California's The Film House Relocating to Syracuse

While some corporations are expanding out of New York State, others are moving in.

California-based firm The Film House will be moving its headquarters, production, post-production, and distribution operations to Onondaga County, becoming the first tenant of the Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries.

The facility will be overseen by CNSE, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. CNSE's Senior Vice President and CEO Alain Kaloyeros - a proponent of NanoUtica efforts - indicated the move is further evidence that New York is "...the world leader in cutting edge nanotechnology and innovation and applications, including almost every nanotechnology-enabled industry..."

Ryan Johnson, President and CEO of The Film House, said, "We considered locations around the world but nothing came close to offering an opportunity like New York does. The state leadership, as embodied by Governor Andrew Cuomo, the skilled workforce, the commitment to high tech research and development, and the overall business friendly climate in this state made it pretty clear that this is where our business, our jobs, and our investments need to be. We're thrilled to partner with CNSE on what will undoubtedly create unique academic possibilities as we explore the future of filmmaking and distribution." Before starting things up at The Film House Johnson was an executive with Mandalay Pictures and the CEO of Pretty Dangerous Films.

Johnson's words seemed to directly counter the remarks of another CEO, Remington's George Kollitides, who implied that New York's business and political climate may have been part of that company's decision to expand its operations to Alabama rather than increase its presence in Ilion, New York.

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said the addition will be "transformative" for the community. The county is working with leadership from the Syracuse International Film Festival to create an Onondaga County Film Commission.

While the move is expected to create a loss of jobs in California it will, according to a written statement issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo's office, "...create at least 350 new high tech jobs and 150 construction jobs" in Syracuse.

Construction on the building is expected to begin April 1, 2014 and end in October. Work on another building for additional tenants is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2015.