Wis. (WBAY) – Wisconsin is working to cast itself as the country’s next big filmmaking hub
A new initiative from the Department of Tourism is offering tax credits to draw major productions, and their fans, to the state.
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism reports that its new initiative, Film Wisconsin, is attracting both filmmakers and their fans to the state, like Green Bay’s own “Mis Undead Quince.”
According to Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers, the effort is meant to grow local economies and establish Wisconsin as a filmmaking hub.
“We want to be sure that every dollar awarded in terms of a tax credit is going to result in more dollars for the people of Wisconsin,” Sayers said. “This is truly economic development and that is what we were looking for.”
Sayers said film productions can stimulate local businesses.
“You know, there’s a variety of ways that we see that economic impact happening when it comes to film production,” Sayers said. “So if you think about the amount of lodging, the food, transportation, wages, the hiring of local vendors, and more, when a big production comes in, a lot of economic activity follows. We saw that with both the productions of Bravo’s Top Chef and Cherry Pie Christmas.”
Sayers said fans travel to Wisconsin locations after seeing them featured on screen.
“This is where folks actually traveled to the places that they’ve seen featured on the screen because they’re thinking, I want to have that experience,” Sayers said.
The credit isn’t free. To receive it, films under 30 minutes have to spend at least $50,000, while those over 30 minutes have to spend at least $100,000.
Jocelyne Berumen, local director of “Mis Undead Quince,” said the funding isn’t automatic.
“They didn’t just give us that money. We still have to produce it and then hopefully we get that money,” Berumen said. “But it’s exciting because we realize we can pay people. We can pay people in the area to do what they like to do.”
Edgar Berumen, co-producer of “Mis Undead Quince,” said the state’s film incentives are growing.
“So, a couple other films as well, and it’s exciting to see that Wisconsin is slowly starting to become that film incentive as well,” Edgar Berumen said. “I know we’ve just recently appointed a new board member for the Wisconsin SAG-AFTRA board members. It’s growing, so I’m excited to see more films, these films here in Wisconsin.”
Sayers plans to keep the program running.
“And that’s part of Film Wisconsin’s responsibility is to continue to track that economic development,” Sayers said. “We want to be able to say back to the taxpayers of Wisconsin, these tax credits we’re offering are doing real good in your communities. So we’ll be, we’ll continue to track that really closely.”
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