October 10, 2007 9:55 AM

Hollywood east
Posted by Douglas Eisenhartat 9:55 AM

Have you noticed a lot of movie stars around Boston recently? Like Meg Ryan and Candice Bergen, seen here?

Well, there's a reason - they're working:

If there is one factor driving the current influx of "Access Hollywood" types, it would be the tax-incentive package passed by the state Legislature in 2005 that gives filmmakers a 25 percent credit on their production expenses here. The impact on film budgets has made shooting here an attractive alternative to locales such as New York and Toronto. Wherever movie crews go, movie stars follow. It's not a complex formula, but it can raise the heat index for a city like Boston, which has been traditionally regarded as more a net celebrity exporter (think Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Denis Leary, Jay Leno) than an importer or destination point.

For more on why there has been a parade of stars streaming through the city, read the article from today's Globe.

While you're at it, check out this photo gallery of celebs at work in and around town.