News Details

Tuesday, April 10, 2007 For More Information:

Dean Fiihr, 515-281-0817

HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO BRING FILMMAKERS TO IOWA

"Iowa’s great landscape, warm hospitality and low cost of business make our state a good fit for filmmakers," said State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids, who floor managed the bill. "The film package we put together will make us more competitive and let the film industry know that Iowa is open for business."

House File 892 creates the Film, Television and Video Project Promotion Program. Interested filmmakers would register with the program and, if they meet certain requirements, be eligible for a variety of tax incentives related to the production of their film in Iowa. The film would have to be mostly filmed in Iowa, spend at least $100,000 in the state, and enhance tourism or economic development.

"Films made in Iowa have a huge impact on tourism and the state’s economy," said State Representative Mark Davitt, who sponsored the legislation and has worked on the issues for four years. "We’re got a great history with movies like ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ and I’m hopeful this bill will help us bring more films to Iowa."

"We know that expanded film production positively impacts local economies as well. Just last year, ‘The Final Season’ was made in Cedar Rapids and it pumped over $1 million into our local economy," added Olson.

"Creating a solid Iowa film industry will provide some great opportunities for Iowans of all ages and help our small businesses thrive," concluded Davitt.

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