Written by on Feb 13, 2012. Posted in Incentive News

Virginia to look at filming incentive reform as Alabama considers film fund boost

Authorities in Virginia are looking at reforming their filming incentive, while their Alabama counterparts are considering boosting their own film fund. The developments show how the benefits of filming incentives are dividing opinion across the US.

Virginia had a high-profile 2011 hosting filming for Steven Spielberg’s biopic Lincoln. However, state authorities are concerned that the filming incentive is one of 200 tax programmes that are not benefitting Virginians as much as they should be.

When we use film-type incentives to create some of that business environment, it gives you the added benefit of positive public relations because of the film and TV shows that happen in the area.

Terri Collins, Alabama State Representative

Further south, authorities in Alabama are planning a new bill to increase the state’s annual film fund and encourage more filmmakers to use its 25% rebate. Under the new law the fund would more than double in size to USD25 million by 2015, which would put it on a par with Michigan.

Terri Collins is a State Representative from Decatur in Alabama and spoke to The Birmingham News: “When we use film-type incentives to create some of that business environment, it gives you the added benefit of positive public relations because of the film and TV shows that happen in the area.”

Despite the likely boost in Alabama, filming incentives are facing strong opposition across the US as the country is fighting general economic hardship. California, New York and Louisiana remain America’s production hubs.