawistowski. Representatives from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the Capitol Region Council of Governments and the Bradley Development League also attended. Zawistowski said Hayes personally paid for the luncheon and presentation materials.

Connecticut already offers qualifying productions a 10 percent to 30 percent tax credit, based on eligible in-state spending. The state also has a separate film infrastructure tax credit equal to 20 percent of a qualifying investment of at least $3 million in a state-certified project.

No incentive application, funding award or municipal spending commitment was announced in connection with the East Granby proposal. Hayes has invited people working in film production to take part in a future presentation.

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