Community Outreach

The Mass Film Credit Cap – How You Can Help

February 26, 2010 Recently, Governor Deval Patrick announced his yearly budget for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Among the proposed cuts, was a cap of $200 million per fiscal year on the Massachusetts film tax incentive. The tax credit, which was signed into law in 2005 is offered to filmmakers, producers, etc. who spend at least half of principal photography in the state of Massachusetts or spend half of their production budget in Massachusetts. The minimum production budget for which a filmmaker can receive the credit, is $50,000. 25 cents for every tax dollar studios, producers and actors pay toward working in the state of Massachusetts is discounted. Since 2007, there has been no cap on this tax credit. As a result, many films have been shot here, generating over $1 billion dollars in new revenue that has gone into the state of Massachusetts. Not to mention the thousands of jobs created and thousands of opportunities for filmmakers everywhere. The proposed cap would limit the tax credits at $200 million per year, for 2010 and 2011 and could significantly impact the amount of production and jobs and opportunities in this town. The proposal is currently scheduled for a vote on March 3rd and as hopeful filmmakers looking to make a career for themselves, I urge all CDIA students and alumni to contact their Massachusetts State Representative and State Senator to let their voices be heard. If you do not know your State Representative and/or Senator please visit Mass Gov For a brief overview on the tax situation check out NECN's coverage For up to the minute information and for additional information on how you can help visit the MA Film Office and the Massachusetts Production Coalition. For a list of films shot in Massachusetts thanks to the tax credit check out Berkshire Film.