The Smallest’s States Big Incentives

by Andrew Gnerre | Published October 28, 2007

Steve Carell and Alison Pill in Dan in Real Life (2007).

Known primarily for its small stature, many fruitful aspects of Rhode Island seem to be a result of overcompensation; this even holds true for its official name, The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, which is the longest official name of any state in the union. Also larger than it has any right to be is the list of reasons for moviemakers to consider filming in Rhode Island.

Firstly, the state has a variety of diverse locations to choose from, ranging from urban hubs (Providence) and historical sites (Newport Casino, Slater Mill) to universities (Brown, University of Rhode Island) and beaches. It is in this aspect that the state’s small size is an advantage: Each of these distinct locales is within close proximity to one another.

In addition to the selection of locations, Rhode Island offers several helpful incentives and programs to aid moviemakers. The Rhode Island Tax Incentive Law promises a 25 percent motion picture company transferable tax credit for all in-state spending to movies primarily filmed in Rhode Island with a budget of at least $300,000. Also, the state is home to the film-friendly program City of Providence Film Squad, a group dedicated to putting moviemakers located in Providence in contact with the right city departments needed for production. Whether filming a period piece about the original 13 colonies, a rowdy college farce or Steve Carell’s latest big-screen adventure, Rhode Island has the utilities to accommodate any moviemaker.

Rhode Island has been an east coast haven for the following films:

Dan in Real Life
Underdog
Evening
Normal Adolescent Behavior

For more information on shooting in Rhode Island, visit http://www.film.ri.gov/index2.html.