“Ice Age”‘s Blue Sky Studios Gets State Incentive To Expand In Connecticut
(HARTFORD, CT) — Blue Sky Studios today announced it will expand its headquarters in Greenwich and create 70 jobs, a move that will allow the Oscar Award winning digital animation company to grow even more in the future. The state, through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), is providing financial support for the project.
“In 2009 Blue Sky Studios opened its digital animation production facility in Connecticut, and in just two years, the company is ready to expand its operations and add jobs. This proves that film studios like what Connecticut has to offer and are willing to invest here,” said Governor Malloy. “State support for Blue Sky will ensure the industry will grow and other film production companies see Connecticut as a great location and an important partner in their plans.”
Blue Sky plans to hire 70 and expand its office space by 43,000 square feet at One American Lane in Greenwich. The expanded facility, which will total 150,000 square feet, will include seating for up to 140 artists, conference rooms, a screening area, editorial space, and a data center.
The additional space will allow the company to better utilize its facility, decrease production cycles – which means more movies in less time – and to do more work in house rather than outsourcing certain aspects of production.
“We are pleased to announce the expansion of our facility in Connecticut and look forward to the continued production of many new and exciting films within the state,” said Brian Keane, Blue Sky Studios chief operating officer. “One of the reasons we are so proud to partner with the state on this project is the governor’s commitment to our industry’s growth. Blue Sky, which was one of the first stops on Governor Malloy’s Jobs Tour, is as committed to job creation as the governor.”
Financial assistance for this project includes a $3 million loan for space and equipment upgrades, and a tax credit of 20% on infrastructure costs over $3 million.
“Growing jobs is the number one priority and the film tax credit is one of our best tools that will help us do that,” said Catherine Smith, commissioner of DECD. “Digital media is an emerging sector, one that requires smart, innovative workers. This is the workforce Connecticut can provide and production companies know it. That’s why they’re coming here and it’s why they’re investing here.”
When Blue Sky relocated from White Plains, N.Y. and opened its headquarters in Greenwich in 2009, 300 high quality jobs were added to Connecticut’s fledgling media industry. Blue Sky has since grown to more than 400 employees and has demonstrated a commitment to invest in the industry’s growth in the state.