Production of Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time Contributes More Than $110 Million to the California Economy
MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin unveils new economic impact data at community screening held for film’s local crew and vendors
LOS ANGELES – At a screening of A Wrinkle in Time hosted by Disney to thank the local crew and businesses who helped bring the magical adventure to life, MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin highlighted the film’s significant contributions to California’s economy. While taking audiences to fantastic new worlds, A Wrinkle in Time generated more than $110 million in local economic activity and contributed more than $40.2 million in wages to nearly 4,000 local workers.
The screening, held on the eve of the 90th Academy Awards ceremony, included remarks from Producer Jim Whitaker and MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles H. Rivkin.
MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles H. Rivkin thanked the local crew and vendors in his remarks, saying, “Your dedication brought magic to life and made enormous contributions to this community. As someone who called this state and this industry home for many years, I am proud that California’s creative economy continues to be an engine of cultural and economic inspiration.”
Producer Jim Whitaker also addressed the audience, thanking the talented cast, crew, and businesses for their hard work bringing Madeline L’Engle’s science fantasy novel to screen. “The novel that has inspired millions of readers around the world for more than 50 years is now a true success story for California’s businesses and workers,” he said.
In the 200 days A Wrinkle in Time spent on location, a significant portion of the production’s investment supported a wide array of in-state vendors, including numerous small businesses, such as:
- More than $14.3 million spent on local rentals and purchases for set decoration, production, and other supplies.
- More than $1.3 million spent on transportation, including truck and car rentals.
- More than $980,000 spent on local catering and other food items for the cast and crew.
- More than $980,000 on local wardrobe, including dry cleaning.
- More than $350,000 spent on lodging.
“Even before it’s released, A Wrinkle in Time is a hit for California’s economy and below-the-line crew members across the Golden State,” said Executive Director of the California Film Commission Amy Lemisch, “Disney’s decision to film this project in California affirms that our expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0 is helping keep more big-budget films here at home, where they belong.”
Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chair Representative Judy Chu (CA-27) said, “The film industry is one of America’s greatest exports, providing entertainment around the world while creating more than $1.2 trillion in economic activity right here at home. Film projects provide jobs to many skilled craftspeople and artists who are critical to bringing these stories to light. I’m thrilled that so many of my constituents and fellow Californians were able to be a part of this production. And I’m so proud to support such projects that provide good jobs while telling moving and lasting stories like A Wrinkle in Time.”
For a behind-the-scenes look at A Wrinkle in Time, click here.
About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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For more information, contact:
MPAA Washington, D.C.
Chris Ortman
(202) 293-1966
Chris_Ortman@motionpictures.org