The DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (MPTD) has brokered a cooperative operating agreement with BET Networks that will leverage BET Networks’ Studio II and related facilities to increase local media production activity, support job creation, and advance media education and workforce development in the District. BET Networks will grant MPTD the right to solicit and negotiate media production, post production, and related production support services deals as part of the agreement.
“I am delighted that the District’s agreement with BET marks the first of many innovative initiatives that have come to fruition as a result of our robust creative economy strategy,” stated Mayor Vincent C. Gray. “This unprecedented partnership between the District government and BET Networks is a shining example of a public-private partnership that is expected to result in a full range of benefits for the District.”
BET Studio II, which totals nearly 18,000 square feet of soundstage space and another 3,000 square feet in office space, will serve as an important tool in MPTD’s incentive strategy and sustainability model. The soundstage will be made available to local and visiting productions through flexible rate schedules.
“This new agreement gives the District never seen before capabilities to incentivize local media production and further advance Mayor Gray’s creative economy strategy,” stated MPTD Director Pierre Bagley. “I want to congratulate Mayor Gray and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Jeff Miller for having the vision and fortitude to make this important deal come to fruition. It sends a message to the entertainment world that the District is finally open for business.”
MPTD worked closely with the Deputy Mayor’s Office of Planning and Economic Development and the Department of General Services to establish the parameters of the agreement, which will be unveiled in greater detail in the New Year. The studio will come online in early 2015.