Governor Rell: Studio Company Plans

Major Project on South Windsor Site

$65 Million Project Has Potential to Create Hundreds of Jobs, Backers Say

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has offered economic assistance to a partnership between developers from California and Rhode Island who are proposing a high-tech film studio for a 61-acre parcel in South Windsor – a project that developers say has the potential to create more than 100 permanent positions and, depending on demand, as many as 1,500 production jobs.

            Connecticut Studios LLC, a partnership between California-based Pacifica Ventures LLC and Rhode Island-based Halden Acquisition Group, plans to invest approximately $65 million to build eight sound stages totaling 150,000 square feet, four office buildings totaling 75,000 square feet, a prescreening/visitor center and an additional 100,000 square feet of storage. The complex would be located near the junction of Interstate 291 and Route 5.

            “This project, which we have been working on for months, would mean yet another giant leap forward for the film and digital media industry in our state,” Governor Rell said. “Along with such big players as Blue Sky Studios in Greenwich and the planned NBC Universal television production facility at the Rich Forum in Stamford, this would be another a major investment in Connecticut as a venue for film, television and animation production.

            “Hollywood has ‘discovered’ Connecticut – and they like what they see,” the Governor said. “Our commitment to smart, targeted investment in the industry is helping to bring business – and jobs – at a time when we need them most. Film and TV studios not only bring production jobs, they mean work for everyone from carpenters to caterers – and they have the potential to be major tourist attractions as well. From every camera angle, this project has the potential to be a winner for Connecticut.”

            In recent days South Windsor officials have traveled to Albuquerque, N.M., where Pacifica Ventures already has a studio complex, to examine that project.

            The state offers a tax credit of 20 percent on infrastructure costs exceeding $1 million. In addition, the Department of Economic and Community Development is willing to loan Connecticut Studios $5 million for equipment, construction, and other project-related activities.

            “There is a very strong market opportunity for a state-of-the-art production studio in Connecticut,” said Hal Katersky, Chairman of Pacifica Ventures. “We have proven with Albuquerque Studios that a major production facility can thrive outside of Hollywood and can produce tremendous economic benefits and jobs at both the state and community levels. The keys to our success are finding the right location and securing the cooperation and support of state and municipal leaders. We are pleased to have all of these elements in South Windsor and we look forward to being a good corporate citizen and a good neighbor.”

            Ralph Palumbo, Chief Financial Officer of Connecticut Studios, added, “Connecticut Studios is a project that could provide immediate and sustained economic benefits to South Windsor and to the State of Connecticut. Between the studio facilities and commercial/retail development on the site, the total project investment will be approximately $65 million dollars and will create more than 500 construction jobs, 114 permanent jobs and – based upon the level of film production – up to 1,500 studio production jobs on an annual basis.”