The Plot Thickens

I'm a lonely voice crying in the wilderness. Or maybe it's more like trying to carry sand on a fork in a windstorm. Blogging makes me feel like I'm doing something, even if few people are paying attention. Much more effective in this crusade to stop runaway film production is what the State of California is doing and what other states are failing to do.



A couple of years ago, California State Senator Ron Calderon initiated legislation in Sacramento to provide $500 million in tax incentives over a five year period for TV/film projects filmed in California. So far $200 million in tax credits have been applied for and resulted in tax revenues of $400 million going back into the state coffers. I'm a retailer, and that's called 'keystoning', when you spend $2 to make $4 in sales. That's good business, right? Like the little orphan boy in a Dicken's novel. "More, please sir."



Calderon is trying to get the remaining $300 million released early. This has created some consternation among some because they don't think we will ever get additional tax incentives. And when the $500 million is gone, there won't be 'seconds'. But we need the jobs desperately now, and why wouldn't the state approve more incentives when they're getting much more than their original investment returned to them in the way of tax revenues? We need to mount a huge effort to educate voters that all of California will benefit if these incentives are available. That's why I'm supporting the Bring Hollywood Home Foundation whose mission is to educate voters on this very information.



There was a recent symposium held for producers to learn how to take advantage of tax credits offered by the various states vying for this business (our business). One speaker quoted a study by an economist from the University of Rhode Island, claiming that California's tax incentive program generated $8 in economic activity for every $1 invested. I'd love that ROI.



Another bit of good news; Michigan who has been drinking our milk shake has been disqualifying some expenses that film makers filming in that state were depending on. So, it's not always greener, and some producers are learning that fact the hard way. Other states like Iowa and New Jersey are pulling back because they are not finding the gold at the end of the movie rainbow. I am worried about Florida however, they are the next contender with a new $242 million film tax credit program.



In the meantime, watch The Closer, Monday nights at 9:00 PM on TNT; it's quirky fun, fast paced and has the golden girl Kyra Sedgwick as the lead. And of course, it's filmed right here.



Sharon