Film tax incentives are financial or non-financial benefits offered by governments to attract productions to their regions. From the early days as experimental models for economic development to the mature yet continually evolving motion picture and related media production programs of today, tax incentives have become an integral part of entertainment finance.

In little more than twenty years, most US states and a growing list of countries around the world have adopted these programs and their success generates hundreds of billions of dollars annually for local economies in the form of job growth and spending, while benefiting local tourism, arts and a variety of downstream businesses.

Tax incentives reduce financial barriers to film production and encourage producers to experiment with new genres, stories and on-screen representation of communities that have been historically underrepresented. These new possibilities for filmmakers to achieve their projects add authenticity and production value and likely helped bring your favorite show to fruition.
If a film/television/streaming/digital project meets criteria including budget, local spend, filming days and local hires, it could benefit from generous public support and earn back from 5% to 45% of the production budget. Guidelines are specific to each state, and while there are similarities between programs, each has specific nuances. The subtle variations in policy between jurisdictions can have significant effect on what type of project is best suited for each program.

In the United States, nearly all film production and media production incentives are offered at the state level. Together with their respective legislatures, individual state agencies (Film Offices) determine policy for each jurisdiction to distribute funds in the form of tax credits, rebates, grants, exemptions, or other forms of financial or in-kind support. All state film incentive programs are different. Some state programs are designed better for major studio productions, while others are better for indie feature films, documentaries, reality shows or commercials. For example, some states require production to demonstrate full financing prior to initial approval, others put limits on actors’ and other Above-The-Line compensation.
Canada offers both federal and provincial level film incentives and most countries with film production incentives outside the United States are administered by their respective federal governments.

Incentives facilitate media production at the highest level outside the established industry centers. Satellite studios and entertainment industries, with experienced local professionals have expanded to places where competitive incentive programs have sustained legislative support. They bring investment and career opportunities to new areas and talented local cast, crew and a variety of trades and businesses (large and small) to local communities.

A common misconception is that film production incentives are available only to the largest producers, when in fact all programs have availability for independent producers. Navigating the incentives process can be complex and nuanced, but with experienced guidance qualified independent projects can access the same resources as major studios. For projects of any budget, strategically leveraging tax credits can lead to substantial financial savings, enhanced creative potential, and greater market success. However, success requires a thorough understanding of the tax credit landscape, diligent compliance with program requirements, and a proactive approach to financial planning.

Fallbrook Financial Services is a leader in providing tailored financial solutions for the film and entertainment industry. With deep expertise in tax credit programs and a comprehensive suite of financing options, Fallbrook is dedicated to supporting projects that strive for quality, originality, and diversity.
Contact us for more information on how we can contribute to the success of your next creative endeavor.

References:
Watch Out, Hollywood: States Want a Piece of the Moviemaking Action – National Conference of State Legislatures (ncsl.org); https://www.ncsl.org/state-legislatures-news/details/watch-out-hollywood-states-want-a-piece-of-the-moviemaking-action-1