RDI Grand Opening Revisited
The grand opening of RDI Stages was a spectacular event, but many of us left with questions. Badger Guide went back to RDI and took a private tour with a few members of the local film industry and asked those questions.Many were under the impression that construction had been completed on a $6 million complex. There are elements of the plan for the complex that were not completed for the grand opening, but after our private tour, we felt confident that the owners of RDI have committed to having the project completed within the next few months.
The grand opening was originally scheduled for the spring of 2009, but was moved up to January. The objective was two fold: one was to introduce themselves into the film community, and the other was a combined effort with Film Wisconsin to show Wisconsin politicians that our film incentive program is worthwhile and effective at growing an industry locally.
Proposals by the Department of Commerce will soon be written into a bill that will have a drastic effect on the current film incentive program. The Department wants to cap the program at $5 million per year and add the words “up to” in front of 25%. This would mean a film production could literally get $0 as a tax credit.
The Department is overacting to the result of Public Enemies. The numbers they are using show spending in Wisconsin of roughly $5 million that cost the state $4.6 million in taxes. They want to solve that problem on future productions by giving themselves the ability to reward tax credits of lesser amounts. If their proposals are written into law we will probably never see another large budget feature in Wisconsin again.
The RDI Stage opening was moved forward to establish a visible presence within the industry, the legislators, and the public. The paint was barely dry on the cyc wall when the party began. What we couldn't see at the grand opening included the partial soundproofing that had already been accomplished: A secondary roof was installed to prevent noise from the old sheet metal roof, the cement block walls had been filled with high-density foam, and more insulation was going up during our visit. The HVAC system is also silent. The final plan includes more soundproofing, a motorized grid, and two 3 phase (120/208) 400 amp camlock drops.
RDI Stages continued growth and expansion will provide a facility that Wisconsin and our own community has long been waiting for. Anyone interested in more information can call Janine at 414-481-2006.
rdistages.com
*Comments on this article can be made on the Badger Guide Blog.
Clay Simchick
Events like the RDI opening seem to bring out the oddities of people's perceptions about the film world. Take this article from TMJ4 that says:
You can read the rest of that well researched article here and see the video here. If you'd like a more refined look at filmmaking outdoors in Wisconsin visit pfutt.com. If you missed the opening there are a few items on the internet you may find interesting. (Note: Badger Guide LLC and its advertisers do not necessarily agree with or endorse any of the views expressed in the following links.) Video from WISN, blog talk radio show, Yahoo cine, Scott Robbe interview from Decider Milwaukee. |
Badger Guide Blog
Posted 12/29/2008 - Math Anyone?
Grab your calculator and play along. Maybe you can figure out why the film incentive math doesn't add up.
Posted 1/5/2009 - Math Anyone? (part 2)
badgerguide.blogspot.com
Have you worked with an Academy Award nominated Director lately?
The Academy Award nominations have been released. Nominated for Best Documentary is Man On Wire, the film about Philippe Petit who in 1974 walked a tightrope between the rooftops of the World Trade Center. The director, James Marsh, is no stranger to Wisconsin. He, along with producer Maureen Ryan, filmed Wisconsin Death Trip with a local crew in 1999.Man On Wire
Wisconsin Death Trip
Milwaukee Film
Milwaukee Film, the group that is heading up the Milwaukee Film Festival, has a new blog and is currently documenting their visit to the Sundance Film Festival.milwaukeefilm.blogspot.com
