Betty Takes Manhattan
May 7, 2008 by Tom
Did you hear that Ugly Betty is moving its production to New York?
It’s not to add authenticity to the show (although that WILL be a side effect), but a cost-cutting move. Apparently, the govenor of New York recently signed into law a bill that tripled the amount of the state’s film tax credit. Feature films, television series, pilots, and TV movies and miniseries that complete at least 75% of their stage work at a qualified production facility are eligible for a 35% refundable tax credit.
This may sound like a small thing, but a show such as Ugly Betty costs about $3 million an episode to produce. (Probably more if they star Lindsay Lohan). We are talking about a LOT of money here. Walt Disney Co.’s ABC Studios just couldn’t resist.
Unfortunately, about two-thirds of the show’s 150 crew members, including directors, set designers and carpenters, are expected to lose their jobs. That is not of the good. Especially right after the long layoff for the strike.
And according to sources on the set, some actors found it difficult to concentrate on their scenes after learning that they would have to move across the country to keep their jobs. That’s not of the good.
However, it always bugged me, seeing those wonderful Queens / Manhattan sets, knowing in the back of my mind that they were actually on a studio lot in L.A. Yeah, I know: suspension of disbelief, yada,yada. Nevertheless, it bugged me. So, I’m pretty happy to see this move.
Someone else who is probably elated is Vanessa Williams, who hails from the New York area and is raising childern there, all the while “commuting” to Los Angeles for filming. Getting to work will now be much, much easier for Vanessa.
On the other hand, America Ferrera is southern California born and raised, so who knows if she’s happy about this? Since she’s in the middle of taking over the world, certainly she knew travel would be a neccesity.
Source: LA Times
Image: Newscom
I think it will be a good thing for the show. I didn’t read about actors having trouble focusing in any of the articles I read…can you elaborate?
I’m glad for the move, though it’s upsetting that a lot people will have to lose their jobs beacuse of it. I’m with you Tom. When I saw in featurette on the Season one dvd about the green screen it dillusioned me. That CGI was way to good!
Elizabeth, it was just a one-sentence blurb in the LA Times story:
“On Tuesday, some actors found it difficult to concentrate on their scenes after learning that they would have to move across the country to keep their jobs, according to people close to them”
My guess? We’re probably talking about sometimes-appearing recurring characters. The regulars obviously aren’t worried about their jobs (except RR), although it’s an upheaval for everyone.
At first I was like YAYYYYY!!! Cuz, I’m a NY girl and I luv my Ugly Betty. NY is one of the best cities in the world and most of the cast HEART New York anywayz lol.(Can’t wait, I’m psyched).
Regrettably, for a fun-loving enjoyable show like UB, most of the changes made seem pretty unethical (I mean, firing ppl, demoting ppl, etc.). Realisticly these are the consequences when improvements are being made internally.
From commentary from the Season 1 DVD on the Pilot shot in NY, you can hear conflict existed somewhat among staff ALREADY. (Mention was made about Betty’s bangs being a prob at a point, yada yada).
Aside from that ( and these are all my personal opinions by the way) some of the cast have already purchased property in LA. I guess it’s all a part of sacrificing for art or success at all costs. I just hope that at the end of the day, Betty wins in all this. By “Betty” I mean the entire cast, their world-wide fans and all the crew and team members involved. When Betty wins, America wins (pun intended). Lol.
Ugly Betty 4eva
Actually, Tom, I’d think that even the regular actors would be bothered by this news, too – and it wouldn’t be about job security.
For instance, Eric Mabius’ wife is pregnant, so I’m sure he’s not entirely keen on having to move so quickly. And then there are others who are long-time California residents, like Chris Gorham and America Ferrera, whose families are rooted there.
Also, there are those who just bought homes in California. With this new move, they’d have to find new places to crash in NYC…and be ready to do so by the time filming starts for next season, which actually starts at the end of June!
Finally, there’s the issue of the cast and crew being one big family. I’m sure that the regular actors aren’t exactly happy that the on-set “family” that they’ve had in LA for the past 2 seasons is going to break up and that many of the others will be out of jobs – especially after all that happened with the strike.
Considering these factors, I think the actors have a lot more to be worried and anxious about than just their personal job loss. And to be frank, I don’t necessarily agree with this “business” move by ABC. It may be good for them, but it’s totally unfair to those who have put in hard work into making the show.
And honestly? I don’t think that getting that “authentic NYC” feel is all that important when (a) the show is mostly shot inside than outside and (b) plenty of jobs are at stake. Come on – this show isn’t filmed like CSI or Law and Order, so who cares about that one sidewalk or skyline that shows up in the background for a few seconds/minutes?
Jace, I can’t disagree. The reasons, in the end, come down to money. A 35% tax credit on a 3-million per episode show is a huge chunk of change.
This kind of thing is going on everywhere. I live in TN, and Disney is filming the Hannah Montana movie here mainly because TN offered them a deal similar to the one NY gave UB. Entertainment is becoming a lot like sports (pony up the money for a stadium, or lose the team).
And I’d imagine the UB cast will treat the NY filming the way many veteran athletes do when they get traded: keep your original house, and get an apartment in your new city till the gig is over.
Thanks, Tom. I found some more info on Watch with Kristin:
http://www.eonline.com/gossip/kristin/detail/index.jsp?uuid=c0985cc2-2130-49b7-92a6-b85462a4bbbb
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Obviously, this move could not happen without the cooperation of America Ferrera and the majority of the core cast. According to insiders, America seems to be OK with relocating to Gotham, as are Mark Indelicato, Becki Newton and, of course, Vanessa Williams, who has long had a residence in New York.
Still, at least two main stars are hard-hit by the news: Ana Ortiz, a newlywed who is happily settled into the L.A. life, and Eric Mabius, a new dad and family man. Word is, Ana is expected to make the move, but Eric might not be willing to do so, and would fly to NYC for his episodes, which probably means we would see less of him next season.
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That seems pretty weird to me, since Daniel is an integral part of the show. On the other hand, they did seem to make it work with Vanessa Williams–she appears prominently in most of the episodes and yet was commuting to New York.
Between this and the producers walking out on the SAG talks, I’m wondering if we will ever get third season.
Sorry, that should be commuting *from* New York re: Vanessa Williams.