Sofsky Named Cherokee Nation Film Commissioner
Tava Maloy Sofsky has been named Cherokee Nation’s film commissioner. In the new position, Sofsky will serve dual roles as both film commissioner for the Cherokee Nation and as the tribe’s film office director.
Sofsky, a Cherokee Nation citizen, brings more than 23 years of industry-leading experience to her new role supporting the mission and strategic growth of the Cherokee Nation Film Office. She will also now oversee the Cherokee Film Incentive, among other initiatives within the tribal film office.
Most recently, Sofsky was director of the Oklahoma Film + Music Office. During her tenure there, she oversaw Oklahoma’s $30 million annual film incentive program and helped expand the state’s top-rate talent, crew base and infrastructure to include four Oklahoma Certified Sound Stages and more than 25 Film-Friendly Certified Communities statewide. As film commissioner, Sofsky will serve under Jennifer Loren, director of Cherokee Nation Film and Original Content….
Phiphen Studios Launches in NJ
Phiphen Studios, a boutique post house, has opened in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
“New Jersey continues to attract the kind of critical infrastructure that can support our burgeoning film and television industry and utilize our skilled workforce,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
This studio is the latest expansion of the production company Phiphen, a female-led business founded by producers Molly Connors and Jane Sinisi.
Phiphen Studios adds to the production infrastructure that has been growing since the reinstatement of the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which offers eligible production companies up to 35% transferable tax credit on qualified film production expenses, plus an additional 2% or 4% diversity bonus for qualified productions.
Since 2021, several major studios have been built in-state including Palisade Stages and 10 Basin Studios in Kearny, Cinelease Studios Caven Point in Jersey City, and Sustainable Studios in Moonachie. The new facility offers 10,000 square feet of postproduction and office space, in addition to a 25 seat 4K theater, executive suites, conference rooms, kitchens, and outdoor space….
Netflix’s Neighborhood Launch
Netflix in Your Neighborhood: New Mexico (the website NetflixNM.com) has been launched, making it easier for fans, both local and from around the world, to find and explore amazing Netflix filming locations in the Land of Enchantment. This is the first U.S. site of its kind for Netflix and gives fans the chance to visit filming locations of popular titles like Stranger Things, End of the Road, The Harder They Fall, Army of the Dead and Daybreak.
Netflix in Your Neighborhood allows users to search for filming locations by film or series title, or by searching an area of the state. Set locations are highlighted in Albuquerque, Moriarty, Los Lunas, Galisteo, Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Sandia Park and Chama, while also featuring directions to these spots. Netflix in Your Neighborhood also highlights tourist attractions and hidden gems near filming locations. Some locations on New Mexico’s site include the Aspen Vista Hiking Trail in the Santa Fe National Forest, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, and Tomé Hill in Los Lunas. The website will be updated as new TV series and films are lensed in the state.
Nick Maniatis, director of studio and production affairs at Netflix. “We know that falling in love with a show can also mean falling in love with a place, so we built this website to make it easier for our fans to find and visit the beautiful New Mexico locations we use every day”….
