“We need to make sure there is a level playing field so we can remain competitive,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam). “Attracting more film companies to our area will boost our local economy and has the potential to create jobs.”

A separate pool of $5 million was set aside in the 2013-14 state budget to promote economic development Upstate though film tax credits. Santabarbara is sponsoring a bill that would add Schenectady and Albany counties to the list of those eligible for the funding (A.7425). The bill passed the Assembly on Monday.

"We've already seen interest in our area when it comes to film production, including the filming and premier of 'The Place Beyond the Pines' right here in our backyard,” said Phillip Morris, Proctors CEO. "We'd like to bring more opportunities like that to our area because we know the arts can be a significant economic driver. Knowing this funding is available to Schenectady County could mean the difference between a company choosing our area or another region of the state. I'd like to thank Assemblyman Santabarbara for spearheading this cause."

“This film tax credit legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Santabarbara gives Schenectady County an outstanding chance to aggressively compete for new opportunities in the film and television industries,” said Marty Finn, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Commission. “It is a major step forward!”

“I’d like to thank Assemblyman Santabarbara for recognizing the economic benefit that access to this funding could have on our area,” said Ray Gillen, Commissioner of Economic Development and Planning in Schenectady County and Chair of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority. “Over the last decade we’ve made many improvements to the county to make it more attractive to businesses and families. Access to this funding could help bring even more opportunities to our area.”