Hawaii's film industry seeing record numbers

By Mari-Ela David - bio | email

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - It's a stellar year for show business.

Fresh numbers are out for Hawaii's film industry.

The Hawaii Film Office says the millions of dollars Hollywood has poured into the islands has made 2010 a record-breaking year.

The state has had two TV series plus 10 feature films this year alone.

"This has been a phenomenal year for Hawaii so far. 2010 has seen record film industry expenditures," said Georja Skinner, Head of the Hawaii Film Office.

Skinner says expenditures are estimated at $407 million, and that's only counting how much movie makers are spending on production.

"That's everything from lumber suppliers to food vendors all kinds of prop houses, clothing companies you name it," said Skinner.

If you factor in the trickle down effect, the numbers are mind boggling.

Skinner says this year, the state's film industry has boosted the local economy by $631 million.

"Where they spend it on restaurants, dining out, and also the employees on those, probably spending good money on their families here," said Skinner.

Then, there's local jobs.

"About 4,000 would be the full-time equivalent of the jobs generated in the state for 2010," said Skinner.

And 2011 is already starting to look just as promising.

Skinner can't reveal the big name yet, but says Hollywood is already setting the stage for yet another movie in Hawaii.

"It's currently in pre-production. It'll start filming the beginning of next year hopefully so we can tell you the name of that feature," said Skinner.

Skinner says much credit goes to the collaboration of the Hawaii Film Office, county film offices and labor unions.