WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The State of Connecticut is making a big push to build the digital media industry, including game development, Web development, digital animation and visual effects production.

This new effort is being driven by a 30 percent fully transferable tax credit for digital media production, and a 20 percent infrastructure tax credit for the development and build-out of facilities. These tax incentives are designed to encourage all forms of digital media production, thereby contributing to the state's economy by generating tax revenue and job growth.

Connecticut has a diverse and vibrant digital media industry, ranging from large corporations to small "mom and pop" businesses, spread geographically throughout the state. A concentrated effort is needed to expand the production of local commercial, corporate and digital media projects within the state.

Whenever possible, Connecticut must encourage the integration of qualified local crew personnel into this growing workforce. Digital media curricula at the collegiate level, secondary school education, state-funded training programs and private courses of instruction are an essential part of this process.

Connecticut's location and talent base are perfectly suited to take advantage of and create a new growth economy based on the digital media industry. The challenge is to promote workforce development that results not only in new jobs, but also in an environment for entrepreneurs to create a new generation of businesses. Digital media jobs and business opportunities are constantly emerging, and a sustained workforce effort can ensure they grow right here in Connecticut.

The Office for Workforce Competitiveness

The Office for Workforce Competitiveness (OWC) develops and coordinates the changes needed to prepare Connecticut's workforce for the rapidly changing and competitive economy of the 21st Century. OWC reports directly to the Governor and provides policy advice on workforce investment matters. Under Public Act 04-212, OWC is legislatively mandated to include policy and planning to advance Connecticut's competitiveness in the knowledge economy, including the advancement of skilled talent and innovation.

CT Film Office

The Office of Film, Television & Digital Media (CT Film Office) administers the digital media industry and infrastructure tax credit programs, and assists production companies with operating procedures, permits and permissions, location scouting, crew accommodations, equipment, on-site support and other production-related activities.