This morning I met with Eric Anderson, well known local special effects artist, and spent some time walking around the Armory located in South Portland Maine. The Armory served as a national guard outpost for many years. Once it was abandoned it eventually made is way back into the hands of the town of South Portland.
Seeking a creative use for the space the town council has been working with Hollywood veteran production designer and art director Eric Matheson who has worked on such films as Empire Falls, The Cider House Rules, and Amistad to name only a few.
Mr. Matheson is leading the Fore River Sound Stage company and is spearheading the efforts to renovate the aging armory and configure it to become a focal point for film production here in the state of Maine and New England. Clearly there is work to be done but given the natural beauty of our state and depth of talent that can be found here and through out New England it seems only fitting that there should be more opportunities for major film production here in Maine. If you agree please feel free to contact your congressman and ask the hard questions on state initiatives and incentives for the film industry. Who knows perhaps someday a film about Maine will actually be able to be filmed here as well.
A big thanks to Eric Matheson and Eric Anderson for letting me spend some time in this remarkable space.
