What is HOTL?
Hollywood on the Lake is a fundraising campaign to raise funds to boost film production

in Buffalo and Western New York. Funds will initially go towards the production of several movies shot in and around Buffalo, NY showcasing the incredible locations Buffalo has to offer. (See the FAQs page for a flow chart.)

Our strategy is a multi-pronged attack to attract Hollywood productions to the area. Toronto is currently getting on average $950 million a year in Hollywood production dollars. Vancouver rakes in $1.5 BILLION in Hollywood production dollars annually. There is no reason we can’t grab a piece of that Hollywood pie! Just think what even $100 million would do to our local economy!

The Plan:

1.    Fund at least one studio quality film with major stars shot entirely, or almost entirely,

in the Buffalo area showcasing some of the classic architecture and spectacular locations we take for granted.

2.    During the making of these films we will train local media professionals, and indeed beginners, to work on a professional film set. These individuals will walk away at the end of the film with a marketable film credit on a respectable film. Not a film school credit, but actual professional set experience! One of the major things producers look for when scouting locations are local professional crews with legitimate film experience so they can save on not shipping out a Hollywood crew.

3.    We will promote the film during pre-production, production and post-production to Hollywood studios, producers and media. This will serve two purposes: a) it will put Buffalo in the minds of studios and producers as a possible location to shoot their movies, and b) we hope to find distribution through a major studio which will ensure a theatrical wide release of the film(s) giving Buffalo, NY more exposure to the world.

4.    During production we will find and create a working film studio space that conforms with NY State regulations in order to qualify for the State’s tax credits and filmmaker incentives. This will take care of another need visiting productions would have.

Keep in mind that Hollywood money doesn’t just affect crew salaries. Hotels, retail shops and services will all benefit if we attract productions through our efforts. We’ve lost a lot of local industries. It’s time to develop some new ones. The beauty of filmmaking is that there’s a job for everyone! Carpenters, electricians, graphic artists, photographers, accountants, lawyers, etc etc... and services ranging from hotels, dry cleaners, car rentals, and retail businesses to name but a few who would benefit.

Lets keep U.S. money and jobs here at home! Help us help Buffalo and make a donation. Check out all your contribution options on our Contributions page.