Wing and a Prayer Pictures commits to making at least five films in Upstate New York including post production work

In accordance with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s blueprint for nanotechnology-driven economic growth through the establishment of a globally recognized, high-tech film industry in Central New York, SUNY Polytechnic Institute today proudly announced that Golden Globe Award winning television and movie actor Ron Perlman will locate his film production company at the Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries.

Perlman’s company, Wing and a Prayer Pictures will make at least five films in Upstate New York over the next several years including post production work at the new Film Hub facility. Depending on various stages of production, direct and indirect jobs at any given time could vary from several dozen to several hundred or more. Initial projects could begin as early as this summer.

“To be back in my home state, doing what I love, and employing tremendously skilled and dedicated New Yorkers is rewarding from both a creative and business perspective,” said Ron Perlman. “Knowing the State of New York supports my company and wants my business to succeed allows me to focus on making great films. There is no place I’d rather be then in Central New York, partnering with a world-class institution like SUNY Poly and becoming a part of the cultural fabric of the region. From box office blockbusters to independent cinema, Upstate New York is quickly becoming a destination of choice for the entertainment industry, and I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his commitment to our craft. Clearly, New York has the momentum and the wind in its sails, and I can’t wait to showcase the beauty of the Empire State and the talent of its workers to audiences around the world.”

“This is the beginning of what we all envision for the Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries,” said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. “Thank you to Governor Andrew Cuomo for creating the business environment that attracts high level partners like Ron Perlman. Those of us who call Central New York home know what a great place it is to live and work and we appreciate Ron choosing us as the home for his film production company Wing and a Prayer Pictures. Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros has shown tremendous leadership in building the Nanotechnology Industry in New York State and we are pleased to be a part of that success.”

“As envisioned and advanced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, building a world-class motion picture technology research and production industry in Central New York requires a strong public-private partnership, and it doesn’t get any stronger professionally, personally, or creatively than Ron Perlman’s Wing and a Prayer Pictures,” said SUNY Poly President and CEO Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros. “SUNY Poly couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ron and his team to New York, where he will be producing exciting movies, mentoring our students, and be a regular presence in the community for years to come. County Executive Joanie Mahoney deserves a special acknowledgment for being instrumental in this partnership.”

Ron Perlman has a decades-long career in the entertainment industry and has appeared in dozens of feature films and television shows. He most recently co-starred in the critically acclaimed FX series “Sons of Anarchy,” and is also well known for playing the lead character in the “Hellboy” franchise and for his Golden Globe winning portrayal of “Vincent” on the CBS sitcom “Beauty and the Beast.” Perlman will also star and executive produce the new Amazon series “Hand of God,” and also executive produce the upcoming “All I See Is You” for director Marc Forster.

As previously announced in partnership with Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, Wing and a Prayer Pictures joins The Film House in locating at the hub. All Film Hub-based projects may be eligible for the New York State Film Tax Credit, and companies that locate on-site may be eligible for START UP NY benefits.

In addition to traditional production and post-production capabilities, the hub will capitalize on the synergy between nanotechnology and the film industry including the development next-generation CGI technologies. To meet the workforce demands created by an upstate movie industry, SUNY Poly is in active discussions with BOCES on developing a first of its kind job-training partnership specific to film production and technologies to give young students the tools they need for successful employment.

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SUNY Polytechnic Institute.SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem, formed from the merger of the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and SUNY Institute of Technology. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience and nanoeconomics programs at its Albany campus, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, technology, professional studies, and the arts and sciences at its Utica/Rome campus. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts more than $20 billion in high-tech investments, over 300 corporate partners, and maintains a statewide footprint. The 1.3 million-square-foot Albany NanoTech megaplex is home to more than 3,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, faculty, and staff, in addition to Tech Valley High School. The Utica/Rome campus offers a unique high-tech learning environment, providing academic programs in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, with degrees and course offerings in natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences. Thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. SUNY Poly operates the Smart Cities Technology Innovation Center (SCiTI) at Kiernan Plaza in Albany, the Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon, CNSE’s Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries in Syracuse, the Photovoltaic Manufacturing and Technology Development Facility in Rochester, and the Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center (STC) in Canandaigua. SUNY Poly founded and manages the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C) on its Utica campus and also manages the $500 million New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium, with nodes in Albany and Rochester, as well as the Buffalo High-Tech Manufacturing Innovation Hub at RiverBend, Buffalo Information Technologies Innovation and Commercialization Hub, and Buffalo Medical Innovation and Commercialization Hub. For information visit www.sunycnse.com and www.sunypoly.edu.

For Release:       Immediate - April 27, 2015

Contact:              Jerry Gretzinger, Vice President of Strategic Communications and Public Relations

(518) 956-7359 | jgretzinger@sunycnse.com