It’s strange to think how much United States exports; even the film industry has always found a cheaper home outside American territory. With so many people looking for work along with the beautiful terrain which allows so many different shooting styles our country offers us it is strange to think we don’t take advantage of these things and use it to pump dollars back into the economy. For those that aren’t familiar production companies choose to shoot where they can find the higher tax incentive, that is, the money they receive back if they meet the minimum requirement of that location for expenditures, crews, equipment, etc. Many ask, “Why travel so far to shoot a movie, wouldn’t that cost more?” The answer is no if they find the right location with the right tax rebate and utilize locals for the cheaper cost which benefits both parties; the producer spends less to make the film and local crews get work which pumps the dollar back into that particular state’s economy. So why wouldn’t more states jump on the bandwagon? The reason isn’t so clear. What is clear is that Canada seems to be raking all the benefits for US productions.
“Ontario’s film and TV sector racked up $964.3 million in overall production activity in 2010, up from a year-earlier $946.4 million and $671.2 million spent locally in 2008 when Hollywood studios pulled back amid the 2008-09 market meltdown. British Columbia continues to attract the bulk of foreign location shooting and service work nationwide, with Hollywood production in and around Vancouver last year clocking in at $485 million, up sharply from $248 million in 2009.”
How can US state governments not want a piece of this lucrative pie? Maybe they are not seeing these numbers and don’t realize what a great Film incentive can do for their state. I urge any readers to petition their governments for film incentives to bring the US film industry back to the United States!
Vlessing, Eaton. (18 February 2011). U.S. Tax Credit Chill Sends Hollywood To Canada.
Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/us-tax-credit-chill-sends-101503
1 comments:
Interesting comments about the impact of film production on local economies. There is a ripple effect that can bring in millions more than just the amount that is being spent on the film. You are right, you would think that states and municipalities would do more to attract filmmakers, either by offering tax incentives, etc. But I would argue that certain states such as Louisiana and Florida are doing as much as they can to attract filmmakers. But a lot of it is beyond their control.
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