Oregon Governor Appoints Ed Asner to the Oregon Film and Video Board

An increase in film tax credits will also bring more major motion pictures to Oregon

August 23, 2007 -- Portland – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced that former President of the Screen Actors Guild and actor Ed Asner, whose film career includes the role of Lou Grant on the Mary Tyler Moore Show, will join the board of the Oregon Film and Video Office.

“Ed Asner’s willingness to serve on the Oregon Film and Video Board shows that Hollywood believes Oregon is an unbeatable location to shoot major film and television productions,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Oregon is lucky to have somebody as talented and well known as Ed Asner to help build our growing film industry.”

Governor Kulongoski also highlighted the increase in the Oregon Production Investment Fund tax credit, which received bipartisan support from the 2007 legislature. The tax credit will be increased from $1 million to $5 million per year, to encourage more filmmakers to come to Oregon. It is estimated that for every dollar invested by filmmakers, nearly $37 dollars is returned to the state.

“Expanding the Oregon Production Investment Fund tax credit means Oregon can continue to be a leading destination for production companies looking for great locations and outstanding crews,” added the Governor. “Each new movie filmed in Oregon brings hundreds of high wage jobs and millions in sales for Oregon businesses.”

Ed Asner joins board members Gus Van Sant, an Oregonian and leading Hollywood director; top screenplay writer, Cynthia Whitcomb; and board chair Gordon Sondland.

“The addition of Ed Asner to our board will bring even greater credibility for Oregon to the film community. He’s the kind of Hollywood insider who, when he calls a studio executive, gets his calls returned,” said Gordon Sondland.

Oregonis already benefiting from expanding the Oregon Production Investment Fund. A new film starring Jennifer Anniston and Steve Zahn, titled Management, is set to begin filming in the fall, and Feast of Love starring Morgan Freeman and Greg Kinnear, and Untraceable, starring Diane Lane were shot in Oregon earlier in the year.

Ed Asner has won five Golden Globes and seven Emmy Awards. In addition to his role as Lou Grant, he has appeared in Mad About You, The Closer, ER and Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip; as well as films such as JFK and The Bachelor.

“Oregon is on Hollywood’s radar in a big way,” said Ed Asner. “I thank the Governor for appointing me to this board, and for his consistent support of the television and film industry in Oregon. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to bring more films – with larger budgets – to Oregon.”

Source: Oregon Governor

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