Film tax-break pays off

Film tax-break pays off

COLUMBUS — The state says a new Ohio tax credit for film making is beginning to pay off.

The state says four movie projects will contribute about $25 million to Ohio’s economy as a result of the credit enacted last year. That includes jobs, at least temporary ones, for nearly 3,000 production crew members and extras.

The productions include the film “Unstoppable” starring Denzel Washington about a runaway train carrying toxic chemicals. Twenty percent of the film was shot in eastern and southeastern Ohio.

Three independent movies are in the works in the Cleveland area.

Boyle’s strong finish

NEW YORK — Susan Boyle put up a strong challenge, but Taylor Swift ended 2009 with the year’s best-selling album. Nielsen SoundScan, which tracks the nation’s album sales, says Swift’s “Fearless” sold 3.2 million copies last year. It was released in late 2008. Boyle’s “I Dreamed a Dream” sold 3.1 million copies — and it came out only in late November.

Today’s birthdays

“Sunday Morning” host Charles Osgood is 77. Game-show host Bob Eubanks is 72. Singer Anthony Gourdine of Little Anthony and the Imperials is 69. Guitarist Robby Krieger of The Doors is 64. Singer David Bowie is 63. Singer R. Kelly is 43. Reggae singer Sean Paul is 37.