January 26, 2011 (Sampurn Wire): Of late, there has been a decline in the number of films being shot at the Bay State. In such circumstances, 3 of the Oscar nominated flicks could be the last of such kind. The Fighter, The Social Network and The Town have won 16 Oscar nominations together and this comes at a crucial time when film makers are shying away from shooting in the Bay State.

Mark Wahlbergs The Fighter and one of the favourites The Social Network have scooped up quite a few nominations. Besides, Jeremy Runner has earned the Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal of a bank robber in Ben Afflecks The Town. These nominations underline the fact that Massachusetts is replete with talented work-force.

As many as 153 films were shot in 2008 in Bay State but the number came down to 86 in 2009 for which Gov. Deval Patricks capping policy has been held reprehensible. Ben Mezrich (whose book proposal was the basis for The Social Network) pins his hope on the Oscar as he wishes that the film makers are reminded that the Bay State is still an amazing place to shoot movies.

Mezrich further cites that Massachusetts is a fertile ground for stories revolving around the young people and their crazy everyday lives. He hopes that the community realises that Boston is a great location to film.

Though he wants The Social Network to win the big awards, it is The Kings Speech that is spearheading the award ceremonies this year with as many as 12 nominations. It is to be seen which film gets the big honours at the Oscar evening.

--Sampurn Wire