by Frank Schroth

The Ted 2 film circus is packing up and leaving town. They have pretty much cleared out of the Turners Pond lot and the Hoosic Club is returning to normal. We never did spot the teddy bear but we did bump into the police chief who informed us that the crew over at the Ulin rink was for a different film. There were two film production companies in Milton this week. The other was for Good Kids starring Ashley Judd. It is about “four high school kids looking to redefine themselves after graduation.”

You can find a list of films made in Massachusetts here. Of those, 3 included Milton locations. The 3rd was The Judge which was recently shown at the Toronto film fest and should be in theaters soon.

Today’s Globe has an article Cost of film tax credit: $108,000 per Mass. job which raises questions about whether attracting film production to Massachusetts is a good use of tax credits.

Ted 2 sounds like it was certainly a good deal for the Hoosic Club. We understand that they received new carpeting and chandeliers. Film production firms often offer compelling incentives to homeowners and private property owners for use of their site. The town, according to Annmarie Fagan, receives $150 permit fee; but also is also covered for police and fire overtime etc. The company also pays fees to individual departments. For example, the Parks and Rec in the case of Ted2 received compensation for the use of the Turners Pond lot. Given that Ted grossed over $200 million at the box office, they can probably afford it.

In addition to the two films there is also a commercial being shot in town. While it is unlikely that Central and Eliot will become the Hollywood and Vine of Milton anytime soon; the level of activity is good for the town. Milton Landing might not be a bad spot for the next Pirates of the Caribbean.