A bill to boost filmmaking advances

A bill to bolster film and TV production in Utah got some "action" on Wednesday from a legislative interim committee.

The Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Interim Committee passed out the bill, which would create a $3 million annual fund to provide financial incentives to companies producing TV series, made-for-TV movies or motion pictures in Utah.

Two-thirds of the money would be used for incentives for in-state production of TV series and made-for-TV movies. One-third would be for in-state movie production — both features and independent films.

The Legislature's Motion Picture Task Force recommended the legislation.

"The industry has told us that if a state does not have incentives, it's going to be left in the cold," said Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, task force co-chairwoman. "Utah is left with a decision: Either we play ball or we'll be more and more left out of this industry."

The incentive not only will boost the state's economy and job base, but also help promote the state, she said.

The industry employs a lot of Utahns, making it "really an economic factor in our state," said Rep. Lou Shurtliff, D-Ogden. "This is more than just bringing someone wonderful here. It's helping our own people."

Rep. Karen Morgan, D-Cottonwood Heights, said the legislation "is absolutely necessary" because other states and countries are offering incentives to lure film and TV production. "And if we want to be able to keep this industry here in our state, we've got to do something," she said.

Bill supporters on Thursday pointed out that the incentives are higher for companies employing local crews and shooting in rural areas of the state.

They also said a $1 million demonstration program this fiscal year is expected to yield a $4.50 return to the state for each dollar spent.

The demonstration program — funded through the state Industrial Assistance Fund and involving tax rebates — has been deemed a success by state officials, although they have acknowledged that it failed to land applications for a TV series or for a major movie.

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