Industry Overview
A typical movie filmed on location spends more than $50,000 per day on hotels, dry cleaners, hardware stores, catering, and local rentals. These productions bring substantial benefits to communities: increased economic activity, local employment, trade for small businesses, contributions to local associations, support for community events and improvements, as well as sales tax, business license fees, utility revenues, and hotel taxes.
Cities across the country are actively competing for productions because of the significant economic opportunities they present. The communities that benefit most are those with intentional entertainment policies, streamlined procedures, and strategic plans designed to attract film and television productions.
As a contributing consultant with Strategic Media Enterprises & Associates, Rob is committed to advising policymakers on the long-term economic development benefits of music, film, and digital entertainment. We guide state and city leaders on how to strengthen and sustain their creative industries.
Our Services
We provide expert analysis and consulting in the following areas:
Policy & Incentive Program Development
Political support for music, film, and digital entertainment can be unpredictable, especially as budgets and priorities shift. We help craft policies and procedures that attract and nurture a resilient entertainment ecosystem.
Funding Strategy
Creative industries often compete with other sectors for limited funding. We develop targeted strategies to help secure the financial resources necessary for building and sustaining music, film, and digital media programs
Community Engagement
Building local support can be challenging. We create comprehensive engagement plans that include community events, workforce development initiatives, and educational programming to ensure community buy-in and participation.
Measuring Impact
To help our clients understand and communicate the value of creative initiatives, we offer:
Social Impact Analysis
We evaluate how initiatives promote community engagement, foster a sense of belonging, and strengthen social ties.
Program Evaluation
We evaluate the effectiveness of individual programs and initiatives, with a focus on community impact and outcomes.
Benefit-Cost Analysis
We compare program costs with their economic and social returns, helping clients make informed investment decisions.
Measuring Impact
To help our clients understand and communicate the value of creative initiatives, we offer:
Social Impact Analysis
We evaluate how initiatives promote community engagement, foster a sense of belonging, and strengthen social ties.
Program Evaluation
We evaluate the effectiveness of individual programs and initiatives, with a focus on community impact and outcomes.
Benefit-Cost Analysis
We compare program costs with their economic and social returns, helping clients make informed investment decisions.
The Value of Creative Industries
Economic Growth
Music, film, and digital entertainment stimulate the local economy by generating tax revenue, attracting tourism, and supporting a wide range of businesses.
Social Cohesion
These industries help create more connected and engaged communities.
Audience Reach
Creative programming draws from the city's broad and varied audiences—both residents and visitors—enhancing its cultural footprint.
Artist Support
By funding programs and offering development opportunities, creative industries uplift local artists and strengthen cultural institutions.