Friday, September 26, 2008
Why can't I get a pony too?
PRODUCER’S PERSPECTIVE : "That's how I and so many other Broadway and Off-Broadway producers felt after reading this article about tax credits for the television industry (to accompany those already received by the film industry)."
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6 comments:
The City has no incentive to give tax breaks to the investors in theatre because it will take place in NYC no matter what incentives are available. People take plays to NYC for the exposure and the City doesn't need to convince them of anything. I like the proposed solution of having other cities providing larger incentives for plays to be produced there to promote a larger theatrical culture.
I have to agree that it is unfair to give certain industries tax breaks, and not give them other similar industries, but life's not fair. There is no reason to entice the theater industry to do shows in NY, they do anyways. It is also not a great idea for other cities to solicit theaters to workshop and preview because if they are successful they're going to leave anyways. Really cities outside of NY should give tax incentives to theater producers and investors that do Broadway caliber shows outside of NYC.
My reaction to this article is two part. First one being that it almost makes the Broadway Producers seem whiny. Yeah, I understand that putting on plays costs money, a lot of money. But compared to making movies and TV, it is considerably less.
Anyways, onto reaction number two. We all know that Broadway isn't going anywhere any time soon, but at the same time, shouldn't the US government want to encourage the theater as part of encouraging the arts? I get that city streets are owned by the city, but it does seem mildly unfair that there isn't a rule against basically renting out streets for little to nothing.
I totally agree with Kevin. Broadway isn't going anywhere, and the New York producers know it. Although they might start shows in other cities or try out new concepts, the Broadway theaters are still the biggest test a show can face, and the true way to gain fame. Tax breaks or no tax breaks, that's not going to change anytime soon.
Theatre artists need new cities to boast popular pieces. Areas that come to my mind are Musical Theatre Wichita and Kansas City Theatre District.
I don't think producers feel entitled to a tax credit because they think Broadway might die, they just want more money, as any major arts organization would desire at this time. I think it's safe to say no one thinks Broadway is going anywhere, it is however questionable whether or not we can afford to take it to a higher level.
Broadway isn't moving. It is a historical part of NYC. What are ya gonna do?
Also, Films and TV cost much more to produce and bring in larger revnues to the city.
However, Theater brings in a bigger tourist boom than a TV series or film can. And I am sure that the city and stage of NY are both contributing to Broadway. So the producers are just whiny. On the third side of that coin, aren't we always in a money pinch, because we want to do it bigger and better? I guess we have to scrounge where ever we can get it.
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