Scottsdale-based Good Faith Casting company expects its inaugural actors’ conference will be a blockbuster, thanks in large part to the new Arizona film tax credits.
Although not signed by Gov. Doug Ducey, Senate Bill 1708 — stipulating a $125 million tax credit to entice film and TV productions to Arizona — became law in July. The Arizona Motion Picture Production Program will take effect January 1, 2023. With the passing of the new film-tax incentive, the hope is that the local film and television industry and workforce will expand, generating further economic benefits for the state. Approved productions can receive:
• 15% tax credit for productions up to $10 million
• 17.5% tax credit for productions between $10 and $35 million
• 20% tax credit for productions more than $35 million.
“With more production companies now considering Arizona locations, we want to capitalize on the opportunities for local actors,” says Bella Hibbs, owner and casting director of Good Faith Casting.
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The Southwest Actors Conference & Expo, created by Hibbs, is a two-day event offering professional actors access to knowledge and training provided by top industry talent, agents and casting directors. The event will take place Sept. 23-24, 2022 at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Scottsdale.
“The conference will provide networking opportunities and a variety of tools, including social media strategies for actors and commercial and film audition techniques,” Hibbs says.
Hibbs specializes in principal casting, which are speaking roles or people prominently displayed on screen. She served as head casting director for Rob Schneider’s soon to be released comedy, Daddy Daughter Trip. She recently cast for UMC’s (Urban Movie Channel) Monogamy Season 3 and HBO’s Duster series, which was filmed in Tucson.
“The Duster production was planning to move to New Mexico for the remaining filming, but since Arizona passed the tax incentives, the production is now evaluating whether to film in Arizona again,” Hibbs says.
Registration and information for Southwest Actors Conference & Expo can be found here.
