Gov. Evers proposes tax credit for Wisconsin movie productions

 
OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — Wisconsin filmmakers want to bring back a state tax incentive for movie production, hoping to bring more movies, like “Public Enemies” to the state.
  • “Public Enemies,” filmed in Oshkosh in 2008, brought a long lasting economic and tourism impact to the area.
  • Action! Wisconsin wants to give tax credits to producers who choose to film in Wisconsin.
  • Gov. Tony Evers included a 25% tax incentive program in his proposed 2025-27 state budget.

“They left no stone unturned, this all looked like bank teller booths, etcetera from the 20s,” Jim Robl says.
Robl owns 404 Wedding and Event Venue on Main Street in Oshkosh.

He still remembers when the building turned into a movie production for “Public Enemies” with Johnny Depp.

“It’s definitely been a big plus that they filmed here,” he says.

The venue also has a 20s-themed speakeasy in the basement, decorated with photos and memorabilia from the movie.

“I think overall the excitement that it brought to Oshkosh and downtown in particular was great,” Robl says.

If Wisconsin had his film tax incentives, it would push more businesses and brands to want to create here.

Alex Belville, Owner, Mirrorless Productions
It wasn’t just Robl that saw a positive impact from the movie, according to Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce economic development director Sean Fitzgerald.

“It was positive all the way around– during the filming itself, brought a lot of people out to watch the stars and watch a big-time Hollywood film be made,” he says. “And then obviously the aftermath of it in the almost 15 years since. A lot of tourists come to the community to take a look at the buildings, take a look at the scenery that was used in the film.”

When “Public Enemies” was filmed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin had a film tax incentive program, which gave a percentage of the cost of filming back to the producer.

In 2013, the incentive program was cut after critics said it was more beneficial to Hollywood producers than to Wisconsin.

Action! Wisconsin, a coalition of filmmakers, actors and other movie enthusiasts, wants to bring it back.

“Basically it means that any budget brought into the state gets a little bit of a rebate, or a little bit of the budget back, which seems a little bit like a Hollywood handout, but actually it’s really smart,” Nathan Deming, a Wisconsin filmmaker, says.

Read the original article from NBC26 News. to learn more!

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