It’s Saturday, which means it’s time for our weekly look at some of the news about film incentive programs around the country. Now, you know the focus of this site is Oregon’s film and TV industry, and its effect on the state’s economy. It’s important to keep an eye on trends nationwide, though. The film and TV industry is an interdependent organism; what happens around the country affects Oregon’s industry, and what happens in Oregon affects the rest of the country as well.
While each state’s incentive program is different, it’s important to see the “big picture” by keeping an eye on the choices other states have made – to learn from their successes and their mistakes.
So With That…
After a contentious legislative session, New Mexico’s film and TV industry gathered this week to assess the fallout from changes to the Land of Enchantment’s popular film incentive program. Though the program was capped at $50 million and a “tiered” structure for incentive payments was put in place, leaders in New Mexico’s industry stress that the Southwestern state remains “open for film business.”
The Arkansas Film Commission is celebrating the success of The Natural State’s two year old film incentive program – especially in light of neighboring Missouri’s decision to shut down its state film office.
Film and TV workers in Alaska are excited to see John Cusack and Nicholas Cage head to The Last Frontier for the feature film The Frozen Ground, about a real Alaskan serial killer. The feature is the second big-budget motion picture to head to Alaska since the state enacted its very successful film incentive program.
