|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
CONTACT: James M. Dawes Communications Director Professional Licensure Committee |
State Rep. Mike Sturla D-Lancaster Majority Deputy Whip Chairman, Professional Licensure Committee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sturla introduces legislation to attract more film business to Pa.
HARRISBURG, June 11 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, has introduced legislation that would better attract the entertainment industry to Pennsylvania by providing a film production tax credit and expanding the state’s Film Production Grant Program.
“Having worked with independent filmmakers in Lancaster, I know firsthand how challenging it is for them to cover the production costs of a movie. My bills would help them and also larger film producers come to Pennsylvania so they can spotlight our state’s diverse scenery and seasons,” Sturla said. “I will work closely with Governor Rendell and his administration in making sure Pennsylvania is a more attractive option for the entertainment industry.”
Sturla’s H.B. 1528 would provide a film production tax credit of up to 25 percent of production expenses for films with a budget over $2 million. The credit would only apply to production expenses incurred in Pennsylvania.
“With $80 million being spent in the state last year on filmmaking, I believe we could increase that amount significantly with the aid of my film tax credit bill,” Sturla said. “The exact amount available for these credits will be negotiated in the state budget.”
Sturla’s legislative package also would dramatically increase funding available to independent films and help to define Pennsylvania as a new location for innovative film and media arts.
“All too often, bigger films eat up the $10 million currently available in the state’s Film Production Grant Program,” Sturla said. “By providing a tax credit for larger productions, we can work to ensure that a larger pool of grant funding is made available to independent films doing business here. In essence, my second bill would provide these indie films with their rightful share in state funding.”
Sturla’s H.B. 1529 would support the growing independent film industry by increasing the state’s Film Production Grant Program by 50 percent, from $10 million to $15 million. The program would be limited to productions with a budget of less than $2 million. The grants, which could not exceed 20 percent of the production costs, would cover certain expenses incurred in Pennsylvania, including transportation, music and story rights, food, lodging, and insurance coverage.
Under both bills, eligible films would have to submit an application to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
##jmd/2007/mjh
l:\writers\releases\film.096