PRHFILM Variety, the Show Biz bible, did a survey on films shot in the United States. In 2004, 69 percent of all films made in the US were shot in the Los Angeles area. By 2008, only 31 percent were filmed there. Why the sizeable drop? Because states like Pennsylvania are offering tax credits and rebates. We are in difficult financial times and if studios and production companies can get 25-35 percent of their film budget returned to them, they would be crazy not to take advantage of that. My dear friend Sharon Pinkenson has been a stalwart in getting the PA tax credit bill passed in Harrisburg. Also props go out to Governor Ed Rendell. With regional filmmaking becoming a force, will Hollywood still be known as the film capital of the world?
We decided that Chicago guys and Philly guys have a lot in common. The main thing is we stick together and hope each other does well. It’s not quite like that with New York actors, who seem to be in a competitive war with each other. My philosophy is; there is enough out there for everyone. I have been signed as Executive Producer on a movie project that is very close to my heart. Wildcat Pictures, a local film company, has developed an excellent script about the Villanova Basketball team’s heroic 1985 season that culminated with the unforgettable upset of Georgetown in the NCAA final. The script is a no-holds barred account of the trials and tribulations of Rollie Massimino’s crew. Team members Dwayne McClain and Chuck Everson have come aboard as co-producers to verify its authenticity. Villanova sports are part of who I am. I received a full four-year football scholarship to attend the great university. In my four years there, 10 football players made it into the NFL. My former roommate, Richie Moore, was the Green Bay Packers’ #1 draft pick. The world was saddened by the passing of Patrick Swayze. I had the pleasure of meeting Patrick when I replaced him in the play The Brick and The Rose. He had just gotten cast in the mini-series North and South and I had to step into his role on short notice. His wife Lisa Niemi was also in the play. They were two of the most grounded, unaffected, sincere people I have met in my years in Tinseltown. Until next time‌Ciao Philly! Leo Rossi is a founding member of Eastman-Rossi Productions and has appeared in more than 94 films to date. His project 10th AND WOLF, which he produced, received a theatrical release and is now a cable favorite. The all-star cast includes Giovanni Rubisi, James Marsden, Brad Renfro, Piper Perabo, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Brian Dennehy, Leslie Ann Warren and, of course, Leo Rossi. He also produced WISEGAL starring Alyssa Milano and James Caan, which was the highest rated movie ever for the Lifetime Network. It won the 2008 Women’s Image Network award for “Outstanding Made for Television Movie.â€?
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