[WATCH] Senate OKs better tax incentive for film industry
From News 14 Carolina
WILMINGTON – The push to increase the state’s film tax incentive has jumped another hurdle after the state Senate passed a bill to increase it from 15 percent to 25 percent.
Robbie Beck, who works in the film industry as a prop master, said an increased tax incentive would be good for his job.
“Best case scenario, we bring everyone home, put them to work in North Carolina, paying bills and taxes in North Carolina, spending money in North Carolina and sleeping in their own beds at night,” Beck said.
Those in the industry say the incentive will do more than just keep them employed and bring money to the state. They say it will also bring a new generation of filmmakers to North Carolina to keep the industry alive.
“There are more than 90 schools that teach film. Students come here because we have a successful film state. Now, they’ll still keep coming and the investment we made in the infrastructure, faculty, staff and equipment will be valued and will be used,” said Lou Buttino, a UNC Wilmington film studies professor.
State Sen. Julie Boseman, who has supported the bill from the very beginning, said this is a great thing for North Carolina.
“It’s a good clean industry,” Boseman said. “And we’re thrilled at impact it’s had on our community and we want to do what we can to bring more jobs home.”
The bill now heads to the House for approval.
