Carefully Considering KETCHFRAME'S new "HOME"

[Ketch Rossi]

Moving back to Italy

 

[Craig Parkes]

I would think very hard before moving to Wellington, New Zealand, because NZ are a VERY small pond and Wellington already has one very big fish in Weta and Park Road Post and Wing nut. Unless you have some sort of support contract to one of those three companies work of scale simply doesn't happen in Wellington outside Miramar. Much more work happens in Auckland comparatively in terms of volume, and it can sustain companies a little bit more, because of a few international drama series that shoot here, but again it's very difficult to build a large business.

In saying that, I believe our government is making it much easier to attain residency for people investing money into New Zealand to build companies. Here is a quote regarding it:

"In particular, there has been considerable interest shown in the new “Entrepreneur Plus” visa category which comes into effect on 30 November, under which entrepreneurs can obtain New Zealand residency much more quickly than before, as long as their operations create at least three full-time jobs and at least $500,000 of new investment. Previously there was a two year wait before such entrepreneurs could obtain residency."

If you are looking to move to New Zealand primarily for lifestyle reasons (which I wholeheartedly endorse), and have significant funds to invest in your business here, then you would want to do some investigation certainly.

There isn't a lot of stereoscopic expertise/technology in New Zealand yet (one company that I am aware of in Auckland, 3DLive - and obviously Wingnut/Weta in wellington) so coming in with gear and expertise could work well.

 

[Brad Webb]

I'm thinking Vegas would be a great place, especially with the new Red HQ in the same area. Of course LA would be the best place if the money works out. Don't limit yourself to Hollywood alone, Burbank, North Hollywood, and many other places are cheaper and just a close to the action.

Some other places you could consider are:

Detroit has all kinds of new tax incentives to lure in film production, you can be a big fish in a little pond there.

New Orleans: bunch of tax incentives there, many features are already shooing there.

I wish you the best of luck. Let me know when you start hiring, I'd love to be apart of the Ketchframe team.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

I would think very hard before moving to Wellington, New Zealand, because NZ are a VERY small pond and Wellington already has one very big fish in Weta and Park Road Post and Wing nut. Unless you have some sort of support contract to one of those three companies work of scale simply doesn't happen in Wellington outside Miramar. Much more work happens in Auckland comparatively in terms of volume, and it can sustain companies a little bit more, because of a few international drama series that shoot here, but again it's very difficult to build a large business.

In saying that, I believe our government is making it much easier to attain residency for people investing money into New Zealand to build companies. Here is a quote regarding it:

"In particular, there has been considerable interest shown in the new “Entrepreneur Plus” visa category which comes into effect on 30 November, under which entrepreneurs can obtain New Zealand residency much more quickly than before, as long as their operations create at least three full-time jobs and at least $500,000 of new investment. Previously there was a two year wait before such entrepreneurs could obtain residency."

If you are looking to move to New Zealand primarily for lifestyle reasons (which I wholeheartedly endorse), and have significant funds to invest in your business here, then you would want to do some investigation certainly.

There isn't a lot of stereoscopic expertise/technology in New Zealand yet (one company that I am aware of in Auckland, 3DLive - and obviously Wingnut/Weta in wellington) so coming in with gear and expertise could work well.

Thanks Craig,

well KETCHFRAME will not be looking for Jobs, but actually giving them, as it will Develop, Acquire, Produce and Distribute Motion Picture projects, with a limited number of High End Commercials, all mainly in S3D, and off course the fact of having such of facilities that can highly support and work is a plus, among which a great work force.

If it was only for leaving, well I would off course be back home in Italy, but Wellington will be right there with it as I considered one of the most stunning Natural places in the world to leave in, as I love green and water and especially like seasons.

I'm in direct contact with Th eItalian Embassy in Wellington, so good support there, and yes the Government has definitely pushing the envelope, also do to the fact that Weta, since you mentioned, has now about 50 thousand requests for Professionals to go work there, so this clearly shows that KETCHFRAME could easily find its work force needed.

I'm thinking Vegas would be a great place, especially with the new Red HQ in the same area. Of course LA would be the best place if the money works out. Don't limit yourself to Hollywood alone, Burbank, North Hollywood, and many other places are cheaper and just a close to the action.

Some other places you could consider are:

Detroit has all kinds of new tax incentives to lure in film production, you can be a big fish in a little pond there.

New Orleans: bunch of tax incentives there, many features are already shooing there.

I wish you the best of luck. Let me know when you start hiring, I'd love to be apart of the Ketchframe team.

Vegas it is a great [lace, and off course I'm here, and this location is considered, when talked about Hollywood, I was
generalizing, and off course also fully considering all surrounding areas with in reasonable distance, such as Culver City, Santa Monica, Burbank, etc.

Will not really consider any other State in the US at this time.

Thanks Brad, and I would surely love to consider you for KETCHFRAME as well.

 

[Mark Allen]

You didn't include AUSTIN, TX on the list. Austin has a growing film community and probably cheaper real estate.

You mention the cost of real estate a lot. Why not just find the real estate first and NOT go to a major city right off? You seem like you create your presence pretty strongly, why not just go to somewhere you like with cheaper real estate and make the community happen. (Like Lucasfim did.... like Troublemaker Studios as well I suppose.)

I guess my point is that you don't have to be in a major city. Certainly celebrities you might be using won't care. If they have to leave home, which is going to be anywhere on your list but Hollywood except for a few New Yorkers. But it doesn't make a difference, they have to get on a plane and go somewhere.

If I were not already in Hollywood, I would not come here at this point in time. Ten years ago it wasn't an option not to be here. Today - you can be where ever you want and you should take advantage of that. (Also, if you want to avoid taxes, remember LA has a CITY tax as well as the state tax.)

Bottom line for me is more locations... i would be more interested not in my studio location as much as what do the surrounding locations offer.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

You didn't include AUSTIN, TX on the list. Austin has a growing film community and probably cheaper real estate.

You mention the cost of real estate a lot. Why not just find the real estate first and NOT go to a major city right off? You seem like you create your presence pretty strongly, why not just go to somewhere you like with cheaper real estate and make the community happen. (Like Lucasfim did.... like Troublemaker Studios as well I suppose.)

I guess my point is that you don't have to be in a major city. Certainly celebrities you might be using won't care. If they have to leave home, which is going to be anywhere on your list but Hollywood except for a few New Yorkers. But it doesn't make a difference, they have to get on a plane and go somewhere.

If I were not already in Hollywood, I would not come here at this point in time. Ten years ago it wasn't an option not to be here. Today - you can be where ever you want and you should take advantage of that. (Also, if you want to avoid taxes, remember LA has a CITY tax as well as the state tax.)

Bottom line for me is more locations... i would be more interested not in my studio location as much as what do the surrounding locations offer.

Thanks Mark, well put, and indeed I have taken all above mentioned in serious considerations, and I also thank you for your vote of confidence, and I some time forget how true it is that I have a strong following on anything I do no matter were, and I know for fact that I could go in one of the smallest towns and still will be able to make it work.

Funny you mentioned Austin, as a friend mentioned too, but Texas is one of this out of the question places, if I wasn't already in Vegas, I will never move here again, for the desert Dry weather and also the elevation does not help me either, but it has lot to offer, and I'm already here os for this I continue to considered it.

The South is beautiful, and love the rain, but I find it also one of those no go places for more then one reason, and having leaved there as well as in Miami, I just simply prefer this side of the Nation.

Real Estate wise I think it will be difficult to find something better and cheaper then Vegas, here everything is literally brand new and most buildings not even occupied once, No state Taxes is a plus, but not a factor really, sure RED HQ. will be a blessing once they Open, if I was to remain here in Vegas, and this is also been considered.

You are particularly correct i your last statement and in this I have made the list above, now is only a matter of carefully considering all option before making my decision a go.

 

[Craig Parkes]

If you are producing your own work in then I'd say New Zealand has a lot of advantages in terms of crews - some of the most experienced crews in the world who work ridiculously hard and love what they do.

I couldn't necessarily recommend Auckland or Wellington in terms of weather, both are temperate/sub tropical - which means we get a lot of rain and Wellington can be quite cold without having real 'seasons' and is always very windy. It's certainly a facet of New Zealand's past that our buildings are historically substandard when it comes to insulation and air conditioning/heating.

I'd also suggest it would be hard to find large suitable properties in Wellington, it's a very small area, covered completely with hills, without many ways to get too or from it. Proximity to Miramar is great if you are using their facilities, but not so great if you are looking to build up your own.

I'd say Auckland (especially West Auckland) has much greater room for expansion, easy access to a similar pool of highly trained professionals (it's only an hours flight from Wellington and there is an even larger production pool working out of Auckland) with much great physical capability to support a production base than Wellington.

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

vegas will the be the break out film making area

 

[Ace]

Stay in Vegas Ketch. You want to be in the centre of the universe with what you're doing.

Things can move really slow elsewhere if you havent tapped into the right local social network..

 

[Ketch Rossi]

If you are producing your own work in then I'd say New Zealand has a lot of advantages in terms of crews - some of the most experienced crews in the world who work ridiculously hard and love what they do.

I couldn't necessarily recommend Auckland or Wellington in terms of weather, both are temperate/sub tropical - which means we get a lot of rain and Wellington can be quite cold without having real 'seasons' and is always very windy. It's certainly a facet of New Zealand's past that our buildings are historically substandard when it comes to insulation and air conditioning/heating.

I'd also suggest it would be hard to find large suitable properties in Wellington, it's a very small area, covered completely with hills, without many ways to get too or from it. Proximity to Miramar is great if you are using their facilities, but not so great if you are looking to build up your own.

I'd say Auckland (especially West Auckland) has much greater room for expansion, easy access to a similar pool of highly trained professionals (it's only an hours flight from Wellington and there is an even larger production pool working out of Auckland) with much great physical capability to support a production base than Wellington.

Thanks again Craig for your pointers, if was NZ, would have to be Wellington, as we will not be looking at a facility bigger then 5 to 10 thousand SQFT, as for all the big stuff, all local facilities will be used.

The climate I would say is similar to that Of Sardegna, so will be no issue.

vegas will the be the break out film making area

He he, thanks Zakaree, I believe in a way Vegas it sure offers in off to make it very possible.

Stay in Vegas Ketch. You want to be in the centre of the universe with what you're doing.

Things can move really slow elsewhere if you havent tapped into the right local social network..

Thanks Ace, very truth what you say, even so I fill confidence in been able to do anything any were, this is one strong consideration to were I have decided to re-locate, and your point is well taken.

 

[Gavin Greenwalt]

Personally I would say Wellington (I don't know about that strong dollar comment though. I never found being in NZ to be economically advantageous except in accommodations) or BC. But that's just because I would prefer to live in Wellington or Vancouver of all the items on the list.

Ultimately I would say do what's best for the company but also keep in mind what's best for Ketch. Where do you want to live? From time to time you do have to emerge from the studio. I personally couldn't live in Vegas. I need green. But many couldn't live in BC because they need lots of sun.

BC does have the advantage of being near: Urban, Desert and Forest environments amongst others. If you need a diverse set of locations the pacific northwest is pretty hard to beat. But is less important if you're mostly shooting sound stage dramas.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Personally I would say Wellington (I don't know about that strong dollar comment though. I never found being in NZ to be economically advantageous except in accommodations) or BC. But that's just because I would prefer to live in Wellington or Vancouver of all the items on the list.

Ultimately I would say do what's best for the company but also keep in mind what's best for Ketch. Where do you want to live? From time to time you do have to emerge from the studio. I personally couldn't live in Vegas. I need green. But many couldn't live in BC because they need lots of sun.

BC does have the advantage of being near: Urban, Desert and Forest environments amongst others. If you need a diverse set of locations the pacific northwest is pretty hard to beat. But is less important if you're mostly shooting sound stage dramas.

Thanks Gavin,

as far as personal preference when going out doors, I do like green, Rain and Sun, not all the time Sun like in Vegas, not all the time Rain like in Seattle, but I do love green, and for this Vegas has not been easy, but for business it is great here.

As for shooting most of our current projects are al out doors and or in locations, with few FX shots to be indoor, but cause of very heavy S3D work we want to be near other facilities for support or we will have t build a huge facility from the start, which is our intention any way but not till the first Movie gets Distributed and the "Going Public" process is finalized and the company is on Stock Market.

 

[Ace]

Youre getting a company listed on the stock exchange?

 

[Joel Jameson]

Ketch,
You've probably already thought about this, but have you contacted some real estate people in the areas you are looking to relocate to? Write down a list of your true needs, and a list of wants for your facility. Then take that list to the real estate folks and they can send you some options that fit in the areas you like and possibly some that you weren't considering.

Once you have those location building lists, you can then make out a basic construction budget, or get quotes for each one and get a real idea of the costs to build for that location.

This process may also uncover some plusses and minuses for locations you had never thought of.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Youre getting a company listed on the stock exchange?

Yes Ace, two actually, KETCHFRAME Corporation, and Green Solar Energy Corp.

Ketch,
You've probably already thought about this, but have you contacted some real estate people in the areas you are looking to relocate to? Write down a list of your true needs, and a list of wants for your facility. Then take that list to the real estate folks and they can send you some options that fit in the areas you like and possibly some that you weren't considering.

Once you have those location building lists, you can then make out a basic construction budget, or get quotes for each one and get a real idea of the costs to build for that location.

This process may also uncover some plusses and minuses for locations you had never thought of.

Yes Joel, we have full listing from all the above locations, and I'm sure that they are more available unlisted, as well las possible sharing of a space in benefit of both companies.

 

[Manuele Trullu]

If the goal is (as I understood) to produce and distribute your own works the location is relative. In this case the choice is also determined by the desire to find a new climate that is varied as the seasons and it is beautiful to live.
In this scenario, NZ is one of the ideal places such as Sardinia in Italy. The costs here are unfortunately less accessible, and the tax point of view is not at all convenient.
If you feel may be interessanrte ask precisely the cost of rent here slightly out of town an area of approximately 3000 m2

 

[Ketch Rossi]

If the goal is (as I understood) to produce and distribute your own works the location is relative. In this case the choice is also determined by the desire to find a new climate that is varied as the seasons and it is beautiful to live.
In this scenario, NZ is one of the ideal places such as Sardinia in Italy. The costs here are unfortunately less accessible, and the tax point of view is not at all convenient.
If you feel may be interessanrte ask precisely the cost of rent here slightly out of town an area of approximately 3000 m2

Thanks Manuel, yes, NZ is just beautiful, and Italy no matter the cost it is off course still first on the list for more then one reason.

At the end will see..

 

[Kevin Olsen]

I thinks it's a serious possibility that both Nevada and California will be raising taxes over the next year...that being considered, Texas is doing great and Austin itself is expanding well. Film industry here is tight and well supplied with crews, aspiring actors and most importantly, a growing 4K distribution network (Alamo Drafthouse).

Not to mention a very strong housing industry with an emphasis on green building due to a local energy company rebates in addition to federal ones.


I'm just sayin'

KO

 

[Ketch Rossi]

I thinks it's a serious possibility that both Nevada and California will be raising taxes over the next year...that being considered, Texas is doing great and Austin itself is expanding well. Film industry here is tight and well supplied with crews, aspiring actors and most importantly, a growing 4K distribution network (Alamo Drafthouse).

Not to mention a very strong housing industry with an emphasis on green building due to a local energy company rebates in addition to federal ones.


I'm just sayin'

KO

Thanks for sharing Kevin, I know you are right in al counts, and well aware of many incentives in Texas especially federal and to the green environment plans, as I also am starting a Solar energy company, starting

Will see during this first quarter what happens.