in DBED

That’s the question film and television producers are asking Maryland before they decide to set up shop here, according to the Department of Business and Economic Development.

 

The an$wer probably doesn’t include excellent locations, a solid workforce, or anything like that. Those things used to matter, but now it’s about cash money, DBED officials told a Senate budget subcommittee.

 

The state is not competitive in the incentives it offers to companies that produce here, many at the hearing said, and they encouraged senators not to cut the money that is available.

 

The fiscal 2009 budget introduced by Gov. Martin O’Malley includes $4 million in tax credits for film production companies.

 

Interestingly, DBED and its supporters made their plea on the same day that Step Up 2 The Streets, filmed in Maryland, makes its national debut.

 

One Response to “Movie, TV producers ask Maryland ‘what’s in it for me?’”
 

Step Up 2 was filmed BEFORE the legislature and governor CUT the program by nearly 50% last year. Its a shame that Annapolis gets filmed in Philly and that Penn gives almost $75 million in tax breaks, yet DBED has to fight for a measly $4 million for something that BRINGS much needed money into the state.

Gregory wrote on February 15th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Leave a Reply