Baltimore, December 2, 2025
Governor Wes Moore announced that the feature film ‘They Fight’ created an impressive economic impact of approximately $9.4 million in Maryland. Filmed in Baltimore, the project employed 375 individuals and utilized services from around 100 local businesses during its nearly three-week shoot. This underlines the vital role of the film industry in promoting economic growth and community engagement. The film, based on a 2018 documentary, follows a reformed boxer mentoring youth through an after-school boxing program and is set to release on Disney+ and Hulu next year.
Baltimore, Maryland
Feature Film ‘They Fight’ Generates $9.4 Million Economic Impact in Maryland
Governor Wes Moore announced that the feature film “They Fight,” filmed in Baltimore, generated approximately $9.4 million in economic impact for Maryland. The production, which employed 375 individuals, utilized goods and services from about 100 local businesses during its nearly three-week filming period in October and November. The film is set to be released next year on Disney+ and Hulu.
The recent success of the film industry in Baltimore is a testament to how creative projects can provide substantial economic benefits to local communities. As various productions continue to choose Maryland as their filming location, the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of local vendors are being showcased. Events like these highlight the importance of supportive policies and reduced regulations that facilitate creative endeavors and promote economic growth.
Economic Impact and Employment
The production of “They Fight” provided significant economic benefits to Maryland. During its nearly three-week shoot in Baltimore City, the film supported 375 jobs, which included positions for Marylanders involved in production leadership, cast, and crew. The project engaged approximately 100 local businesses, contributing to a wider economic impact across the state.
State Support and Tax Incentives
To facilitate the production, the Maryland Film Office assisted A/Vantage Pictures in applying for the Maryland Film Production Activity Tax Credit. This program aims to attract film and television projects to Maryland by offering financial incentives. Since its inception in 2012, the tax credit has supported 21 major productions, directly spending $827 million in Maryland and generating nearly $1.5 billion in economic impact.
About ‘They Fight’
“They Fight” is based on the 2018 documentary of the same name. The film follows Walt Manigan, a talented boxer and reformed ex-convict, as he rebuilds his life and family. The story leads Manigan to a youth recreation center in Washington, D.C., where he mentors a group of boys through an after-school boxing program, preparing them for the upcoming junior national boxing tournament. The film stars André Holland, Wendell Pierce, and Samira Wiley.
Background on Maryland’s Film Industry
Maryland has been actively supporting its film industry through various initiatives. The Maryland Film Production Activity Tax Credit has been instrumental in attracting major productions to the state, leading to substantial economic benefits and job creation. The state’s commitment to the arts and entertainment sectors continues to foster growth and opportunities for local businesses and workers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the economic impact of the film “They Fight” on Maryland?
The film “They Fight” generated approximately $9.4 million in economic impact for Maryland.
How many jobs did the production of “They Fight” support?
The production of “They Fight” supported 375 jobs, including positions for Marylanders in production leadership, cast, and crew.
Which local businesses were involved in the production?
Approximately 100 local businesses were engaged during the filming of “They Fight” in Baltimore City.
What is the Maryland Film Production Activity Tax Credit?
The Maryland Film Production Activity Tax Credit is a program that offers financial incentives to attract film and television projects to Maryland, aiming to boost the state’s economy and support local businesses.
When will “They Fight” be released?
“They Fight” is scheduled to be released next year on Disney+ and Hulu.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Economic Impact | $9.4 million generated for Maryland |
| Employment | 375 jobs supported, including Marylanders in production leadership, cast, and crew |
| Local Business Engagement | Approximately 100 local businesses involved during filming in Baltimore City |
| Tax Incentive Program | Maryland Film Production Activity Tax Credit offered to attract film and television projects to Maryland |
| Release Information | “They Fight” scheduled to be released next year on Disney+ and Hulu |
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
