Q&A with Ugly Betty Casting Director Geoffrey Soffer About the 'Save Our Jobs' Campaign & More

There is a very strong possibility that if Governor Paterson doesn't fund the NY State Tax Credit Plan for film and tv production companies, many shows that currently film in New York will be packed up and shipped back to LA. BroadwayWorld.com is happy to support ANYTHING that helps the NY entertainment world thrive...

This made it the perfect time to check in with a BroadwayWorld.com favorite, and current casting director for Ugly Betty (which films at NYC's Silvercup Studios), Geoffrey Soffer.  

For more information on the campaign, including how YOU can help, click here.

With the facts as they are, of how many jobs and tax dollars are created in exchange for the credits -- why would they even consider taking it off the table?
That's a really good question. Ask Governor Paterson! The state issued $690 million in tax credits but has collected close to $3 billion in taxes from film and production companies. The fund for those credits that was set up by Pataki has been depleted a lot sooner than expected since Paterson increased the credit last year to 30%.

Everyone flocked to New York because it was such a good deal. But, the fund ran dry quickly. And, now the economy stinks, so Paterson is forced to make a lot of cuts, and there is a deficit. Funding this tax credit program is probably not a priority for him. But, it really doesn't make sense since it pays for itself and creates jobs.

What are some of the shows currently being filmed here that could be affected?
I think everyone is waiting to see what will happen. Most shows haven't gotten their official "pick ups" for next year either. I imagine many of the newer shows that came to New York to take advantage of the tax credits will move back to LA or elsewhere. I heard "Fringe" just announced they are moving to Canada. And we can forget about pilots. California just passed a 25% tax credit, so that will surely compete.

How else does filming in New York help create jobs?
It's a trickle down effect. In 2007 there were 7,000 jobs created directly and 12,000 created indirectly. If those 19,000 people are working, a good number of them will spend money. They will shop, eat out, take cabs, go to a Yankees game. Employed people put their money back into the economy. But if those same people aren't working, they won't spend. This isn't just about saving OUR jobs. When a large number of people are laid off, it effects everyone.

What can WE do to help?
Make noise. Call the Governor and our reps in Albany and demand that they keep funding the tax credits for film and TV production. And educate people who aren't in the industry on how this will effect them. And it WILL effect them.

How has the UGLY BETTY cast and show adjusted to the move east? We embraced them with open arms and I think they love being here.
Almost everyone in the cast had either lived in New York before getting "Ugly Betty", or had lived here at some point in their career. I worked on the pilot so it's great to be back on a show that I had a small part in getting started. We've completed 19 episodes and have 5 more left in the season. It's been an amazing year and I think creatively the show has never been better. It's New York. It's authentic. You can't replicate that anywhere.

And, New York loves having this show here. I love it when we're shooting exteriors on the streets. Everyone cheers and applauds. And the cast loves that energy too. It's amazing to watch.

What advantages has NY provided for you in being able to draw for the base of theatre actors?
I think New York has the most eclectic group of actors to choose from. It's also been a lot of fun casting our favorite Broadway actors in this show. Every week there is usually a familiar Broadway face.