LANSING – There was never any question that Governor Rick Snyder was going to sign a bill bringing to an end the state’s program of awarding cash incentives to producers as a way of luring film and television productions to the state, but it still marked the definitive end point Friday when his office announced he had done so.

Snyder’s signature on HB 4122* (PA 117, immediate effect) concluded a seven-year experiment where the state sought to woo productions through incentives, first through a generous tax credit and later through a scaled-back program that awarded cash grants instead. (PA 117, immediate effect) concluded a seven-year experiment where the state sought to woo productions through incentives, first through a generous tax credit and later through a scaled-back program that awarded cash grants instead.

In a statement, Snyder offered little as to why he signed the bill, but he has never been fond of the program, frequently proposing to scale it back.

“It’s important that we support creativity and innovation in our state, and we’ll continue to have a Michigan Film Office to assist moviemakers and production staff,” Snyder said. “Michigan has much to offer the movie industry, including top-notch talent and beautiful backdrops that will continue to draw filmmakers to Michigan even without taxpayer-funded incentives.”

Snyder deputy press secretary Dave Murray said Snyder has said several times that he does not think tax incentives are the best way to grow businesses in the state.

The state had a film office for almost 30 years prior to the tax credit’s creation. Far fewer films had a presence in the state then.

Film Office Commissioner Jenell Leonard said the office would continue its efforts.

“The incentive program may have come to an end, but as has been done for over 30 years, the MFO will continue with our mission to attract film productions, and further build the film and digital media industries in Michigan,” she said in a statement. “In the near future, we will unveil specific programs, initiatives and public private partnerships to build the creative industries without taxpayer funded incentives. This is a time that calls for unprecedented collaboration and we believe by pulling together we can further elevate Michigan as an international venue for filmmakers and digital media producers.”

This story was published by Gongwer News Service. To subscribe, click on www.gongwer.com

Author: Staff Writer
Source: Gongwer News Service
Date: 7/12/2015