Senate bill aims to draw more filmmakers to Wyoming
Share
Tweet
CHEYENNE – A Wyoming Senate file introduced Jan. 11, hopes to bring more film revenue to the state, by changing existing film commission rules and offering an enhanced rebate to filmmakers choosing to make television shows and movies in the state.
The bill, currently Senate File 24, would establish a financial incentive program administered by the Department of Tourism, using matching funds from local lodging taxes to support and promote local film production opportunities.
Currently, the Wyoming Film Office with the Department of tourism offers a 15 percent rebate to any production filmed in the state, if the production is a story based in Wyoming. Otherwise, a standard 10 percent rebate is given. Under the newly proposed bill, the state would pay out a 15 percent rebate on any production spending at least $200,000 in the state.
Due to Wyoming’s current model, many films and television shows based in Wyoming (such as “Longmire” and “The Revenant”) have been filmed in the more-incentive based state of New Mexico. By comparison, New Mexico offers a 25 percent film credit, with additional 5 percent credits for the use of state crews and facilities, according to the United States Film Office.
Neighboring states also have a variety of film incentives. According to the United States Film Office, Montana offers a 20 percent grant if at least 50 percent of overall filming is done in the state, plus no lodging tax after 30 days in-state for production companies. Colorado offers a 20 percent cash rebate after filming, provided at least half of the production crew are Colorado residents.
According to the proposed bill before the Senate, scheduled to go before the Travel and Recreation Committee today, 90 percent of the revenue collected from this incentive would be used to promote the state and further filming, through advertising, marketing and promotions both in and outside the state, with emphasis on counties participating in the program. All revenue would be deposited in a film industry financial incentive account, and not used for capital improvements.
