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Film Office GOVERNOR BARBOUR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE The tradition, culture, and history of the Deep South are always on display in picturesque Canton - one of Mississippi's most unique and majestic cities. With its renowned arts and crafts community, turn-of-the-century town square, historic buildings and homes, and dazzling special events, Canton offers visitors a year-round, homespun celebration of its past and future. Reflecting the city's rich heritage are Canton's great columned mansions and its majestic Greek Revival Courthouse surrounded by one-of-a-kind shops in splendid 19th Century buildings. Few cities rival Canton's penchant for preserving its colorful history and sharing its strong sense of community. Canton's proximity to Mississippi's capital and the state's largest metropolitan area, and its renewed emphasis on preserving history, culture, tradition and sense of community have made this city of the South a premier destination for visitors from across the country. Located just 20 miles north of Jackson and 10 miles from the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, and the Ross Barnett Resorvoir, Canton is accessible from the north and south on Interstate 55. With all of this, and so much more, Canton is a great destination
for any shoot. So head to Canton, we love the company! Mississippi Film Complex EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau and Film Office is undertaking a one-of-a-kind economic development project for the State of Mississippi. In concert with the city, county, and state, we have begun what will become an historic and valuable asset. Mississippi in the last decade has laid the groundwork to be recognized as a major force in the film industry. Since 1995, Canton and Mississippi have attracted the filming of major motion pictures, television documentaries, commercials, and independent filmmakers. These productions have been the catalyst for building an experienced crew base. This trained work force is vital to the future growth of this industry in the State. Films have also had significant economic impact in many communities throughout Mississippi. The filming of these motion pictures and the increased crew base have led to an interest in the development of a state of the art film complex. It is our goal to produce a competitive facility that will allow these craftsmen to be trained and to work in their home state. It is our mission to have this facility available and marketed to independent filmmakers, television, commercial production, corporate training films, and major Hollywood studios. We have developed Phase I, which will be comprised of two sound stages, office space, and a mill shop. The first of these stages and offices will be leased to a Mississippi production company. This existing business will become the first tenant to operate out of this complex on a 365-day a year basis. This will create additional economic impact through job creation and a heightened awareness by the public of this industry. The Canton Film Office will operate the second sound stage and mill shop. Our mission is to partner with the State Film Office and major Mississippi Universities to create a training and educational facility. This will enhance the state's ability to compete both nationally and internationally. A trained labor force is the ultimate goal and is imperative to the future of this industry's success. To
date, we have secured a 25-acre site and over $1.5 million in funding.
Extensive hands-on research has enabled us to develop a master plan
based on other successful facilities throughout the country. This
research has provided us with the knowledge of the technical specifications
and the growth needed to create future expansion. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A Master Plan has been developed for the Mississippi State Film Complex. However, we have narrowed our scope in order to build one phase at a time. We have researched and developed project layout, design, technical needs, and tenant support spaces for Phase I of this project. We addressed parking, loading, and site improvements for the entrances as well as the entire complex. Project
Requirements - Phase I The 16,500-Sq. Ft. facility will be leased by a Mississippi production company on a 365-day a year basis. The leased facilities will include office space for production and post-production work. Support
offices to be included in this building are: Studio II 18,000-Sq. Ft. (38' eave height) The 18,000-Sq. Ft. stage will be built according to the same standards as Los Angeles and Hollywood studios. It is imperative that these requirements be met in order to have a state-of-the-art facility to be competitive on a local and national basis. The complex must meet every aspect of a production company's needs. A mill shop is also in research and development for Phase I.
We have worked with several professional consultants in the film industry to identify the requirements of this unique and technical design. It is in our best interest to prepare a budget based on industry standards. A complete understanding of the dynamics involved in building sound stages must be implemented. Budget numbers are being prepared and will be available at a future date.
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