Once again, Portland has been included as one of the top ten cities for independent filmmakers in the 2008 listing of MovieMaker Magazine. 

AP photo

A fisherman casts into the foggy Willamette River in Portland.

This is the sixth consecutive year that Portland has made the list, beginning in 2003 when the city was first submitted as a contender. 

Last year, Portland placed at number 9 and has bounced back up to number 8 for 2008. 

Each year the magazine lists what it considers to be the top ten cities based on benefits offered to filmmakers and on feedback from writers, directors, crew people and film office representatives.

Portland Mayor Tom Potter expressed his appreciation for the honor. 

“It’s great to be recognized once again for all that we offer filmmakers.  Aside from the incredible visual cornucopia and the financial advantages, our question truly is ‘how can we help you get what you want simply and quickly?’ The cooperation between city bureaus, businesses and neighborhoods is very friendly and proactive – nearly all value the wonderful benefits the film industry provides to the Portland area,” he said.

Highlighted in the article is a quote from York Shackleton, writer/director of Street, starring Viveca Fox and Theresa Russell.

“I chose Portland for its unbelievable cinematic beauty; combined with a dark, gloomy grit – both of which were called for in my film Street.  It’s like a real-life Gotham City.  Portland is very multidimensional, with forests, cobblestone streets, old brick buildings and contemporary architecture.  All these distinctly different areas are what make it an independent filmmaker’s playground.  It feels like one big studio back lot,” Shackleton said.

Cities were ranked according to local talent pool, production facilities, educational opportunities, networking events, film festivals and other screening venues.  The importance of a city’s financial incentives was a big part of the equation as well as consideration for the environment. 

In addition to Portland’s great landscape also noted were the lack of sales tax, the 20 percent rebate incentive and the 16.2 percent labor rebate. 

Added Shackleton, “Portland provided a very film-friendly environment for me. Permits are cheap, tax incentives are reachable and everyone is willing to help.” 

Along with Street, recent films shot in and around Portland include, Untraceable, Management, Follow, Selfless, Into The Wild, Music Within, and Paranoid Park. 

The Winter 2008 issue of MovieMaker will arrive at bookstores soon.