(WWJ) — It’s been nearly a decade since Michigan’s film incentives went away. But a new package of bills took a step forward this week in hopes of bringing the film industry back to the state.
The Michigan Multimedia Jobs Act passed out of the Michigan House Economic Development and Small Business Committee on Tuesday.
The legislation will now head to the full State House for a vote, nine years after former Gov. Rick Snyder ended the state’s film incentives program.
Rep. Jason Hoskins of Southfield, a co-sponsor of the bill, says the act allows for a tax credit designed to promote Michigan-produced films, TV shows and digital streaming productions.
That differs from the previous film incentives program, which offered a rebate to filmmakers. Under the new structure, productions that choose Michigan will receive Michigan-based tax credits, incentivizing producers to spend money on Michigan-based businesses and workers.
“We wanted to make sure that Michigan vendors, Michigan jobs stayed here in the state. So as part of the program, if you are taking advantage of this, you have to use a CPA,” Hoskins told WWJ’s Taylor Dietz.
The proposed film incentives would help more than just filmmakers and creatives, as their companies will hire anything from local caterers and hospitality companies to carpenters and electricians. Groups working on Michigan-based productions will also patronize local restaurants, bars and shops.
Hoskins noted that the proposed legislation was based off what is seen in other states with similar incentives that do a good job of keeping the money within the state.