Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled plans for a new Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries in Onondaga County that will specialize in providing advanced visual production research and education to support Upstate New York's rapidly growing film and television industry. The facility, to be led by CNSE, will focus on the use of nanotechnology to drive innovations in the computer generation imagery, animation, and motion capture technology used in film and television production.
The Governor further announced that The Film House, a California-based film and television company, will be the facility's first tenant, and move its headquarters, production, post-production, and distribution operations to Syracuse. The project will create at least 350 new high tech jobs and 150 construction jobs.
“This deal continues our efforts to revitilize upstate New York's economy and create jobs,” Governor Cuomo said. “The film industry and nanotech sectors are emerging industries, and New York is going to reap the rewards of innovation and high-tech jobs. We’re bringing the industries of the future to New York, and Upstate is going to lead the way. The new innovation hub in Onondaga County will be a hotspot for research and education, bringing hundreds of new jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of investment to Central New York.”
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, "The Film house is an innovative company whose presence will be transformative for our community. Thank you to Governor Cuomo for creating the film production tax credit program, which made it possible for this project to come to Onondaga County."
CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros said, “Today’s announcement is further evidence that Governor Andrew Cuomo’s leadership and vision have established New York State as the world leader in cutting edge nanotechnology innovation and applications, including almost every nanotechnology-enabled industry, while capturing the interests and investments of more than just the computer chip industry. The New York nanotechnology sector is not only making smart phones smarter. It is now making the movies and TV shows that the public can enjoy watching on them. We welcome The Film House to New York and look forward to working with its leadership to advance discoveries in computer-generated imagery, three-dimensional high resolution graphics, and many other exciting areas."
President and CEO of The Film House Ryan Johnson said, “We considered locations around the world but nothing came close to offering an opportunity like New York does. The state leadership, as embodied by Governor Andrew Cuomo, the skilled workforce, the commitment to high tech research and development, and the overall business friendly climate in this state made it pretty clear that this is where our business, our jobs, and our investments need to be. We’re thrilled to partner with CNSE on what will undoubtedly create unique academic possibilities as we explore the future of filmmaking and distribution.”
Senator John DeFranciso said, “This is great news that Central New York will be home to a new hub for emerging nano industries that will provide advanced visual production research. Not only will this hub result in jobs directly related to it, but it also will generate spin-offs from which existing companies in the community will benefit.”
Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli said, “Governor Cuomo has made a pledge that he would focus on the upstate economy and I am happy to see that the Governor is in Syracuse doing just that. This exciting new industry will create new high tech jobs that will strengthen the economy of our region and provide opportunities for our young people to stay here in Central New York.”
To support the growth of the film industry, Onondaga County is currently working with the Syracuse International Film Festival to create an Onondaga County Film commission. This commission would provide marketing, coordination and logistics to support film production in Onondaga County.
The project is based on a seven year growth plan. It will include a minimum private investment of over $150 million over the seven years, with an initial 125 jobs that will ultimately reach at least 350. CNSE will provide $15 million to build the facility at the Collamer Crossings Business Park in Dewitt. Onondaga County has invested $1.4 million on site work ensuring the entire business park is shovel ready and the county IDA has programs in place to assist new tenets.
The facility replicates and expands the successful CNSE model that partners academia, government, and the private sector to drive economic development by attracting state of the art industries that position New York State at the global forefront of high tech innovation.
Construction will begin on the 52,000 square foot building by April 1st with completion by October. Work will then begin on an additional 52,000 square foot building for additional tenants with completion by Spring 2015.
The project is designed to attract a diverse cross-section of businesses. The park will be equipped to facilitate the needs of a variety of companies, including research and development, manufacturing and office space.
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