Independent Film News

Wisconsin Tax Cuts Woo Filmmakers

wisconsin film.jpg

Yahoo! News reports that it might be a good idea to revise that script of yours so it's set in Wisconsin. Seems the state full of Cheeseheads is getting its act together when it comes to attracting the film industry.

Beginning in 2008, filmmakers can take advantage of one of the most aggressive incentive packages a state's ever offered. Overall, up to 25% of production costs can be re-couped. And not just from movie sets, but for TV shows and video games, too. Investors, too, will benefit, with up to a 15% refund on their expenditures.

The state has a long way to go to become a contender where location shoots are concerned. Currently, the film industry only brings in $20 to $30 million a year. Both Governor Jim Doyle and Film Wisconsin task force member Scott Robbe hope to skyrocket that number up to $200 million once the bill goes into effect. It'll be an uphill battle, to say the least. Wisconsin's got a competitive neighbor in Illinois, with Chicago offering a large pool of crewmembers to pull from, better hotels and even a soundstage here and there. Wisconsin is lacking in all of that.

Dave Fantle, of the Milwaukee Film Office, remains optimistic.

Is this going to happen overnight? No. Is it in the realm of reason? Sure. Just as the industry is looking for new faces, they are looking for new skylines. Milwaukee and the state are like these well-kept secrets, but we didn't have incentives, so there was no reason for people to come here. That will change.

We won't know if that's true, of course, until 2008.

Posted by Lisa on June 7, 2006 11:42 PM
Permalink | Email to a Friend | Add to del.icio.us | Digg This

More Recent Stories:
• Palm and Netflix Pen Messy Deal for Rockumentary
• ShoWest Panel: How Indies Got Their Groove Back
• Tribeca Announces 2007 Lineup
• Casting News: Howard in "Teardrop Diamond"
• Two Spanish Films To Find U.S. Screens
• Director Craig Brewer Talks to IFC
• Friday Festival Frenzy: HotDocs and AFI Dallas
• Casting News: Ethan Hawke in "Staten Island"
• Film Racing: How Fast Can You Shoot?
• 2007 Independent Spirit Awards: Sunshine Sweeps


Web	Filmfodder