ABC - FIRST A STRIKE, NOW RUNAWAY PRODUCTION

ABC-TV production crew members, already experiencing sleepless nights as they worry about the possibility of an actors' strike shutting down the industry this summer, now have new reason for concern. The Los Angeles Times reported today (Wednesday) tha t ABC Studios plans to move production of Ugly Betty to New York in order to take advantage of an increase in that state's film tax credit. The move reportedly will cost two-thirds of the show's 150 crew members their jobs. The newspaper said that it was unclear whether other shows produced by the network would also pull up stakes and move to New York. Cast members of Ugly Betty have been told to report for work in New York for the beginning of production of the show's third season by June 30. (Ironically, that is also the date that the current SAG contract expires.) Ugly Betty, the Times suggested, could be the first of several TV shows to relocate to New York following passage of a new law tripling the state's film tax credit.

07/05/2008