Measure would preserve movie money
May 16, 2011 |
Written by
Katherine Yung
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE
In a bid to keep Michigan's film industry thriving, two state senators have introduced a bill to preserve tax credits for filmmaking in the state.
Senate Bill 383 was introduced Thursday by Sens. Mike Kowall, R-White Lake Township, and Virgil Smith, D-Detroit.
Kowall, chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee, acknowledged that winning support for it is "going to be tough," but "I've got a good feeling about it."
Even though the Legislature voted to eliminate the credits as part of a tax-reform package passed Thursday, Senate Bill 383 could restore some incentives for the industry.
The bill, which attempts to modify the current incentives, is subject to changes during upcoming budget negotiations.
It would allow the state to award filmmakers tax credits of up to 42 percent for their production expenditures, instead of an absolute 40 percent or 42 percent.
Michael Finney, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., said that under these terms, he expects the state's film tax credits would vary from 10 percent
to 30 percent. The number would vary depending on the state's negotiations with each production company.
Kowall said he consulted with MEDC officials on the bill.
Finney also said the state would like to make TV commercials eligible for the incentives for the first time.
He spoke during a public hearing about the film incentives held Friday by the Senate Economic Development Committee at the new $80 million Raleigh Michigan Studios in Pontiac.
Kowall said his bill would limit the amount of money the state could spend on film incentives. But what form any cap would take is unclear.
In mid-February, Gov. Rick Snyder proposed putting a $25 million cap on spending for the incentives, which are currently uncapped and are among the most highly generous in the nation.
The movie industry opposes this limit, saying it will sharply curtail filming.
It has been lobbying for a $180 million cap.
The Friday hearing was the first of several that Kowall's committee plans to hold. The next one is set for Wednesday in Lansing.
At the hearing, Raleigh Michigan Studios executives confirmed for the first time that the Disney production, "Oz: The Great and Powerful," will be the first feature film to use the studio's seven sound stages. Filming on the Sam Raimi-directed picture is to begin in August and continue through the rest of the year.
"Oz," which received a $40 million tax credit last year, will be the largest movie to film in Michigan and is expected to spend $105 million in the state. The movie is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz."
The filmmaking incentives have brought several productions, including "High School," "Conviction" and "The Wannabes Starring Savvy," to Livingston County.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Aledo Times-Record.Com Article
Springfield, Ill. —
Legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) has been signed into law by Governor Quinn which will extend the sunset date of the Film Production tax Credit by an additional five years.
"We are seeing a record number of television and movie productions taking place all across the state," stated Senator Jacobs. "This measure will ensure that we can continue to draw these productions to Illinois, not just to shoot a scene or two, but also to sustain a television series, such as the 'Chicago Code'."
Senate Bill 398 will increase the sunset provision of the Film Production Services Tax in five year intervals. This means that every five yea the provisions of this tax credit will be reexamined and either reauthorized or ended. To date it is estimated that the film industry has spent more than $155 million in Illinois in 2010 alone. In comparison, in 2003, when there was not a film tax credit, film spending in Illinois was only $25 million.
The credit is equal to 30 percent of a film's qualified expenses that are spent in Illinois. A company can get an additional credit of 15 percent for the cost of salaries paid to employees that live in an economically disadvantaged area.
"I applaud the Governor's action to make this bill law," stated Jacobs. "Though this credit we are bringing production companies to Illinois, where they spend money and put people to work."
Legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) has been signed into law by Governor Quinn which will extend the sunset date of the Film Production tax Credit by an additional five years.
"We are seeing a record number of television and movie productions taking place all across the state," stated Senator Jacobs. "This measure will ensure that we can continue to draw these productions to Illinois, not just to shoot a scene or two, but also to sustain a television series, such as the 'Chicago Code'."
Senate Bill 398 will increase the sunset provision of the Film Production Services Tax in five year intervals. This means that every five yea the provisions of this tax credit will be reexamined and either reauthorized or ended. To date it is estimated that the film industry has spent more than $155 million in Illinois in 2010 alone. In comparison, in 2003, when there was not a film tax credit, film spending in Illinois was only $25 million.
The credit is equal to 30 percent of a film's qualified expenses that are spent in Illinois. A company can get an additional credit of 15 percent for the cost of salaries paid to employees that live in an economically disadvantaged area.
"I applaud the Governor's action to make this bill law," stated Jacobs. "Though this credit we are bringing production companies to Illinois, where they spend money and put people to work."
From Newswire.Com News
Craze Agency Announces New Motion Picture Bill Signed by Governor - Utah's talent pool is extremely deep and can compete with any of the Mountain West regional States. They now will be able to showcase their ability to a larger audience due to the signing of the new Film Bill - CrazeAgency.com
Craze Agency Announces New Motion Picture Bill Signed by Governor
NewswireToday - Salt Lake City, UT
The New Motion picture incentive bill puts Utah high on the list of places film production companies will choose to produce new movies and television shows. Utah has had successful T.V. Series in the past including Everwood, Touched By An Angel, Promised Land and Cover Me. Having these continual shows developed 1000's of cast and crew in the Utah Film Industry
“The higher rebate will now make us more attractive to the studios and networks and more competitive with other states and countries,” said Marshall Moore, director of the Utah Film Commission.
The new law will boost the motion picture tax incentive from 20 to 25 percent of the dollars left in the state in the form of a fully refundable post performance tax credit or cash rebate. The Legislature also approved an ongoing tax credit fund of $6.8 million for the Motion Picture Incentive Fund (MPIF). Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert signed House Bill 99, Motion Picture Incentives Amendments, into law.
According to Governor Herbert. “The expanded motion picture incentive will enable us to position Utah and its talented motion picture and digital media work force to compete on a global basis for the film and digital media industries. These are important industries to our economy’s future.”
Recent films that have received the incentive include all three “High School Musical” movies, the Oscar-nominated “127 Hours,” and the upcoming Walt Disney Studios’ feature film “John Carter of Mars.”
More than 800 films and television movies have been shot in Utah.
For information about filming in Utah, contact Craze Agency or contact the Film Commission for a list of other Companies.
Craze Agency Announces New Motion Picture Bill Signed by Governor
NewswireToday - Salt Lake City, UT
The New Motion picture incentive bill puts Utah high on the list of places film production companies will choose to produce new movies and television shows. Utah has had successful T.V. Series in the past including Everwood, Touched By An Angel, Promised Land and Cover Me. Having these continual shows developed 1000's of cast and crew in the Utah Film Industry
“The higher rebate will now make us more attractive to the studios and networks and more competitive with other states and countries,” said Marshall Moore, director of the Utah Film Commission.
The new law will boost the motion picture tax incentive from 20 to 25 percent of the dollars left in the state in the form of a fully refundable post performance tax credit or cash rebate. The Legislature also approved an ongoing tax credit fund of $6.8 million for the Motion Picture Incentive Fund (MPIF). Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert signed House Bill 99, Motion Picture Incentives Amendments, into law.
According to Governor Herbert. “The expanded motion picture incentive will enable us to position Utah and its talented motion picture and digital media work force to compete on a global basis for the film and digital media industries. These are important industries to our economy’s future.”
Recent films that have received the incentive include all three “High School Musical” movies, the Oscar-nominated “127 Hours,” and the upcoming Walt Disney Studios’ feature film “John Carter of Mars.”
More than 800 films and television movies have been shot in Utah.
For information about filming in Utah, contact Craze Agency or contact the Film Commission for a list of other Companies.
Monday, May 9, 2011
this works for us, too!!
See this YouTube video... it's brief but tells it like it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTvfuED_lKI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTvfuED_lKI
Friday, May 6, 2011
L A = not Los Angeles, but Louisiana!!
St. Landry, Acadiana are ready to roll 'em for films
11:00 PM, May. 5, 2011 |
Written by
Mike Hasten
BATON ROUGE — Six Acadiana parishes are rolling out the red carpet for any movie production company that wants to film there.
Sen. Fred Mills, R-Parks, got the Senate's approval of SB219, which seeks to create the Acadiana Cultural and Entertainment Special District.
If approved by the House of Representatives, local governments in Lafayette, Iberia, St. Martin, Vermilion, Acadiana and St. Landry would waive sales taxes as an incentive to lure film companies.
The state already has a tax credit program that has made Louisiana the third hottest spot for making movies in the U.S. Shreveport's movie-ready industry is recognized nationwide and numerous movies are being filmed in Baton Rouge.
"After discussion with many residents and officials throughout the area, we realized that we need an extra tool to compete in the film industry business," Mills said.
"It is true that Louisiana is becoming a prime location for film production," he said.
"However, only certain regions of the state have seen the economic benefits. I hope that this bill will do a better job of enticing the film industry to our beautiful area."
11:00 PM, May. 5, 2011 |
Written by
Mike Hasten
BATON ROUGE — Six Acadiana parishes are rolling out the red carpet for any movie production company that wants to film there.
Sen. Fred Mills, R-Parks, got the Senate's approval of SB219, which seeks to create the Acadiana Cultural and Entertainment Special District.
If approved by the House of Representatives, local governments in Lafayette, Iberia, St. Martin, Vermilion, Acadiana and St. Landry would waive sales taxes as an incentive to lure film companies.
The state already has a tax credit program that has made Louisiana the third hottest spot for making movies in the U.S. Shreveport's movie-ready industry is recognized nationwide and numerous movies are being filmed in Baton Rouge.
"After discussion with many residents and officials throughout the area, we realized that we need an extra tool to compete in the film industry business," Mills said.
"It is true that Louisiana is becoming a prime location for film production," he said.
"However, only certain regions of the state have seen the economic benefits. I hope that this bill will do a better job of enticing the film industry to our beautiful area."
Thursday, May 5, 2011
From The Washington Examiner: Spielberg's Newest
Spielberg to film Lincoln biopic in Va.
By: David Sherfinski 05/04/11 8:05 PM
After being offered $4.6 million in incentives, renowned movie director Steven Spielberg decided to film his highly anticipated biography on Abraham Lincoln in Virginia, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Wednesday.
"We are honored that Steven Spielberg, an award winning and visionary filmmaker, has chosen the commonwealth for this important film," said McDonnell. "It is especially notable coming during the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and emancipation."
The $4.6 million in incentives the state offered Spielberg includes $1 million from the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund, $2.5 million from a state tax credit program and $1.1 million in in-kind contributions, according to the governor's office.
'Lincoln': A primer
• Will star Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln
• Based on the book "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• Screenplay written by Tony Kushner, who last worked with Spielberg on "Munich"
• Filming is scheduled to start this fall, with the film slated for release in 2012
Source: Virginia governor's office
Spielberg could have received about three times the incentives from Georgia or North Carolina, compared with Virginia's offer, said Rita McClenny, the state's film commissioner.
"He's coming here because of the authenticity, because Lincoln actually walked the streets of Richmond," she said.
Virginia makes sure that the return to the state's economy far exceeds the incentives it offers film companies, McClenny said. The incentives are tied to the number of Virginians hired and the purchase of Virginia goods and services.
Last year, the state passed legislation to provide a tax credit of up to 20 percent to companies with expenses of at least $250,000 for movies filmed in the state. The General Assembly also increased the governor's opportunity fund by $1.5 million this year.
Del. Scott Surovell, D-Mount Vernon, lamented the millions in incentives and credits.
"The reality today is that these Hollywood moguls have learned how to extract millions of dollars from state governments for their movie location," he said. "Paying a couple million dollars is the price you pay."
Motion picture and video productions produced $346 million in economic activity in Virginia in 2009, according to the governor's office. That represents 2,700 jobs for the state.
The total economic impact from two recent productions filmed in Virginia -- the feature film "Evan Almighty" and the HBO miniseries "John Adams" -- was more than $200 million, according to the Virginia Film Office.
The state doled out about $750,000 from the governor's fund for "John Adams," produced by Tom Hanks and starring Paul Giamatti -- and none for "Evan Almighty," starring Steve Carell, said McClenny.
By: David Sherfinski 05/04/11 8:05 PM
After being offered $4.6 million in incentives, renowned movie director Steven Spielberg decided to film his highly anticipated biography on Abraham Lincoln in Virginia, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Wednesday.
"We are honored that Steven Spielberg, an award winning and visionary filmmaker, has chosen the commonwealth for this important film," said McDonnell. "It is especially notable coming during the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and emancipation."
The $4.6 million in incentives the state offered Spielberg includes $1 million from the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund, $2.5 million from a state tax credit program and $1.1 million in in-kind contributions, according to the governor's office.
'Lincoln': A primer
• Will star Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln
• Based on the book "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• Screenplay written by Tony Kushner, who last worked with Spielberg on "Munich"
• Filming is scheduled to start this fall, with the film slated for release in 2012
Source: Virginia governor's office
Spielberg could have received about three times the incentives from Georgia or North Carolina, compared with Virginia's offer, said Rita McClenny, the state's film commissioner.
"He's coming here because of the authenticity, because Lincoln actually walked the streets of Richmond," she said.
Virginia makes sure that the return to the state's economy far exceeds the incentives it offers film companies, McClenny said. The incentives are tied to the number of Virginians hired and the purchase of Virginia goods and services.
Last year, the state passed legislation to provide a tax credit of up to 20 percent to companies with expenses of at least $250,000 for movies filmed in the state. The General Assembly also increased the governor's opportunity fund by $1.5 million this year.
Del. Scott Surovell, D-Mount Vernon, lamented the millions in incentives and credits.
"The reality today is that these Hollywood moguls have learned how to extract millions of dollars from state governments for their movie location," he said. "Paying a couple million dollars is the price you pay."
Motion picture and video productions produced $346 million in economic activity in Virginia in 2009, according to the governor's office. That represents 2,700 jobs for the state.
The total economic impact from two recent productions filmed in Virginia -- the feature film "Evan Almighty" and the HBO miniseries "John Adams" -- was more than $200 million, according to the Virginia Film Office.
The state doled out about $750,000 from the governor's fund for "John Adams," produced by Tom Hanks and starring Paul Giamatti -- and none for "Evan Almighty," starring Steve Carell, said McClenny.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The End Is Near!
When Jay and I wandered the halls of the Iowa Statehouse today we found that the entire senate chamber was empty. In the House, there was to be some activity, but we didn't speak with any legislators, just lobbyists, some of whom were former legislators. A couple of lobbyists discussed the new IPEP (Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress) with us. They guessed that the legislature would remain in session next week and that if both houses became empty the governor would call them back to finish their business. A classic case of democrats versus republicans.
We also popped in on Governor Branstad's office manager, Leo Hough, just to touch bases with him and very briefly talk about some film business.
There is currently a traveling exhibit of photos of men and women who lost their lives in combat overseas. The exhibit features pictures of these soldiers and sailors and airmen and women and marines when they were little kids, and of them with their own kids. These pictures were placed below their service photo head shots and really got to me.
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