http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995669?refCatId=3332
State hopes incentives sustain production gains
By PETER GILSTRAP
In the increasingly competitive market of film-hungry states maneuvering to host Hollywood productions, the fertile region of Tennessee is making a pronounced bid for the showbiz green.
The Volunteer State has long been the filming locale for John Grisham epics, and Memphis native Craig Brewer’s “Hustle & Flow” and “Black Snake Moan” were local productions, as was Johnny Cash biopic “Walk the Line.”
But, thanks to dual incentive programs courtesy of the Tennessee Film Commission and the Dept. of Revenue that were enacted a year and a half ago, 2008 has seen efforts such as Disney’s upcoming “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” director Rod Lurie’s “Nothing but the Truth” and indie Billy Graham biopic “Billy: The Early Years” hunkered down in Tennessee.
The incentive package was fostered by competition, says film commission project manager Bob Raines. “Tennessee was falling behind other states that were rolling out incentive programs, some of which are not as conservative as ours, but we’re trying to build something that is long term and sustainable.”
The dual program offers up to 17% refund from the Film Commission with an additional 15% distributed by the Dept. of Revenue. Productions coming to Tennessee get an immediate 13% rebate with 2% added for Tennessee music acquisition, and another 2% can be had if at least 25% of the production’s crew is hired locally.
“It’s important to know that these are cash rebates,” Raines stresses. “Louisiana offers tax credits, where you lose money up front. With us, productions get a check straight from the government.”