Production of Warner Bros.’ “Black Mass” spent nearly $20 million in Massachusetts, hiring over 660 local cast and crew members who earned over $8.5 million

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 15, 2015

Production of Warner Bros.’ “Black Mass” Spent Nearly $20 Million in Massachusetts, Hiring Over 660 Local Cast and Crew Members Who Earned Over $8.5 Million

Washington, D.C. – Today, as Warner Bros.’ “Black Mass” premieres at Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, new economic figures reveal that the production contributed nearly $20 million to the Massachusetts economy throughout the 103 days it spent prepping, constructing, shooting, and wrapping in the Bay State. Over $8.5 million of that total went to the more than 660 local cast and crew members hired for the film.

The production also provided a major lift for local businesses and vendors. In particular, the production spent over $820,000 on car rentals, nearly $560,000 on wardrobe purchases, and more than $453,000 on catering, bakery goods, and other food items, among other local business expenditures. The film also paid over $2.7 million in location fees.

“These latest figures make clear what many local workers and businesses already know – the production of ‘Black Mass’ was a driver for economic activity every day it spent in Massachusetts and its impact will continue to ripple through and lift local communities,” stated MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to once again shine a light on how the film and TV industry supports jobs and economic growth, especially as audiences prepare to see what promises to be a thrilling and entertaining movie.”

“From costumers and set builders to sound and set lighting technicians, the production of ‘Black Mass’ directly benefited hundreds of local workers by providing well paying jobs with health and retirement benefits,” said Chris O’Donnell, Business Manager, Local 481 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). “As this movie hits theaters, it’s important to remember how this production and the entire statewide film industry make it possible for thousands of Massachusetts residents to earn their livelihoods and support their families.”

Key economic impact figures from the production of “Black Mass” in Massachusetts include:

• Spent over $19.67 million dollars
• Hired 662 local cast and crew that were paid over $8.5 million dollars
• Paid $823,000 on car rentals, $557,000 for local wardrobe purchases, and $453,000 on catering, bakery goods, and other food items
• Spent $2.7 million on location fees

About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

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For more information, contact:

MPAA Washington, D.C.
Sam Newton
(202) 293 -1966
Sam_Newton@motionpictures.org