House Bill 525 is moving through the legislature this session. It will amend existing legislation passed in 2008 in order to allow for monies other than from the state general fund to be added to the incentive fund, which has not been funded since the passing of the original bill. The status of the bill can be seen here:
www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2010/H0525.htm Briefly, the FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION BUSINESS REBATE FUND is a 20% rebate on production expenditures made in Idaho once certain conditions are met (minimum spend, eligible projects, number of Idaho hires etc.) It was to be funded at $1,000,000 with a per-production cap of $500,000. The intent of the 2008 bill is to attract low-budget productions that would hire Idahoans and spend dollars in the state. It would be eligible for out-of-state companies as well as Idaho-based companies. It has not been funded since passage due to the state budget deficit.
Why only low-budget productions? Because studio pictures are being shot in places that offer uncapped rebates at higher percentages. We would not have been able to pass a bill with unlimited rebates such as New Mexico and Louisiana. The FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION BUSINESS REBATE FUND was intended to be a reasonable start.
For more info: Peg Owens, Idaho Film Office, 208 334-2470,
peg.owens@tourism.idaho.gov
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