'Deal Or No Deal' To Film At Sonalysts

The syndicated television show "Deal or No Deal" is moving to Connecticut.

Produced by Endemol USA and distributed by NBC Universal Domestic TV, the show will be taped at the Sonalysts Studio in Waterford, Conn. Howie Mandel will continue as host.

The production's corporate parents eyed and apparently approved of Connecticut's 30% production tax credit.

In 2006, the Connecticut General Assembly established a digital media and motion picture tax credit program to encourage production business in the state. Digital media and motion picture production, pre-production and post production expenses incurred in the state, all qualify for the credit.

NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

NBC Universal Talks Connecticut, Stamford Studio

NBC Universal is in negotiations with the state of Connecticut on a project that is anticipated to result in a large television production studio at the Rich Forum Theater in Stamford, bringing approximately 150 to 200 jobs and an initial infrastructure investment in excess of $3 million to the state.

The state’s 30 percent production tax credit on annual activity and 20 percent tax credit on infrastructure costs exceeding $1 million were among several factors cited by NBC Universal as reasons why it is considering Connecticut as a location.

“As a company based in the tri-state area, NBC Universal is enthusiastic about expanding our footprint in the region, " said Barry Wallach, president of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. "The tax credit program fosters additional public/private investments in production infrastructure that Connecticut can use to help the state through the current economic crisis."

NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi. The company develops, produces, and markets entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a portfolio that includes news and entertainment networks, a motion picture company, television production operations, a television stations group, and theme parks.

Hulu was founded in March 2007 by NBC Universal and News Corp. and is operated independently by a dedicated management team.