LANSING – House Democrats today passed a bipartisan plan to create good-paying jobs and provide an immediate boost to our state's economy by attracting the film industry to Michigan using the best film incentives in the nation. The House and Senate are moving rapidly on a comprehensive package that will make Michigan one of the most convenient and most affordable locations for production work.
"Film production companies are chomping at the bit to get into our state and start filming," said State Representative Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale), Chair of the House Commerce Committee and lead sponsor of the plan. "Moving quickly on this plan will reel in the film industry in time for its big spring push, which will in turn bring film production jobs to our state and give our local economies an immediate boost."
According to testimony heard in a joint committee hearing last week, the film industry is already buzzing with excitement over the film incentive package and is running budgets to see how much they would save by coming to Michigan.
The bipartisan film incentive package would make it more affordable for production companies to film in Michigan. Under the plan, Michigan filmmakers would enjoy at least a 40 percent tax credit, the biggest tax break for the film industry in the nation. In addition, other tax incentives for private investments, loan programs and job-training expense credits would make Michigan one of the best bargains for production work. The incentive package also opens up state and local government property such as parks, buildings, roads and landmarks to be used for free and with ease.
"For the film industry, cost and financing are the bottom line," said State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville). "Giving filmmakers the best deal in the country will increase our state's visibility, bring new jobs to our state and pump dollars into our economy. Filmmakers are finalizing their plans. We need to put the stamp on ours and get our state open for business."
Recently, movies filmed in Michigan have infused millions of dollars into the economy. The movie "Semi-Pro," which was filmed in Flint in 2007, brought in $1.3 million to the Michigan economy in less than one week through purchases and local hires. "8 Mile," which was filmed in Detroit for four months, pumped $7.2 million into the local economy. States that have been out in front have seen film spending rise in their state. Louisiana, for example, saw spending rise from $7 million in 2003 to $350 million in 2006.
"Passing this plan puts us at the front of the line to capitalize on those good-paying jobs and the millions of dollars that the film industry would bring," said State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores). "Working quickly to get this plan into effect will send a strong message that we are ready now and the film industry is welcome."