rolling out the red carpet
Economic Growth
PRODUCTION TAX INCENTIVES CREATE JOBS AND TAX REVENUE — NOT HOLLYWOOD HANDOUTS
Hosting film and television productions is like hosting large, weeks-long conventions in a city. Productions create jobs and patronize local restaurants, hotels and other businesses — which generate HUGE tax revenue.
Bottom line: No money leaves the state. These incentives will bolster economic impact and growth as productions spend money in the state. It’s a win/win for Wisconsin!
"I would love to shoot in Wisconsin, but the tHE FIRST QUESTION THAT ARISES AT THE START OF ANY DISCUSSION AS TO WHERE TO SHOOT, IS DO THEY HAVE INCENTIVES?”
“These initiatives allow filmmakers to create stories in a variety of different locations. The incentives also help to free up more money for more shooting days, which in turn creates more income for the state offering them.
Right now is the perfect time as filmmakers are increasingly frustrated shooting in the same places over and over again. And a film production brings a lot of income into any community where they film.”
– Scott Frank, Writer / Director
The Queens Gambit, Logan, The Minority Report, Monsieur Spade
Illinois Film Revenues Estimate record highs in 2021
How do Incentives benefit wisconsin?
Offering State Tax Incentives is a lucrative strategy that allows Wisconsin to benefit from increased economic activity and no money leaves state coffers until the production’s expenses are spent and justified. Incentives attract filmmakers and their projects, which contribute to local businesses, job creation, and tourism, boosting the overall economy.
Reinvesting in WIsconsin and its businesses
Minimum spending requirements guarantee that a certain portion of the production budget is reinvested within the state. This spending requirement stimulates various industries such as hospitality, transportation, construction, and catering to name a few, as filmmakers utilize local services and resources. As a result, the economic benefits of filmmaking extend far beyond the film set, generating a positive ripple effect throughout the communities and state.
Bolstering the local labor market
By prioritizing local talent, the tax incentives become a catalyst for training and retaining professionals in the film industry, encouraging the development of a skilled local workforce, fostering job growth and skill enhancement within the state. This promotes a sense of community engagement and collaboration among our residents, enhancing the overall quality of the film and strengthening the state’s reputation as a hub for creative excellence.
Spreading the love [and money!]
By offering incentives for productions anywhere in the state, the state spreads the economic benefits of the film industry to places that might not typically benefit from major productions. This approach can lead to infrastructure development, increased tourism, and heightened visibility for these regions. Let’s give a platform to narratives from different parts of the state, enriching the cultural fabric of Wisconsin as a whole.
How does WI get back in the game?
Create a state film office to focus on film-related economic development in the state.
A state film office in Wisconsin serves as a crucial central point of contact for all matters related to film production. As a liaison between filmmakers, government agencies, and local communities, the film office streamlines the process of obtaining permits, accessing resources, and navigating regulations. This ensures a smoother experience for filmmakers, encouraging more productions to choose Wisconsin as their location.
Spearhead marketing Wisconsin as a destination for investment
Wisconsin is a prime destination for film and media investment. By showcasing the state’s diverse landscapes, skilled workforce, and supportive infrastructure, the film office can attract a wider range of productions. This brings in revenue from the film industry as well as enhances the state’s overall image and tourism potential. The film office’s marketing efforts have the power to position Wisconsin as a creative and business-friendly hub, attracting long-term investments and bolstering the local economy.
It’s up to you!
The groundwork is laid in existing statutory and administrative language. Let’s encourage lawmakers to build on this foundation instead of starting from scratch. Enacting legislation to attract film and TV production to Wisconsin can stop the talent drain and give our economy a boost. Curious about Wisconsin businesses and investors’ perspectives? A bill has been authored and is in legislative committees. Take Action now, to support getting this bill passed.
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