Nov 14, 2009 11:14 pm US/Eastern
Md. Filmmakers Seek To Raise Awareness & Funds
Reporting
Adam May
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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The creators of "Liberty Heights," "Serial Mom" and "The Wire" got together Saturday night to raise money for and awareness about Maryland's film industry.
CBS
"Liberty Heights," "Serial Mom" and "The Wire" are three great productions filmed in Baltimore by three different local creators.
Adam May reports the men got together Saturday night to raise money for and awareness about Maryland's film industry.
Under the spotlights at MICA, Maryland's biggest movie-making stars gathered to raise money for the Maryland Film Festival.
"I really like the Maryland Film Festival. I've been involved in it since the beginning. I put on the film there every year," said John Waters. "I show the filmmakers around town. I think it's really important we have a film festival here."
But filmmakers have a serious gripe about Maryland. They claim tax incentives pale in comparison to most other states.
"I have a movie fruit cake I'm trying to make; it's fallen through twice. There's no incentives. They don't want you to make movies here, and it's a very tough time for independent films," said Waters.
"Even though you talk about the economic times, you never pay for films to be here. It's a strange misconception. If a film is shot and x number of dollars are spent here, the state only reimburses a portion. They don't give money to film companies," said Barry Levinson.
The creator of HBO's "The Wire" agrees, but it's not why his newest project isn't being filmed here.
"Baltimore can play for a lot of things, but it can't play New Orleans. It's a very unique place. It's about musicians after Katrina," said David Simon.
Levinson has a new project, too.
"I just finished filming a movie about Dr. Kovorkian with Al Pacino, and it's gonna be out this spring," said Levinson.
John Waters has a new book coming out next summer.
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