We've been having way too much fun lately scouring the "Inside Track" for celebrity sightings. And, at least to some degree, we have Mary Chiochios to thank. As director of operations at the Mass Film Office, Chiochios is the point person for the big-name film execs who come looking to cash in on the state's new tax credit; she's a liaison of sorts between the studios and the state. An independent producer by trade, Chiochios assists with everything from location-scouting to hiring crew members and local vendors (she's also working to develop workplace training programs that'll prepare both recent grads and more established professionals for the work), plus whatever other challenges are tossed her way. Her efforts haven't gone unrewarded: eight movies were filmed locally last year, and this year we're already up to seven -- and counting.
[Photo by Tim Gray]
