Governor Rell: ‘Deal or No Deal’ Moving

Production to Connecticut This Summer

Announcement Highlights Success of State

Effort to Build Entertainment Industry

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that another television show is moving its production to Connecticut – the syndicated daily game show “Deal or No Deal” will begin taping at the Studios of Sonalysts, Inc. in Waterford this summer.

            Endemol USA and production partner NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution have signed a lease for production space at Sonalysts, attracted by Connecticut’s digital media and film production tax credit program. This announcement comes on the heels of NBC Universal's announcement earlier this year that it will relocate several additional shows to downtown Stamford.

            “I’ll never say ‘No deal’ when there’s a real shot at growing jobs and improving the economic outlook for our state,” Governor Rell said. “This is tremendous news for Connecticut and its ever-growing film and television industry. We’ve done everything we can to make our state an attractive and economically smart place to make good film and TV – and you can see it paying off.

            “We’re delighted to be working with both NBC Universal and Endemol USA as we continue to attract and sustain projects that further Connecticut’s burgeoning role as a premier destination for film and television production,” the Governor said.

            Barry Wallach, President of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution said, “We are thrilled to continue working with the Governor and the State of Connecticut to further expand the footprint of the entertainment industry and bring new jobs to the region as a direct result of the state’s production tax credit.”

            “We are excited by the opportunity of moving ‘Deal or No Deal’ production to Connecticut,” said Endemol North America Chairman David Goldberg. “The Connecticut location and the state’s production tax credit will help us to continue to produce quality content – a fun, energetic and interactive game show – for what we hope will be years to come.”

            The move is expected to create dozens of new, high-end production jobs and bring millions of dollars in added revenue to the state’s economy. “Deal or No Deal” will occupy a 15,000-square-foot stage and support facilities at Sonalysts in southeastern Connecticut – an area already home to the state’s two tribal casinos, the Mystic Aquarium and other top tourism draws.