Get Your Vote On! MA Production Coalition reports on Film Tax Incentive Program and the Governor’s Race
Today, the Massachusetts Production Coalition reported on the specifics of the where the two major gubernatorial candidates stand on the Film Tax Credit, as reported in the Boston Globe and excerpted by the MPC below:
From the Boston Globe: October 26, 2014
Baker, Coakley weigh in on the Mass. economy
“One of the most controversial – and generous – incentives supports film production in the state…
…Coakley was blunt. ‘I support the film tax credit,’ Coakley said, ‘because I believe it has led to more movies being filmed in Massachusetts, which has helped generate economic activity and jobs for people in the state.’
Baker was more equivocal and did not specifically address the film credit.
‘I see a role for targeted tax credits,’ he said, ‘but only when we can link them directly to job creation and economic benefits for the Commonwealth.’ He said he would review all existing credits offered by the state.”
The full article can be read online here: bostonglobe.com
MALC’s view of the Film Tax Credit was published in February, 2014, in our extensive Challenge for the next Governor titled:
The MALC Challenge for the next Governor – Be a Champion of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy!
Preserve and enhance the state’s film tax credits program, support the state’s film office and grow the film sector
Film making is a lucrative international industry. Massachusetts has a highly competitive film tax incentive program that has made our state an attractive place for filming major motion pictures. Film production companies that qualify are eligible for a sales & use tax exemption, a transferable 25% payroll credit, and a transferable 25% production expense.* Not only do film productions bring money into our state, they also serve as free publicity for the municipalities and neighborhoods in which they film.
MALC does not endorse candidates for office, but seeks to provide needed and timely information about candidates’ platforms and policies that impact artists of all disciplines, the art, and cultural and creative economies. Nor does MALC take positions on the statewide ballot questions.