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2014 | Doing Business in Connecticut 43 major production." Recent legislative changes resulted in a two-year suspension of feature film tax credits. Only films that were issued eligibility prior to July 1, 2013 can earn tax credits for the period July 1, 2013 through July 1, 2015. e recent suspension of incentives offered specifically to feature films has had an impact on business, but Norfleet is quick to point out that the tax credits did not end, but were merely suspended until next summer and that only feature film tax credits were affected. "All other types of incentivized production including television, commercials, sound recordings, websites, video games, applications and all manner of digital media are unaffected," Norfleet said. "is temporary suspension was undertaken as recognition that the major- ity of Connecticut's production is television and it was important for us to focus our limited resources on where the industry was seeing the greatest growth and activity — television and digital media." In terms of an occupational outlook for the digital media and film industry in the state, Norfleet says business is strong with more than $1.5 billion having been spent in Connecticut's film, television and digital media sector since 2006. "is industry sector is one of the few with demonstrable growth," Norfleet said. "For instance, between just ESPN and NBC Sports alone we anticipate a combined 1,500 new jobs to be created in the next few years." Connecticut is successful at drawing business for a number of reasons, according to Norfleet, including the availability of incentives together with a full-service office to provide assistance with all aspects of production including help finding locations, crew and equipment. e close proximity to New York City and its deep pool of actors and on-camera talent, in addition to the growing number of Connecticut- based companies and vendors servicing the industry, are also proving beneficial. "Given the success the program has had to date building the in- dustry, creating jobs and driving economic impact, the best thing that could happen would be to continue to reap the benefits of staying the current course," Norfleet said. Cable powerhouse Even if you aren't a sports fan, chances are you know ESPN. But rio 2, the digitally animated film that came out in april 2014, was produced by Blue Sky Studios, which is head- quartered in Greenwich. Films that have been shot at least in part in Connec cut " Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (starring Harrison Ford and Shia LeBeouf) "War of the Worlds" (Tom Cruise) " Revolu onary Road" (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet) " Courage Under Fire" (Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan) Source: CT Office of Film, Television and Digital Media PHOTOS/COurTESY Continued on page 44 >