Tax Incentives, Location Info, etc.

[filmpr...@gmail.com]

This section is for discussing tax incentives, location info, and
other ancillary topics pertaining to independent filmmaking.

[filmpr...@gmail.com]

New State of Michigan 40 % Tax Incentive: April 2008

http://www.michigan.gov/filmoffice/0,1607,7-248-46457---,00.html

Michigan is poised to open its checkbook in an effort to convince
film-makers to use the state as a backdrop for Film, Television and
Commercial Productions.

The New State of Michigan Tax incentive legislation which is expected
to
be in place by April 2008, that will make the NEW 40% Tax incentive
Package the most robust incentives package in the nation.No Cap, any
budget.

What does that mean for Film, TV and Commercial Producers? A 40 % Cash
Back rebate translates into $ 4 MILLION + Cash Back rebate for every $
10
MILLION spent in Michigan.

Michigan State Bi-Partisan Lawmakers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm are
not
only looking at increasing the size of the rebates,but adding other
incentives to leapfrog Michigan ahead of states such as Louisiana, New
Mexico and Connecticut.

Granholm visited with industry officials during a November 07 trip to
California and plans to return after the legislation is passed in
early
2008. In the January 2008,State of the State speech Gov. Granholm said
"We agree that we must pass the most robust incentives in the nation
to spur
growth of the film industry in Michigan."

With bi-partisan support of 140/0 in the House and 34/1 in the Senate,
this bill is expected to pass with ease.

The State of Michigan is also working with the financial community to
offer low- or no-interest loans to help finance projects. The new tax
incentives cover Film, Television and Commercial productions.

With commercial productions alone the SAG office in Detroit is largest
outside of NY and L.A. because of commercials Commercial industry
generates 1 billion 250 million from SAG and IA alone not including
other
unions or areas.

With only 20 states offering an incentive program of any kind and the
best
states topping out at 25% - 35%, Michigan will be clearly ahead of the
pack at 40%. With the diminishing value of the US dollar in Canada,
the
savings in Michigan is apparent.

LOCATIONS:The locations available in Michigan have always been
impressive,
a variety of landscapes from gritty urban backdrops (8 MILE) to the
Lakes,
Rivers, Shorelines,Beaches, an international Boarder and Unique visual
settings not found elsewhere in the country within such close
proximity to
each other. For Filmmakers this poses a remarkable advantage when
location
scouting.

To see a sampling of locations in Michigan click :
http://www.michigan.gov/filmoffice/0,1607,7-248-46455---,00.html

If you would like further information about the NEW Michigan Tax
Incentive
Package feel free to contact Janet Lockwood at the Film Office
Michigan or Kim Greenfield

Regards,
Kim Greenfield
filmmi...@gmail.com

[filmpr...@gmail.com]

New York City and State Tax Credits

For films and shows completed on or after January 1, 2005, eligible
taxpayers are allowed a Made in NYC Film Production
Credit (the “NYC film production credit”) equal to 5% of the
qualified production costs paid or incurred in the production of
qualified films and television shows. The credit is allowed in the
year in which the film is completed. Fifty percent of the amount
of credit not used in the first tax year may be refunded or applied
toward the tax due in the following tax year. The balance of the
credit not deducted from tax or refunded in the first year may be
carried forward to the following tax year and may be deducted
from the tax in that year. Any excess credit remaining after
application toward the tax due in that succeeding year may be
refunded or applied toward the tax due in the next succeeding
tax year. No interest will be paid on any refunds with respect to
the credit.

The amount of credit allowed is determined by the Mayor’s
Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. Attach a copy of your
Certificate of Tax Credit issued by that office to this form. This
form and the Certificate must be attached to your return. For rules
and applications for the credit, contact the Mayor’s Office of
Film, Theatre and Broadcasting at 1697 Broadway, 6th Floor,
New York, NY 10019 or on the Internet at www.nyc.gov/film or
by calling (212) 489-6710.

A similar credit is allowed against certain NewYork State taxes. For
rules and regulations regarding the State credit, contact theNewYork
State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television
Development at nyf...@empire.state.ny.us or call (212) 803-2330.

[filmpr...@gmail.com]

A Generous Offer from the Executive Director of the Macoris Film
Commission in the Dominican Republic:

We would like to offer Indie Producer members or anyone who comes to
us through you or Indie Producer the opportunity for Fee Free
locations at all City owned properties in San Pedro de Macoris here
in the DR.

That would also include all local permits and street closings and
anything needed at a local level in San Pedro location wise would be
offered at no cost.

We are offering this through the San Pedro de Macoris Film
Commission. There is just one catch, they have to hire a few locals,
no set amount, but its impossible to not do so.

Doesn't matter in which category, they can be drivers or PA's but
they just have to be from San Pedro de Macoris and not from other
cities. It's
our way to give back to our city and create jobs for our locals.

Producers just have to present their project for approval (Script,
Location Listing, and local projected budget spend) before the board
including names and contacts for their local San Pedro crew. Once
approved they will be issued a formal approval communication to be
used at the locations desired and will be added to our production
calendar. Our office will continue to offer budget assistance,
digital scouting, digital preliminiary casting and consulting free
of
charge to filmmakers interested in possibly filming here.

We've also entered into an attractive agreement with the local
oceanfront Howard Johnson's for room, breakfast and dinner buffets for
just $50 a
night. This also includes use of production offices that include WiFi.

They can contact me directly at: tra...@serie23.org

The only requirement is that they mention Indieproducer sent them!