The promise of film stars, red carpets and movie sets in Madison continues to be delayed much to the dismay of tourism and film industry officials. In a push to bring the film industry to Wisconsin, state politicians are working to move up the start date of an already passed bill that offers tax credits to television and film produced in the state.
The tax credits, which are currently set to begin Jan. 1 2008, would provide incentives such as subsidizing production. However, since the credits have been passed but not implemented, David Fantle, spokesperson for Visit Milwaukee, said Wisconsin is losing out on many valuable film productions.
""Since the bill was signed at the end of May I have fielded an excess of 75 calls from production companies with more than $75 million in possible production,"" he said. ""When I tell them that they have to wait until 2008 they basically hang up and with that goes opportunities, jobs and millions.""
In fact, there is currently a movie based on the poker legend and Madison native, Phil Hellmuth Jr., which will likely not be filmed in Wisconsin if tax incentives are not available. Although filming was set to take place around the campus, Fantle said it may be moved to Canada where incentives are better, which angers people who want the bill implemented now.
""It's an insult to shoot a Madison-centric film in Winnipeg,"" Fantle said.
Film producer and Madison resident Scott Robbe, said he also believes that bringing the Hellmuth film to Madison would help the economy.
""This would be an opportunity to showcase Madison not only to the nation but potentially to the world,"" he said.
Not only would Wisconsin tourism benefit under the tax credit, but young graduates from Wisconsin could also find production opportunities that are currently unavailable, the bill's supporters say.
""Graduates from the UW who are interested in film production and video game design face the fact that Wisconsin currently has a bill with the most innovative tax incentives in the country and yet they can't be used at this current point,"" Robbe said.
The delay was brought about after the state's Joint Finance Committee decided Wisconsin could not currently afford another tax credit with the already suffering budget.
State Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison said a blossoming film industry could assist in establishing Wisconsin as an exciting cultural and arts destination. She added that film production could help Wisconsin branch out from its mainly agricultural image.
""We need to look at what makes this state an attractive place to come work and stay, and if you want to really bring people in, you need exciting industries."" Berceau said.
