Since 2002, Louisiana has appeared in the credits of more and more motion pictures, thanks to the state's unique tax incentive package directed at attracting film and television work. Currently, Louisiana ranks third in film and television production nationwide, behind only California and New York.
Louisiana's skilled crew base has grown by over 400 percent since the start of the tax incentive program, and infrastructure continues to develop to answer the demand from film and television producers. Louisiana now boasts world-class, state-of-the-art facilities throughout the state including stages and post-production houses.
Since 2006, Louisiana has produced more than 300 motion pictures in a variety of genres - major and independent feature films, television series, commercials and documentaries to name a few. Total program applications increased from 88 in 2008 to 105 in 2009. And local companies produced 65 percent of the films shot in Louisiana in 2009, up from 35 percent in 2008. And the film industry surge is showing no signs of stopping.
For evidence that Louisiana has become a serious player in the film industry, look no further than 2009's Oscar contender "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, which earned the highest number of nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the 2009 Academy Awards. In addition, Louisiana-made feature films, "I Love You Phillip Morris" and "Killing Room," premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival; and "Drool" premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival, winning Best Original Screenplay.
The tax credits, talented workforce and well-developed infrastructure help create great filmmaking experiences. But directors and producers keep coming back to Louisiana for the less-tangible assets, such as the variety of locations, unique joie de vivre and the overwhelming support of Louisiana's citizens.
Louisiana uses a holistic and innovative approach by offering tax credits, workforce training and other economic development programs among four different entertainment industry sectors: motion picture, sound recording, interactive and live performance.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Auditor's Report - Interesting Facts
I killed a good hour or so thing morning looking through the State Auditor's report about the film incentive problems and found some interesting information in the section on "Background"
The first excerpt:
"Tom Wheeler was hired as the Film Office Manager (Administrative Assistant 4), effective January 5, 2004. The Department was unable to provide a written job description for the Film Office Manager."
So does this mean that his responsibilities weren't clearly defined and that they piled on these additional responsibilities later? There was no written job description given to him at the time he was hired and the responsibilities then were the same as for his predecessors: to promote Iowa to film producers, both outside and within the state, as a location to shoot movies. The usual thought was to increase tourism. It was after Tom was hired that the bill for film tax incentives was passed and it was decided that he should do it all.
As I've mentioned a number of times, Tom is not trained as a lawyer and he is not trained as an accountant. To have him perform duties outside of his area of expertise like this is negligent and those responsible for these decisions should be the ones put on trial. To prosecute Tom only serves to deflect blame from the true perpetrators of this incompetence.
Other excerpt:
"Although Mr. Wheeler was the only full time staff person assigned to the Office, he was able to enlist the services of an Administrative Assistant, who was shared by the whole Division, and the Division Secretary, who reported to Ms. Johnson and Mr. Rossate. According to Ms. Johnson and other Department staff, Mr. Wheeler was to request assistance from Ms. Johnson and Mr. Rossate when needed. According to Department staff we spoke with, Mr. Rossate and Ms. Johnson did not allocate time to the Office on their time sheets."
Tom's only help in handling this mountain of paperwork and making heads or tails out of the financial accounting and the legal aspects was an Administrative Assistant (fancy word for "Secretary"), who was shared by the whole division, and the Division Secretary. I doubt you would want either of them doing your legal work or your accounting, much less Tom, who was obviously not qualified for this work. His supervisors, Ms. Johnson and Mr. Rossate, from what I've heard were asked for assistance by Tom Wheeler. The fact that they did not allocate time to his concerns shows that they blew him off. I've heard also that he contacted Governor Culver's office with his concerns about inadequate staff and was ignored.
Obviously it shouldn't be Tom Wheeler who is to be put on trial.
The first excerpt:
"Tom Wheeler was hired as the Film Office Manager (Administrative Assistant 4), effective January 5, 2004. The Department was unable to provide a written job description for the Film Office Manager."
So does this mean that his responsibilities weren't clearly defined and that they piled on these additional responsibilities later? There was no written job description given to him at the time he was hired and the responsibilities then were the same as for his predecessors: to promote Iowa to film producers, both outside and within the state, as a location to shoot movies. The usual thought was to increase tourism. It was after Tom was hired that the bill for film tax incentives was passed and it was decided that he should do it all.
As I've mentioned a number of times, Tom is not trained as a lawyer and he is not trained as an accountant. To have him perform duties outside of his area of expertise like this is negligent and those responsible for these decisions should be the ones put on trial. To prosecute Tom only serves to deflect blame from the true perpetrators of this incompetence.
Other excerpt:
"Although Mr. Wheeler was the only full time staff person assigned to the Office, he was able to enlist the services of an Administrative Assistant, who was shared by the whole Division, and the Division Secretary, who reported to Ms. Johnson and Mr. Rossate. According to Ms. Johnson and other Department staff, Mr. Wheeler was to request assistance from Ms. Johnson and Mr. Rossate when needed. According to Department staff we spoke with, Mr. Rossate and Ms. Johnson did not allocate time to the Office on their time sheets."
Tom's only help in handling this mountain of paperwork and making heads or tails out of the financial accounting and the legal aspects was an Administrative Assistant (fancy word for "Secretary"), who was shared by the whole division, and the Division Secretary. I doubt you would want either of them doing your legal work or your accounting, much less Tom, who was obviously not qualified for this work. His supervisors, Ms. Johnson and Mr. Rossate, from what I've heard were asked for assistance by Tom Wheeler. The fact that they did not allocate time to his concerns shows that they blew him off. I've heard also that he contacted Governor Culver's office with his concerns about inadequate staff and was ignored.
Obviously it shouldn't be Tom Wheeler who is to be put on trial.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Iowa State Auditor Tries to Pass the Buck
In the Des Moines Register article linked to below ("Auditor says most Iowa film credits issued improperly"), once again total blame is being assigned to Tom Wheeler who is neither a lawyer or an accountant. The auditing of these film budgets before the awarding of tax credits should have been done by the very state auditor who is now saying that Tom Wheeler didn't do it right. Wheeler should have never been given legal or accounting responsibilities to begin with. His forte was selling Iowa as a place to shoot films and should have been confined to that. Culver and the legislature really dropped the ball on this.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101026/NEWS/101026026/Auditor-says-most-Iowa-film-credits-issued-improperly
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101026/NEWS/101026026/Auditor-says-most-Iowa-film-credits-issued-improperly
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Iowa Governor's Race: Today's Debate
Mostly a yawwwwwn, but the issue of the Iowa Film Office fiasco was brought up and candidate Terry Branstad said he was in FAVOR of maintaining a film office, and candidate Chester Culver said we "wouldn't be taken for suckers" again.
Thus, for we in the Iowa Acting World, our ONLY choice is Terry Branstad.
Vote. I did via absentee ballot.
After the election, a very vitally important meeting will take place with Iowa Senator Bill Dotzler, Jr., and a few members of the Iowa Film Community (I know I didn't need to capitalize those words...).
Stay tuned.
gino
Friday, October 15, 2010
New charges likely in film scandal
Once again The Des Moines Register is trumpeting that the charges in the film scandal are going to "mushroom". It's been like this all year but only two trials are set to go on: the trial of the producers of "The Scientist" for fraud and for Tom Wheeler, the former Film Office head, - their convenient political scapegoat - for "nonfelonious misconduct in office". Nobody else is going to trial - not Culver, not the people overseeing Tom Wheeler, not the productions who bought the luxury vehicles for their directors.
The new announcement from the Iowa Attorney General's Office is naturally timed to coincide with the elections, since both the Attorney General and the Governor are up for re-election. The Des Moines Register brings up little in the way of new information other than some of the films that will be receiving reduced or no film tax credits. I'm sure the politicians will be milking this one as long as they can - at our expense.
Here is a link to the Des Moines Register Article:
New charges likely in film scandal
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101015/NEWS10/10150385/New-charges-likely-in-film-scandal
The new announcement from the Iowa Attorney General's Office is naturally timed to coincide with the elections, since both the Attorney General and the Governor are up for re-election. The Des Moines Register brings up little in the way of new information other than some of the films that will be receiving reduced or no film tax credits. I'm sure the politicians will be milking this one as long as they can - at our expense.
Here is a link to the Des Moines Register Article:
New charges likely in film scandal
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101015/NEWS10/10150385/New-charges-likely-in-film-scandal
Monday, October 4, 2010
From Business First of Columbus, by Jeff Bell
Central Ohio has been shut out of film and television productions big enough to qualify for a new state tax incentive, but the region’s luck seems to be changing.
A reality series to be shot at Riverside Methodist Hospital for the Lifetime television network is expected to exceed the $300,000 budget mark needed to qualify for the state’s film tax credit, said Jeremy Henthorn, director of the Ohio Film Office. In addition, talks are under way with production companies to bring several projects to Central Ohio in 2011, he said.
“As with (film) tax credits in any other state, it will be snowballing.” Henthorn said. “Once it starts, it gets bigger and bigger. We expect Columbus to see a lot of activity over the next few years.”
Henthorn said that with an estimated budget of $400,000, the One Born Every Minute reality series to be filmed at Riverside can apply for tax credits signed into law in July 2009. The reality show, produced by Los Angeles-based Reveille LLC, will focus on the daily drama at Riverside’s labor and delivery unit. It is expected to begin airing in February.
Bright lights, big payoff
The film tax incentive provides a refundable credit against Ohio’s corporation franchise or income taxes for motion pictures produced in the state. It is designed to help Ohio compete as a location for the production of movies, documentaries, TV shows, videos, commercials, digital media and other entertainment content. State officials have said such productions boost employment and generate revenue for communities.
Data compiled by the Ohio Department of Development show nine projects – none in Central Ohio – qualified for an estimated $9.2 million in tax credits from Oct. 16, 2009, through Sept. 24. The legislature earmarked $10 million for the tax credits in fiscal 2010 and $20 million for fiscal 2011, which began July 1.
The nine projects were expected to generate $41.7 million in spending in the state and $9.5 million in local wages for more than 3,600 workers, according to state estimates. Six of the productions were filmed in the Cleveland area in addition to one each in Cincinnati, Akron and Martins Ferry in eastern Ohio. The most notable were Unstoppable, a drama about a runaway train starring Denzel Washington, and 25 Hill, a film about the Soap Box Derby featuring L.A. Law actor Corbin Bernsen.
The Cleveland area did well because its film commission had a roster of projects lined up when the tax credit program was launched, Henthorn said. Cleveland’s lakefront location and the look of its downtown business district and neighborhoods also appeal to producers.
“It can resemble New York but at a cheaper price,” Henthorn said. “Sometimes geography can appeal to filmmakers.”
As for Columbus, Henthorn said the city’s iconic government buildings such as the Statehouse and Ohio Supreme Court building could draw filmmakers. The city has a strong core of film production crews, he said, including ones that worked on 25 Hill in Akron, and a local film commission whose director, Gail Mezey, is viewed as an advocate for the Central Ohio film industry.
About a dozen small, independent movies are shot in Central Ohio each year, Mezey said, but the Greater Columbus Film Commission lacks the financial resources to court the California studios that make major motion pictures. The commission counts on donations from its members and area film production houses and movie equipment rental businesses, she said. It receives no funding from government, the Greater Columbus Arts Council or economic development groups such as the Columbus Chamber.
The commission hopes to pursue support from government and business groups – like that enjoyed by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission – now that the economy appears to be improving, Mezey said. Film commissions across Ohio are trying to show legislators that the film tax credit brings projects, jobs and revenue to the state, she said.
“I don’t think (filmmakers) would even consider Ohio for a lot of motion pictures before,” Mezey said. “Even if (the story) was Ohio-based, they would still go to Louisiana, Michigan, Illinois and Connecticut (for tax breaks.) But our incentives are still not as competitive as I’d like them to be.”
A reality series to be shot at Riverside Methodist Hospital for the Lifetime television network is expected to exceed the $300,000 budget mark needed to qualify for the state’s film tax credit, said Jeremy Henthorn, director of the Ohio Film Office. In addition, talks are under way with production companies to bring several projects to Central Ohio in 2011, he said.
“As with (film) tax credits in any other state, it will be snowballing.” Henthorn said. “Once it starts, it gets bigger and bigger. We expect Columbus to see a lot of activity over the next few years.”
Henthorn said that with an estimated budget of $400,000, the One Born Every Minute reality series to be filmed at Riverside can apply for tax credits signed into law in July 2009. The reality show, produced by Los Angeles-based Reveille LLC, will focus on the daily drama at Riverside’s labor and delivery unit. It is expected to begin airing in February.
Bright lights, big payoff
The film tax incentive provides a refundable credit against Ohio’s corporation franchise or income taxes for motion pictures produced in the state. It is designed to help Ohio compete as a location for the production of movies, documentaries, TV shows, videos, commercials, digital media and other entertainment content. State officials have said such productions boost employment and generate revenue for communities.
Data compiled by the Ohio Department of Development show nine projects – none in Central Ohio – qualified for an estimated $9.2 million in tax credits from Oct. 16, 2009, through Sept. 24. The legislature earmarked $10 million for the tax credits in fiscal 2010 and $20 million for fiscal 2011, which began July 1.
The nine projects were expected to generate $41.7 million in spending in the state and $9.5 million in local wages for more than 3,600 workers, according to state estimates. Six of the productions were filmed in the Cleveland area in addition to one each in Cincinnati, Akron and Martins Ferry in eastern Ohio. The most notable were Unstoppable, a drama about a runaway train starring Denzel Washington, and 25 Hill, a film about the Soap Box Derby featuring L.A. Law actor Corbin Bernsen.
The Cleveland area did well because its film commission had a roster of projects lined up when the tax credit program was launched, Henthorn said. Cleveland’s lakefront location and the look of its downtown business district and neighborhoods also appeal to producers.
“It can resemble New York but at a cheaper price,” Henthorn said. “Sometimes geography can appeal to filmmakers.”
As for Columbus, Henthorn said the city’s iconic government buildings such as the Statehouse and Ohio Supreme Court building could draw filmmakers. The city has a strong core of film production crews, he said, including ones that worked on 25 Hill in Akron, and a local film commission whose director, Gail Mezey, is viewed as an advocate for the Central Ohio film industry.
About a dozen small, independent movies are shot in Central Ohio each year, Mezey said, but the Greater Columbus Film Commission lacks the financial resources to court the California studios that make major motion pictures. The commission counts on donations from its members and area film production houses and movie equipment rental businesses, she said. It receives no funding from government, the Greater Columbus Arts Council or economic development groups such as the Columbus Chamber.
The commission hopes to pursue support from government and business groups – like that enjoyed by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission – now that the economy appears to be improving, Mezey said. Film commissions across Ohio are trying to show legislators that the film tax credit brings projects, jobs and revenue to the state, she said.
“I don’t think (filmmakers) would even consider Ohio for a lot of motion pictures before,” Mezey said. “Even if (the story) was Ohio-based, they would still go to Louisiana, Michigan, Illinois and Connecticut (for tax breaks.) But our incentives are still not as competitive as I’d like them to be.”
Louisiana Film Program Works!!!
From Jobs Jobs Jobs.Com
Louisiana Film Tax Credits Create Needed Economic Punch
October 3rd, 2010 | Author: admin
Louisiana Film Tax Credits Create Needed Economic Punch
Louisiana has always has a unique mix of unique culture, great food and wonderful history. But in recent years the state has thrown financial incentives into the “gumbo” as well. These film tax credits have provided the “spice” that has propelled Louisiana to one of the top filming spots in the world.
According to state officials, 2008 film production in Louisiana has already outperformed 2007 figures both in terms of total dollars and number of projects. The news couldn’t come at a better time for Louisiana – a state that has worked hard to find ways to replace the losses in tourism that has hurt the state in the post-Hurricane Katrina era.
Some key facts about Louisiana’s film industry:
More than billion in productions have been filmed in Louisiana since 2002
The total direct impact to Louisiana’s economy is .48 billion
The percentage of film budgets spent in Louisiana has risen from 33% in 2005 to 87% for 2007
Film-related jobs in Louisiana have grown at a rate of 23% per year
Over 50 projects were completed in 2007 statewide
An estimated 65 projects will be completed in 2008
Source: Louisiana Film Office
Success of Key Tax Incentives
The film industry sat up and took notice in 2002 when the Louisiana State Legislature enacted an aggressive film tax incentive program. Louisiana’s film investor tax credit program offers out of state production companies a tax credit equal to 25% of their spending in Louisiana during film production. The labor tax credit offers an additional 10% tax credit based on the amount of Louisiana labor employed during the production.
So what has been the impact of these film tax incentives? Without question the lure of tax credits has helped grow the entire film industry in the state. From private investments to sound stage and studios – the impact is being seen all over the state. Many local colleges and universities have already added specialized training programs to satisfy the growing workforce demands
Music and Television Productions
In addition to studio film productions Louisiana’s tax credits have drawn in music and television shows such as:
Disney’s “Imagination Movers”
“Fox’s “K-ville” shot its first year’s pilot program at some of New Orleans more popular tourist settings last fall.
The Subway “Odd Couple” commercial staring New Orleans Saints star Reggie.
Warbirds, a Sci-Fi channel original movie was shot in the Baton Rouge area and recently made its worldwide television premier.
Key Infrastructure Developments
Not to be overlooked in the success of this young industry is the 40% infrastructure tax credit which has encouraged the development of much needed production support facilities. These new facilities allow film production studios to conduct more of their work in the state thus maximizing their “Louisiana spend.”
Turn Key Production Partners
FBT Film and Entertainment (www.fbtfilm.com) is the only provider of Louisiana film incentive programs affiliated with a bank. Through our relationship with First Bank and Trust we are able to offer producers a full range of support services including:
Underwriting films, studio projects and evaluating gap financing
Private equity placements
Budget analysis to optimize potential tax credits
Banking relationships and deposit services
Obtaining state certifications for credits
Maximizing the value/sale of tax credits
FBT Film is your “one stop shop” for all of your Louisiana production incentive services. Contact us today for more information about Louisiana’s growing film industry or its tax incentive programs.
Louisiana Film Tax Credits Create Needed Economic Punch
October 3rd, 2010 | Author: admin
Louisiana Film Tax Credits Create Needed Economic Punch
Louisiana has always has a unique mix of unique culture, great food and wonderful history. But in recent years the state has thrown financial incentives into the “gumbo” as well. These film tax credits have provided the “spice” that has propelled Louisiana to one of the top filming spots in the world.
According to state officials, 2008 film production in Louisiana has already outperformed 2007 figures both in terms of total dollars and number of projects. The news couldn’t come at a better time for Louisiana – a state that has worked hard to find ways to replace the losses in tourism that has hurt the state in the post-Hurricane Katrina era.
Some key facts about Louisiana’s film industry:
More than billion in productions have been filmed in Louisiana since 2002
The total direct impact to Louisiana’s economy is .48 billion
The percentage of film budgets spent in Louisiana has risen from 33% in 2005 to 87% for 2007
Film-related jobs in Louisiana have grown at a rate of 23% per year
Over 50 projects were completed in 2007 statewide
An estimated 65 projects will be completed in 2008
Source: Louisiana Film Office
Success of Key Tax Incentives
The film industry sat up and took notice in 2002 when the Louisiana State Legislature enacted an aggressive film tax incentive program. Louisiana’s film investor tax credit program offers out of state production companies a tax credit equal to 25% of their spending in Louisiana during film production. The labor tax credit offers an additional 10% tax credit based on the amount of Louisiana labor employed during the production.
So what has been the impact of these film tax incentives? Without question the lure of tax credits has helped grow the entire film industry in the state. From private investments to sound stage and studios – the impact is being seen all over the state. Many local colleges and universities have already added specialized training programs to satisfy the growing workforce demands
Music and Television Productions
In addition to studio film productions Louisiana’s tax credits have drawn in music and television shows such as:
Disney’s “Imagination Movers”
“Fox’s “K-ville” shot its first year’s pilot program at some of New Orleans more popular tourist settings last fall.
The Subway “Odd Couple” commercial staring New Orleans Saints star Reggie.
Warbirds, a Sci-Fi channel original movie was shot in the Baton Rouge area and recently made its worldwide television premier.
Key Infrastructure Developments
Not to be overlooked in the success of this young industry is the 40% infrastructure tax credit which has encouraged the development of much needed production support facilities. These new facilities allow film production studios to conduct more of their work in the state thus maximizing their “Louisiana spend.”
Turn Key Production Partners
FBT Film and Entertainment (www.fbtfilm.com) is the only provider of Louisiana film incentive programs affiliated with a bank. Through our relationship with First Bank and Trust we are able to offer producers a full range of support services including:
Underwriting films, studio projects and evaluating gap financing
Private equity placements
Budget analysis to optimize potential tax credits
Banking relationships and deposit services
Obtaining state certifications for credits
Maximizing the value/sale of tax credits
FBT Film is your “one stop shop” for all of your Louisiana production incentive services. Contact us today for more information about Louisiana’s growing film industry or its tax incentive programs.
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