2023 Destination Film Guide Magazine

THROUGH THE EYES OF A LOCATION SCOUT

A discussion on the ever-changing role of a location scout

NORTH AMERICAN INCENTIVES ROUNDUP

Learn about tax rebates and benefits of filming on the continent

HISTORY IN THE (FILM) MAKING

Filming in historic government-owned buildings is easier than you think

Looking Toward the Future

Timing, it’s often said, is everything. With both the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America on strike at the same time, putting out this edition of Destination Film Guide now seems a little, well, weird. But even though the industry may be at a standstill now (fingers crossed a settlement is reached soon), we can’t help but be hopeful for the future — and we hope you are too.

Addressing a more positive future is the theme of an insightful piece by Miles Dobis, who writes about three states that are showcasing how tax incentives can create a more diverse industry workforce.

Called DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives, these efforts financially benefit productions that not only film in a particular state but also integrate underrepresented groups into their production team,” writes Dobis. Sounds like a win-win to us.

In this issue, we also explore the ins and outs of filming in some of the 550-plus government-owned historic buildings around the country. We spoke with two experts at the General Services Administration Center for Historic Buildings to get all the details. Short answer: It’s not as difficult as you might think.

We also went to the source for this issue’s “Through the Eyes of a Location Scout” article. Based in Florida, Leah Sokolowsky has some 30 years of experience in the industry, which comes with plenty of advice, insights and interesting stories.

It’s no secret that there’s more to being a great location scout than, well, finding a great location. Knowing the current developments on the tax incentive front is vital too when it comes to your bottom line. Our comprehensive Film Incentives roundups review financial benefits of working in various states, provinces and countries across North America and the Caribbean to maximize your production budget.

Want to stay updated on the latest industry news? Check our website for Hollywood updates and articles that highlight innovative film commissions across the continent.

Best,

Lisa Shames

2023 EDITION

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Contributing Writers–Miles Dobis, mdobis6@gmail.com Nicole Partis, nicolepartisptm@gmail.com ,

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Destination Film Guide is published annually by Premier Travel Media Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. This publication is distributed free of charge to producers, directors, location scouts and others involved in the film production industry.

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ON THE COVER: Hotel Utica is a historic hotel building in downtown Utica, NY.

Photo courtesy of Matt Ossowski, Mohawk Valley Pictures and Film Utica

Chicago Federal Center, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, includes two office towers and a post office (pictured).

When you spot these QR codes at the end of every Site InSpection, take a picture with your mobile device to unlock expanded content from our Destination Film Guide website! Access exclusive interviews, trending destinations and industry news.

CONTENTS

FEATURES

6 Encouraging Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Through DEI Initiatives

Three states showcase how tax incentives can create a more diverse industry workforce

8 History in the (Film) Making

With more than 550 one-of-a-kind historic buildings under its jurisdiction, the U.S. government is a location scout’s dream

12 The Top Film Fests in North America

From Utah’s Sundance Film Festival and the Montreal Festival du Nouveau Cinema to Austin’s all-encompassing South By Southwest, we spotlight the film festivals you need to know about

14 FLICS: The Future is Golden

18 Through the Eyes of a Location Scout

Leah Sokolowsky, Location Managers Guild International Member, discusses her creative process and the ever-changing role of a location scout

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith

Encouraging Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Through DEI Initiatives

THREE STATES SHOWCASE HOW TAX INCENTIVES CAN CREATE A MORE DIVERSE INDUSTRY WORKFORCE

BY MILES DOBIS

In a marketplace defined by shifting business models and content strategies, increased scrutiny has been also placed on the entertainment industry for lack of representation in front of and behind the camera. There have been efforts in recent years for increased visibility of non-white, LGBTQ and women-led stories on film and television, and several state governments have created a new model to both bring productions beyond hubs like southern California and to increase representation in the industry.

Called DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives, these efforts financially benefit productions that not only film in a particular state but also integrate underrepresented groups into their

production team. If a certain threshold is met, additional tax credits are granted to productions at the conclusion of filming. This way, minority groups are granted more access to career mobility on film shoots, and filmmakers can tell stories set in states beyond commonly depicted cities like New York and Los Angeles. It will also hopefully lead to diversified content that reflects the audience it was made for.

For example, California, which remains the singlelargest entertainment industry employer in the Englishspeaking world, is 40% Latino, 35% white, 16% Asian American and 6.5% Black, according to the most recent U.S. census. However, according to a California Film Commission report, the state’s

industry remains 70% white and 75% male. Because of this disparity, California has become the latest state to pass legislation that directly benefits productions with a diversified cast and crew.

Titled SB 485, the program became active on July 1, 2023, and will be “broadly reflective of California’s population in terms of race, ethnicity and gender.” In a model that California hopes will be adopted by many other states, all film and television productions must submit a diversity report that details the race and gender of its crew or future hiring goals. If the production meets its diversity goals or has provably made a “good faith effort” to achieve them, it will be eligible for an additional 4% tax credit on top of the 20% or 25% credit allowed under current law.

“As other states roll back peoples’ rights, California will continue protecting fundamental freedoms for all and welcome businesses that stand up for their employees,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom in a statement. “Extending this program will help ensure California’s world-renowned entertainment industry continues to drive economic growth with good jobs and a diverse, inclusive workforce.”

Similar efforts are underway in Illinois, which requires film and TV productions to submit a diversity plan before qualifying for the state’s tax credit and offers a 15% incentivized bump for hiring crew from underserved areas in the state as determined by census data. Combined with tax-funded training programs that develop craftspeople at local colleges, the DEI incentives have transformed the Chicago area and all of Illinois into a premier filming destination. The state’s success has proven how diversity initiatives can both broaden access to the industry and develop new production hubs. And the recent 10-year extension signed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker means the current incentives will remain in place until 2033.

“We can boast one of the most diverse film crew bases in the country, and it’s very much due to the tax credit application and good faith efforts to add minority groups to production teams,” says Peter Hawley, deputy director of the Illinois Film Office. “Over the decade we’ve been requiring it, we’ve seen that representation disparity shrink in the state to the point that over 50% of our crew now consists of women or racial minorities as opposed to white men.”

The third state to directly benefit diverse crews financially is New Jersey, which offers a 2% Diversity Tax Credit to productions that actively hire women and minority creatives. The complete diversity plan will consider partnerships with local film school programs, recruitment strategies and storytelling practices that create a diverse workforce,

and tracking sheets containing employee records to keep productions honest about hiring practices.

Producers and location scouts seeking discounted filming opportunities should consider these states for their next project—not only for the increased return on investment, but for their role in leading Hollywood towards a more equitable future. DF

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

California Film Tax Credit: https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4713

Illinois Film Tax Credit: https://dceo.illinois.gov/whyillinois/film/filmtaxcredit/ diversitydocuments.html

New Jersey Diversity Bonus: https://www.nj.gov/state/njfilm/incentives-credit.shtml

DEI OPPORTUNITIES

While the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission (FTC) does not have specific diversity incentives, an incentive-style program offered through the Sponsorship & Development Program and The Palm Beaches TV lends priority to programming focused on diversity and inclusion. Small businesses wishing to participate in Palm Beach County’s contracting opportunities in the areas of Commodities, Construction and Professional Services may apply for small business certification. Sponsorship dollars are awarded to projects that support and stimulate tourism by offering an insider’s look into the area’s top attractions for travel and production. One of the criteria for certification is that the small business be at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more minority group and/or woman.

Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Film

History in the (Film) Making

WITH MORE THAN 550 ONE-OF-A-KIND HISTORIC BUILDINGS UNDER ITS JURISDICTION, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT IS A LOCATION SCOUT’S DREAM

BY LISA SHAMES

While fighting city hall, as the adage goes, may hold plenty of challenges, filming in it—or a courthouse, post office or any number of government-owned locations—is a much more positive experience. That is when location scouts work with the GSA Center for Historic Buildings, a division of the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. General Services Administration.

A byproduct of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the nationwide program was developed to encourage the use of the government’s

historic buildings in film and television productions. Its goal is to showcase and support the legacy of these buildings by creating opportunities for the public to experience them through film. Additionally, all revenue earned is reinvested in the historic inventory.

From the Louis Simon-designed 1936 IRS Building in Washington, D.C., and the majestic U.S. Custom House in New Orleans to some 500-plus buildings around the country, finding a unique film location is—more or less— there for the asking.

To get the details on the filming process in government buildings, Destination Film Guide spoke with two experts at the GSA Center for Historic Buildings: Film & Special Event Program Manager David Anthone, whose area of coverage includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands; and Historic Preservation and Fine Arts Specialist Victoria Clow, who oversees programs in Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Talk about the early years of the program

David Anthone: When I began working here 20 years ago, I was seeing the film industry in New York City, which is one of the epicenters for filming,

asking GSA for locations. Prior to my coming onboard, those were being fielded by the building managers. There wasn’t a formal process in place even though there was filming going on as far back as the 1940s. I began the process of tracking requests and licensing. Once we issue the license, that grants the film studio formal permission to be in our building for that time frame and move through the spaces as agreed. It provides protection on both sides.

How many buildings are part of the program?

David: While there are 515 historic buildings in the program, not all are film-friendly. It fluctuates. Sometimes courthouses are considered not

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith

The Jacob K. Javits Federal Building and James L. Watson Court of International Trade in New York, New York

the most conducive for filming, but that’s not necessarily true. It is perhaps true for TV because they have union rules where they can only film Monday through Friday, which doesn’t work with the building’s schedule. But a big motion picture can film on the weekends, which is much more accommodating with the court schedule. In the condition of a courthouse, we would partner right away with the courts to get them on as an internal stakeholder to see if this schedule works for them. We handle not just historic but all buildings and properties. The industry doesn't just want the pretty historic buildings; they want basements or lighthouses or fields. It can be anything.

What are some of the most popular ones?

Victoria: Our big film location is the U.S. Custom House in New Orleans, which has this impressive marble hall. It’s just gorgeous and it is very flexible as to how it can be adaptive to a variety of locations. We have vacant space in the building, which allows us to have availability for a green room, staging and layout. Even though it’s on Canal Street, we can accommodate quite a bit there versus some of our other locations where we are fully occupied. In general, we have fewer requests in my area. That largely depends on the film incentives in the state. Sometimes we get a lot of requests and then it goes down and that’s because tax incentives

have sunsetted in that area. The income generated is important as it helps us maintain our historic properties and allows us to do projects we wouldn’t normally be able to do if it weren’t for the funds created through filming.

David: For me, it’s the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House [NYC], which historically could mimic the Met or even civic buildings in Washington. There’s been a shift because TV has changed, and they want to be truer to locations. There are a lot more crime and FBI and law shows and they want to film on location. In general, midcentury buildings are really picking up. Once they [location scouts] find the number of resources

“We understand that even though you could formerly go through sit-down meetings and come up with the logistics for the agenda, there will be troubleshooting that happens during the shoot.”

The Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, Montgomery, Alabama

– Film & Special Event Program Manager David Anthone

we have and the vast number of typologies available, they get excited. Even though they are coming to the building to do a site visit for one film, I can see in their eyes they are thinking about the potential of these spaces for future locations. Once a scout knows that a building is film-friendly, word gets out and it really catches on.

How far ahead of filming would

you recommend a proposal be submitted ?

Victoria: In my region, we need quite a bit of time in advance because we do have to coordinate with our tenants. Also, we have to go through background checks with individuals coming on site. There are a lot of logistics. We are flexible, but if it’s 2 weeks and you want to be on our property that’s going to be hard for us to accomplish.

David: In New York, we don’t like a window that’s too far out because things change. We know it’s a moving target for films, so we want to be within a sweet spot of anywhere from 2 months to 10 days. We do have a rule in New York of 10 days minimum, but there are exceptions. We gotten that as short as doing a major motion picture license within 3 hours. That works in our region because the building and tenants are familiar and comfortable with the filming process. Also, we have building management escorts, so we don’t have to do the security clearance. There’s always a GSA presence during the entire film shoot.

Regarding the proposal process, what would make a production get turned down?

David: Scheduling conflict is a main one. The first thing we do after the site visit and the scout is interested is give them an application. Then we check the calendar. If it isn’t available, we ask

if this is their only date or can they be flexible. For TV, if they wanted to film Monday through Friday, we would ask if we could work with them on hours. Maybe they could come in early before work hours or after. If that doesn’t work and they really want the building, we try to see if they can film on weekends or on a holiday when the federal workforce isn’t there. The only other reason I could see is a heightened security level on the building or covid or something outside our means that is preventing us from moving forward.

What are some of the common misconceptions about filming in a historic building?

David: That you can’t. We at GSA aren’t just there for federal agencies; we are there for the communities these buildings serve. This is an outreach program that generates revenues for historical preservation. But the other component is it works within our good neighbor/urban planning program. That program is to broaden the reach of these buildings so we can create a sense of pride and place because these buildings do belong to the communities. This program is a big morale booster for the federal employees. They love to watch something new and exciting and they love to see it on television.

Once the proposal is approved, what tips could you offer to make the day-to-day filming process run smoothly?

Victoria: It’s making sure what they want to accomplish in our historic buildings is compatible with the building. We must have protection to make sure they don’t ding up our elevators or damage our marble floors just like at any property. We are going to look at what they plan to do in the building and see if they can put down protection to ensure they don’t cause any damage.

David: Through the prep shoot, you work out the logistics. We don’t want to have pyrotechnics in Custom House, for example, and we’ve had requests. For me, it’s training the building managers to be flexible and accommodating to requests. Also, we understand that even though you could formerly go through sit-down meetings and come up with the logistics for the agenda, there will be troubleshooting that happens during the shoot. Having the right mindset to be able to field those questions that are not captured in the license, like maybe they want to change a scene or go longer or shorter or turn the lights on or move a banner. That’s on my side making sure that the GSA

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs

Division, photograph by Carol

M. Highsmith

staff can do that comfortably and can troubleshoot those requests. The studio has a license to be in the building, so they have a legal agreement. Our job is to work with them to make sure that goes smoothly. I’ve always found its very mutual and respectful between the industry and federal government. They want to do what they set out to do and shoot their film and they want to build a relationship with the federal government because they will want to come back. We both need to behave.

Victoria: Once our property managers become familiar with the process, it’s very positive for us. For example, our property manager at the New Orleans

Custom House works with several scouts on a routine basis and loves it. We were able to accommodate a large AC enhancement project in the building and restore the windows because we had funds generated from the filming in the building.

Are there any film projects that wouldn't be a good fit for a historic building?

David: No, not really. We did have an incident in a NYC building of a request that came a week or two afterward someone had lost their life in a security institution. They wanted to shoot a sniper scene, but it was too close to the real event.

Victoria: We had one request to repel off our building. We turned that down. Danger for them and the building.

David: We also must be careful when we are filming in a federal building during the week and comingling with the federal workforce. If it’s a show that involves law enforcement where they are wearing uniforms and have rubber guns, we have to be very good about notifying the workforce by posting in the elevators that a film shoot is going to be going on and that there are going to be people in uniform with rubber guns. We then must make sure we staffed it properly. If the federal workforce community is curious and wants to watch, that’s one thing. But if they’re not paying attention and didn’t get the memo and see something out of the corner of their eye that something tragic or accidental may happen… We must prevent that from happening.

If someone was on the fence about filming in a historic building, what would you say to them to convince them?

David: A good scout isn’t afraid to ask. I admire the scouts who push the limits and say, Have you ever filmed here? I will ask and go to bat for you and if the answer is no, we will look for another location. There’s a world of opportunities in the federal government. And not just GSA but the park service, veterans administrations and all kinds of federal agencies that own properties. We are just scratching the surface of the potential of this program to create revenue for historic buildings. DF

For more information, visit https:// www.gsa.gov/real-estate/historicpreservation/celebrate-americanarchitecture/filming-on-location

The U.S. courthouse, Little Rock, Arkansas

The Top Film Fests in North America

FROM UTAH’S SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL AND THE MONTREAL FESTIVAL DU NOUVEAU CINEMA TO AUSTIN’S ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST, WE SPOTLIGHT THE FILM FESTIVALS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

BY NICOLE PARTIS

In a world where the hours in a day are an ever-disappearing commodity it’s not easy to set aside the time to attend film festivals, no matter how much you know you’ll get in return when you do. We get it. You’re busy. Here, we spotlight a few of North America’s top film festivals, ranging from the biggest of the big and small niche independents to all those in between.

January

Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah - What started off as a laidback small film festival in 1985 has

since grown to become the largest independent film festival in the U.S. and the ultimate gathering of original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and fresh perspectives. Since its inception, hundreds of films launched at the Sundance Film Festival have gone on to gain critical acclaim and reach new audiences.

February

Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Santa Barbara, Calif.An 11-day film festival that’s been in existence since 1986, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival attracts some 100,000 attendees, including award-winning filmmakers, actors, writers, students and movielovers, and features some 200-plus films, tributes and panels.

Pan African Film & Arts Festival, Los Angeles, Calif. - Established in 1992, the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art and other creative expression. As the critically acclaimed largest Black film and arts festival and Black History

Month activation in the U.S., PAFF draws filmmakers, artists and unique craftspeople from over 40 countries and six continents to Los Angeles annually in February to showcase their pivotal work and talent.

March

South By Southwest, Austin, Texas - For nine days, creatives of all stripes gather in Austin, Texas, for the acclaimed Film & TV Festival program that runs concurrently with the SXSW Conference, Music and Comedy Festivals. Attracting industry leaders from across the globe, this fest is an official qualifying festival for the Academy Awards Short Film competition .

May

Seattle International Film Festival, Seattle, Wash. - The annual Seattle International Film Festival, a 10day event, attracts nearly 150,000 attendees who celebrate films from more than 80 countries and regions around the world. Many of the features screened won’t have a return to U.S. cinemas, making it an amazing event to discover new and underrepresented voices and stories.

Little Richard I Am Everything director Lisa Cortés, Sundance Film Festival 2023

Photo by Jovelle Tamayo

June

Tribeca Festival, NYC, New York - For more than 20 years, New York City’s Tribeca Festival has worked to bring the community together through innovative storytelling across film, TV, immersive, games, talks and audio storytelling. Organized by Tribeca Productions, the annual festival hosts over 600 screenings with approximately 150,000 attendees, and awards independent artists in 23 juried competitive categories.

September

Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario - Ranking among the most prestigious international film festivals in the world, the Toronto International Film Festival celebrates its 48th anniversary this year. One of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world, the TIFF attracts more than 480,000 people annually. Since its founding, TIFF has grown to become a permanent destination film culture operating out of the TIFF Bell

Lightbox, located in downtown Toronto. TIFF’s mission is “to transform the way people see the world through film.”

October

Montreal Festival du Nouveau Cinema, Montreal, QuebecOne of the oldest film festivals in Canada, the Montreal Festival du Nouveau Cinema is an Academy Award-qualifying festival for short films. Showcasing national and international auteur cinema and offering audiences works of diversity and originality by emerging and major filmmakers, this festival focuses on new creators, new approaches and new technologies. Films include offbeat, one-of-a-kind niche works to

crowd-pleasers to daringly innovative big events. The 11-day festival is designed as a space devoted to discussions, meetings and sharing, where film fans can come together with artists and professionals to exchange ideas in an informal setting.

Chicago International Film Festival, Chicago, Illinois - An annual film festival held every fall, Chicago International Film Festival is the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, celebrating its 59th year. The festival features a host of screenings, panels, educational events and Q&A’s that foster cultural understanding and artistic engagement. DF

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

An extended North American film festival guide can be found on the Destination Film Guide website at: https://destinationfilmguide.com/ best-north-american-film-festivals/

(L-R) Jenny Slate, Daniel Kwan, Tallie Mendel, Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Scheinert, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jonathan Wang, Michelle Yeoh and Harry Shum Jr. attend Everything Everywhere All At Once premiere – SXSW 2022..

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for SXSW

Scan this QR code to learn more about the FLICS members mentioned in this article.

“The connection between the various liaisons and commissions across the state are invaluable to filmmakers. The combined experience and expertise with the individual commissioners has assisted so many productions that may require filming across multiple jurisdictions.”

– Eddie Robinson, City of West Hollywood

FLICS: The Future is Golden

BRING YOUR NEXT FILM, TELEVISION OR REALITY PRODUCTION TO THE GOLDEN STATE

Since Centaur Film Company moved from New Jersey to the modest citrus groves of Hollywood in 1911, the Golden State has become the headquarters for America's premier film studios and production companies, as well as one of the largest collection of creatives on Earth. The state receives an average of 315 sunny days, a diverse collections of locations (from vast coastlines to arid deserts) and a creative infrastructure formed from a century of innovation. While other American states have become hotbeds for productions in recent decades, California continues to host more projects than anywhere in North America and constantly attracts talent through the dedicated work of Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS).

Carney’s Restaurant is a cafe inside a vintage Union Pacific rail car on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of Jon Viscott

This collection of over 40 film commissions and offices across California share resources to assist productions with scouting, permits and local talent. This one-stop resource is essential for any film, TV or commercial producer across the Golden State, and FLICS members will work to assist your production across jurisdictions.

"Our strength as an organization is the ability to collaborate and identify locations for stories that require multiple settings," says Sabrina Jurisich, FLICS President and Regional Film Commissioner for Upstate California. "Whether you need redwood forests, skyscrapers, small towns, or film friendly beaches, our members are happy to share resources so that productions can save time and money and keep their focus on the creative aspects of the project."

FLICS' vast array of tools and resources will help you navigate all sorts of production issues, from work permits to on-set safety. Their team can help put you in touch with relevant government agencies, industry associations and union contacts. Their website also contains comprehensive production directories, entertainment job listings and useful charts for studio zones. Read more to learn about a few of our members and how they can provide unforgettable locations for your next creative endeavor. DF

COUNTY MONTEREY COUNTY

Located on the US-Mexico border, Imperial County has long served as a backdrop for Hollywood. With unique buildings and architecture, its seven cities and eight unincorporated communities are surrounded by sand dunes, rocky deserts, mountains and vast agriculture. Some of our film credits include La Bamba, Return of the Jedi, Jarhead, Sahara and Jumanji: The Next Level.

It’s been called the “Greatest Meeting of Land and Sea.”

Monterey County’s beautiful, diverse locations have drawn filmmakers for decades.

Dramatic coastal settings from Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-theSea to Big Sur and Monterey. Plus rural, agricultural looks in the Salinas Valley. From famous films to Big Little Lies, the best locations are here.

Charla Teeters

IMPERIAL

COUNTY FILM COMMISSION

760-337-4155

filmhere@sbcglobal.net

www.filmimperialcounty.com

Karen Nordstrand MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION

831-646-0910

Karen@filmmonterey.org

www.FilmMonterey.org

Background

photo courtesy of Karen Nordstrand/Monterey County Film Commission

IMPERIAL

Big Sur Vista, Monterey County

“California offers such a variety of opportunities for film productions, and Monterey County combines the seashore with rural, “Steinbeck Country” farmlands. It’s easy to combine many looks here.”

– Karen Nordstrand, Monterey County Film Commission

UPSTATE CALIFORNIA

Placer County boasts stunning locations, including rich farmlands and industrial sites of the valley, rivers and forests of the foothills, and the sparkling blue lake and ski resorts of the mountains. We welcome all media productions to scout, film and enjoy our spectacular natural beauty year-round.

Find your next location in Upstate California! We are here to help with pre-scouting, permits, local referrals, at no cost to you ! Our region encompasses four counties with diverse options: valleys, mountaintops, small towns, waterfalls, caverns, rivers, historic, modern, state and national parks, and more! Contact us today!

The City of West Hollywood is here to support your production from scout to strike. Home to iconic locations such as the Sunset Strip and the Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood also can double as Anywhere, USA with our many unique residential and commercial areas — all within 1.9 square miles.

Juli Johnston, Film Program Liaison

PLACER-LAKE

TAHOE FILM OFFICE

530-889-4091

filmoffice@placer.ca.gov

www.filmplacertahoe.com

Sabrina Jurisich, Regional Film Commissioner UPSTATE CALIFORNIA FILM COMMISSION

• 530-710-7784

sabrina@upstatecafilm.com

www.UpstateCAFilm.com

Eddie Robinson, Film Coordinator

CITY

OF WEST HOLLYWOOD FILM OFFICE

323-848-6489

wehofilm@weho.org

www.weho.org/film

PLACER COUNTY-LAKE TAHOE

WEST HOLLYWOOD

Through the Eyes of a Location Scout

WITH SOME 30 YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE, LEAH SOKOLOWSKY DISCUSSES

HER CREATIVE PROCESS AND THE EVER-CHANGING ROLE OF A LOCATION SCOUT

Back when Leah Sokolowsky was growing up, her advertising creative director father would often take her on commercial shoots. It was during one of those outings at a ranch in Los Angeles that The A-Team just so happened to be shooting nearby. Sokolowsky was immediately smitten— with the shooting of a television show and not necessarily the A team itself— and once back home in Florida turned her attention towards a career in the film industry. “I got the bug, and it bit me hard,” she says. After an internship at the then new Palm Beach County

Film and Television Commission, she met the location manager of Miami Vice. It was Sokolowsky’s prowess with an Apple computer that got her hired. “She took me under her wing and the rest is history,” says Sokolowsky.

Some 30 years and a ton of jobs later, Sokolowsky is still smitten with her career as a location scout and manager—whether it’s working on a large feature film project like Oliver Stone’s Any Given Sunday or the more recent The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Here, she offers scouting tips, lessons learned and her unique perspective on the role of a location scout today.

Leah Sokolowsky, Location Managers Guild International Member

South Pointe Park in Miami Beach

Destination Film Guide: Do you have a location specialty?

Leah Sokolowsky: Working in Florida, we tend to take what comes along as it’s no longer a production zone. I do everything from small intimate photo shoots to feature films and everything in between. Typically, people find their niche and stick with it. But being that we have become less of a production center and more of a location destination, I have to be flexible and adapt. It was important to stay in a place I love and try to eke out a career doing something I love. I’ve been fortunate

in that I’ve been able to do that. There were periods where it has been difficult, but I love doing a little bit of everything. If you get sick of TV, you can go do commercials. If you get sick of commercials, you can hop on a feature. It’s nice because every project has a different pace and crew that presents a different feeling. Even the regular positions have different responsibilities. Each project has a different set of parameters, so you learn to deal with all of those things.

DFG: How did you become good at your job?

LS: Practice, practice, practice and years of experience. Some people are born with a natural eye and know how composition works and can see it and some of us must work a bit more diligently and push the envelope as far as the photography and the location search. Ultimately you should have a few key visual elements that are guiding you on a project. That can range from anything from a style of architecture to color to emotion. It depends on the project.

DFG: What are the factors you consider when scouting a location?

LS: As scouts, we work very closely with the creative team. We lean on the directors, designers, art directors and sometime the producers. We

are trying to provide a backdrop of colors that enhance whatever story the creative team is trying to tell. The visual is typically the first thing that drives us, but then there are budget and time constraints. We won’t be scouting huge mansions if there’s a tight budget. Or if you need to turn a permit around in three days, you’re going to be zooming in on areas that can accommodate that time frame. How I scout for a 10-person photo shoot is very different from how I scout for a huge feature film that might have 50 pieces of large equipment. Scouting and managing is one of the few jobs that you can’t say it’s left or right brain. It is creative and artistic and very rewarding on that side, but it’s also very logical, and process- and task-oriented.

DFG: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

LS: Never take anything for granted. No matter how much everything stays the same, everything is always changing in the location world. You scout a beach and it’s always available and cheap. But then they get a new event schedule on the day you want to shoot. If it’s somewhere that shut you down before, it doesn’t hurt to call or email. Even if you know the rules in place for a certain municipality, you always double check to make sure nothing has changed. You always

Island of Bimini in the Bahamas

must make sure you check parameters for every single location and do your due diligence.

DFG: How has your profession changed since you started?

LS: I got my first job because I knew how to use a Mac. Back then, we didn’t have fax machines or cell phones. We used typewriters. We drew maps by hand and wrote down directions. I had a street finder book that I would map out everywhere I was going. I would write notes on every page of stuff like where fire hydrants and payphones were, and I always had to carry a roll of quarters.

That being said, my particular job has sped up. The rate at which we need to find the locations, get permits and get everything done has increased exponentially. You have to be super digitally savvy from taking and uploading photos to using all the up-to-date sites and software. You have to know how to map and tag things so people can find them. We deal with a lot more legal, insurance and risk management. There’s also a lot more responsibility on the management side. A lot of people have phased out because they haven’t been able to keep up with those things or didn’t want to.

We are like ninjas; in and out and we are trying to not be seen. It is awesome but people don’t understand what location professionals do and that goes for people who have been in the industry for a long time. It’s a very hard job because you are the first public-

facing face, and you must mediate between the needs of production and the community in which you work.

DFG: How has updated technology and the transition from film to digital affected the locations you scout or how they appear onscreen?

LS: The advent of digital affects technology has allowed them to utilize a vision of the effects team. It has really helped make locations less invasive and it also allows for smaller crews to go in and capture beautiful areas that might be difficult for a whole crew to travel to. Through the magic of effects, you can digitally enhance

the actors and make it appear that everything is taking place there.

DFG: How has the streaming model changed how you approach the creative process?

LS: It has created this amazing desire for high-quality television. Streaming is almost a mix between what was traditionally old movie style and television. A lot of it is focused on location. Look at Succession or shows in Florida like Bloodline, Baller, The Marvelous Maisel and American Crime Story. We got to show off our beautiful state. The streaming process has been great for my profession, and I think it’s been great for TV too.

DFG: What are you most excited about in regard to the future of location scouting?

LS: The golden age of television is really laser-focused and people are wanting to shoot. I’m excited that people are exploring other areas, stories and diverse cultures. Nowhere is off limits. Sometimes it’s the not so beautiful places where you can find the most beauty. DF

Crandon Park Beach

Ocean Drive in Miami's South Beach/Art Deco district

FILM INCENTIVE GUIDE

Our comprehensive Film Incentives pages review financial benefits of working in various states, provinces and countries across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

22 New England

24 Mid-Atlantic

26 South

31 Midwest

35 American West

38 Mountain West

40 Southwest

43 Canada

46 Latin America, Hawaii & the Caribbean

Photo by Blue Arauz

Bar Harbor, Maine

NEW ENGLAND FILM INCENTIVES

QUAINT VILLAGES AND DRAMATIC COASTLINES

MAKE FOR UNFORGETTABLE BACKGROUNDS

New England’s visually dazzling fall foliage, charming coastal villages and winding, European-inspired streets are appealing to a variety of productions. Whether you want an authentic period piece or vibrant outdoor adventure, New England offers the backdrop for you.

CONNECTICUT

There has been a influx of filmmakers and producers flocking to Connecticut to take advantage of the Constitution State’s diverse landscapes and colorful seasons. Its close proximity to NYC and shared film crew workforce with NYC and New Jersey make this state extremely appealing to producers. Not only do the state’s tax incentives cover motion picture productions but digital animation as well. Producers of the Netflix movie The Good Nurse saw filming potential in the coastal cityscape of Stamford. The small-town charm of Connecticut was also the inspiration for the beloved 1988 Julia Roberts classic Mystic Pizza, where you can still get a slice today.

Incentive Type Transferable, Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 10-30% for all crew, depending on the production budget

Minimum Spend $100,000-$500,000 (10% credit), $500,000$1M (15% credit), greater than $1M (30% credit)

Bonus N/A

Audit Requirements An audit by a Connecticut-licensed CPA is required

Application Submit a hard copy Eligibility Application to the Department of Economic Community Development (DECD) no later than 90 days after the first qualified production expense or cost has been incurred in Connecticut. Include administration fee and any other required information to be considered complete.

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

MAINE

Maine offers attractive film perks including two production incentives. The Wage Rebate offers 10% (nonresidents) and 12% (residents) reimbursement for wages paid to employees during production. The Expense Tax Credit offers a 5% non-refundable/non-transferable tax credit for non-wage production expenses incurred in the Pine Tree State. Maine also does not require sales tax on purchases of most fuel and electricity for film productions. The Leonardo DiCaprio mystery thriller Shutter Island and family drama Cider House Rules utilized the rugged natural beauty of Acadia National Park as an onsite filming location. Maine offers more than mountains and vast wilderness. The steep cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean flank the state’s east coast, boasting miles of memorable filming destinations that could be used as a stand-in for other rugged locations abroad.

Incentive Type Credit/rebate combo

Incentive Amount 12% (residents), 10% (nonresidents)

Minimum Spend $75,000

Audit Requirements None

Application Must provide a projected schedule for pre-production, production and post-production reflecting production will begin 60 days after certification. Applications must be authentic from the department; provide names of principals involved, certificate of insurance, information demonstrating the production is fully financed, and follow all other legislative guidelines.

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Phoenix Pictures

Shutter Island

MASSACHUSETTS RHODE ISLAND

Tax incentives paired with iconic New England charm and the state’s popularity among cinematographers, Massachusetts is known as “Hollywood East” for good reason. The brownstones and old brick pathways of historic Boston and the sleepy coastal magic of Cape Cod beguile producers with authentic old-world character. The Bay State offers abundant stand-in filming opportunities no matter how geographically different from the story’s location. Boston was used as a NYC backdrop for the remake of Ghostbusters. In the 2009 Sandra Bullock rom-com The Proposal, an Alaska seaside family vista overlooking the ocean was filmed in Manchester-By-The-Sea and Rockport on the Cape. More recent projects include CODA, Black Panther 2, Don’t Look Up and City on a Hill.

Incentive Type Transferable, Partially Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 25%

Minimum Spend $50,000

Audit Requirements For projects over $250,000, an independent audit from a Massachusettscertified CPA is required. Or an AgreedUpon Procedures form can be completed by the production’s CPA

Application Massachusetts has three tax incentives:

• Payroll expense credit

• Productions expense tax credit

• Sales tax exemption

Apply to the Department of Revenue for a Sales Tax Exemption prior to making any purchases in Massachusetts

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Picturesque seaside locations throughout the Ocean State offer prime shooting locations used by revered RISD students and well-known producers alike. The school of design encourages experimental film and photography, so it’s no surprise that the state offers a 30% Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit program to those that qualify as an incentive. In the 1990s, Rhode Island caught the attention of the auteur Farrelly brothers for the backdrops of their comedies Dumb and Dumber , Moonrise Kingdom , Hocus Pocus 2 and There’s Something About Mary Television programs like Family Guy and the 1995 NBC drama Providence made Rhode Island a staple of their television shows, catapulting the small state onto televisions around the world.

Incentive Type Transferable, Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 30%

Minimum Spend $100,000

Bonus N/A

Audit Requirements An audit by an independent Rhode Island certified CPA is required

Application Submit the Initial Application prior to the start of production; begin principal photography no more than 180 days from the start date listed on the initial certification letter

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Sunset Date 6/30/2027

Focus Features

Pathé Films Vendôme Pictures

Moonrise Kingdom

CODA

MID-ATLANTIC FILM INCENTIVES

UTILIZE RECOGNIZABLE CITYSCAPES, ROLLING APPALACHIAN LANDSCAPES AND PLENTIFUL WATER LOCALES IN THIS REGION

Home to New York City (one of the densest creative hubs in the world), charming coastal towns and everything in between, the Mid-Atlantic region can accommodate projects with any setting. Many of the states here offer comprehensive tax incentives.

MARYLAND

Delectable fresh crabs and the picturesque Chesapeake Bay comprise the east. Sprawling horse farms and Baltimore and D.C. are situated to the west. Maryland boasts prime filming locations throughout the state for any project. The riveting true story The Social Network and the action-comedy The Night Watchmen chose Maryland’s landscapes for filming on-location for such reasons. Maryland’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. is incentive enough for some. If popping over to D.C. for a few shots isn’t feasible, the city of Baltimore makes for a great stand-in.

NEW JERSEY

It’s “lights, camera, action!” in the Garden State thanks to its diverse culture and landscape and close proximity to NYC and Philadelphia. New Jersey offers all four seasons for filming any setting, whether down at the shore surrounded by lighthouses and expansive beaches or by the duckcovered lake and Old Mill in historic Allentown. Atlantic City is a favored stand-in for scenes in Las Vegas. Competitive tax incentives draw producers and filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, who used the dilapidated and crumbling facades of Patterson in North Jersey to emulate parts of the antiquated San Juan Hill neighborhood in NYC in the new West Side Story. Scorsese also took advantage of Paterson’s unpolished streets when he filmed parts of The Irishman. New Jersey prides itself on its robust workforce and the growing number of professional production studios.

Incentive Type Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 25%

Minimum Spend $250,000

Bonus 2% for qualified TV series, including pilots and miniseries

Audit Requirements

An independent, third-party CPA AgreedUpon-Procedures report is required by a Maryland-licensed CPA

Application Before production, submit a completed Application for Preliminary Tax Credit Certification including the Application Addendum to the Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED). Principal photography must begin within 120 days after the Preliminary Tax Credit Certificate or letter of intent from the DBED is received.

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Incentive Type Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 35-37%

Minimum Spend $1 million

Bonus

5% of qualified film production expenses incurred for services rendered and property purchased. 2% added bonus awarded for the hire of minorities and women

Audit Requirements Submit a tax credit verification report by a New Jersey licensed CPA

Application Principal photography to begin within 180 days from the tax credit application date

• Application fees: $500 ($1 million tax credit or less), $2,500 (tax credit in excess of $1 million)

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Sunset Date June 30, 2034

20th Century Studios

West Side Story

NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA

New York State offers incredible tax incentives to filmmakers, for instance an additional 10 percent tax credit for any qualified labor expenses if filming is shot in certain upstate New York counties. The unique and multifaceted state has a cornucopia of diverse filming locations that can double as almost any recognizable geographic locale. The New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTV) offers an online location library with over 32,000 pictures from around the comprehensive state to make scouting locations easier. From the rugged Adirondack Mountains and Finger Lakes wine country to the vibrant Big Apple and beyond, New York can suit scripts of any flavor.

Incentive Type Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 25-35% (below the line residents and nonresidents), N/A (above the line residents and non-residents)

Minimum Spend $250,000 - $1 million

Bonus Productions with budgets over $500,000 may receive an additional 10% tax credit on qualified labor expenses in certain upstate N.Y. counties

Application Submit a completed application before principal photography and production begins within 365 days

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Sunset Date January 01, 2029

Two major Pennsylvania cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have been used for countless movies and TV series like the original Night of the Living Dead and the iconic Rocky . Director M. Night Shyamalan’s Glass and the popular Apple TV+ series Servant chose historic Philadelphia for their settings. Pennsylvania’s impeccably versatile environment provides myriad backdrops for Oscar-worthy results including famous churches, diners and theaters. With abundant state parks and iconic cityscapes, it’s no wonder director John Hillcoat chose Presque Isle to film parts of the post-apocalyptic Cormac McCarthy adaptation The Road in 2009. Enticing tax incentives draw producers and filmmakers here for another good reason: fee-free filming locations on state-owned land.

Incentive Type Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 25-30%

Minimum Spend N/A

Bonus 5% of the qualified film production expenses incurred by the taxpayer if the taxpayer films a feature, television film or television series in a qualified production facility

Audit Requirements CPA audit for approved Film Tax Credit projects of $100,000 or more. For projects less than $100,000, an Agreed-UponProcedures report is required

Application Submit a completed application package for a 2% of 25% estimated expenditure fee no sooner than 90 days before the principal start date

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Sony Pictures/ Photographer Niko Tavernise

A24 Films

A Man Called Otto

You Hurt My Feelings

SOUTH FILM INCENTIVES

THE REGION FEATURES ENTICING INCENTIVES AND A RICH VARIETY OF BACKDROPS FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT

From sweeping romantic dramas to a zombie apocalypse, the South has provided settings for thousands of Hollywood stories for over a century. The states in this region offer a variety of tax rebates, many soft incentives and a wealth of local, unionized talent that will ensure an unforgettable final project.

ALABAMA

The presence of Talladega Superspeedway, the white sand beaches near Mobile and the beautiful ocean views of Dauphin Island have lured filmmakers to this state since Universal used the famous Old Monroeville County Courthouse for To Kill a Mockingbird. Recent projects have included Jordan Peele’s Get Out, Antonio Campos’ Devil All the Time, Ava DuVernay’s Selma, About My Father with Robert DeNiro and the Stephen King thriller Gerald’s Game. With a comprehensive production directory and location catalogue, the Alabama Film Office is an excellent resource and has advocated for even more attractive incentives to appeal to producers.

Incentive Type

Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 35% (residents), 25% (nonresidents)

Minimum Spend $500,000

Audit Requirements CPA audit required

ARKANSAS

Home to the acclaimed Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, rolling Ozark hills and striking cityscapes, the Natural State has attracted high-profile projects such as the Matthew McConaughey drama Mud and the third season of True Detective. The state offers a healthy pool of local talent thanks to growing programs at John Brown University, SAU Tech and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and relatively underutilized outdoor locations that make it easy to distinguish your next project.

Incentive Type Credit/Rebate Combo

Incentive Amount 20% (30% for below the line residents)

Minimum Spend $200,000

Bonus 10% for expenditures purchased from a local small business vendor owned by honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces

Application Application and $100 application fee must be received no later than 30 days before production starts

Application Application and/or registration must be submitted to the Arkansas Film Office prior to incurring any instate production or postproduction costs

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Sunset Date July 2026

FilmNation Entertainment

Mud

GEORGIA KENTUCKY

Thanks to the presence of Turner Entertainment, Tyler Perry Studios and Screen Gems, Georgia hosts the most TV and film productions outside of California and New York. A generous tax incentive introduced in 2002 has ushered in two decades of growth that has welcomed major studio players like Disney, Netflix and AMC. Thanks to a variety of urban and rural environments, a mild climate and proximity to the ocean, Georgia can portray everything from Missouri in Ozark to Wakanda in Black Panther . Recent productions include Disney’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and Loki

Incentive Type Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 20-30%

Minimum Spend $500,000

Bonus 10% for additional Georgia Entertainment Promotion for embedded Georgia logo and link to Georgia Film Office on promotional website Audit Requirements Audit is required

Home to rolling hills, bustling cityscapes and friendly small towns, Kentucky offers a diverse array of settings while maintaining its distinct Bluegrass State charm. Whether your team is looking for a rugged Appalachian backdrop, a quintessential small-town main street or city backdrops that can double for New York City, you can find them in the state that also offers four distinct seasons and more navigable waterways than any other state in the U.S. other than Alaska.

Incentive Type Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 35% (residents), 30% (nonresidents)

Minimum Spend $20,000-$250,000 (For a Kentucky-based company, the threshold would be $10,000)

Bonus 5% on expenses incurred in an Enhanced Incentive County Audit Requirements A CPA audit is not required, however it is suggested.

Application Applications must be submitted no more than 90 days prior to principal photography

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Application At least 30 days before incurring costs, submit a tax-incentives application that includes the production script or a detailed synopsis of the script, list of filming locations and anticipated expenditures.

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Walt Disney Pictures

Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2020

Secretariat

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

MISSISSIPPI LOUISIANA

While evocative bayou settings globally unique New Orleans streets have drawn productions since the advent of the industry, filmmaking exploded in Louisiana when the state passed extremely attractive tax incentives in 2002. Since then, the state’s skilled crew base has grown by over 400%, with production exceeding California’s in certain years. With a temperate climate and a mix of swamps, cities and waterfronts, the state has stood in for the Antebellum South, the Wild West, New York City and London. Recent projects have included Where the Crawdads Sing, Palmer and Unhinged. The state also has a booming tech sector and growing roster of VFX houses to provide CGI effects.

Incentive Type Non-Transferable, Partially

Incentive Amount 40-45% (residents), 25-30% (nonresidents)

Minimum Spend $300,000

Bonus If at least 50% of the VFX budget is expended for services performed in Louisiana by an approved Qualified Entertainment Company (QEC), or a minimum of $1 million in qualified VFX expenditures are made in Louisiana, an additional 5% credit may be allowed on the qualified VFX spend only.

Audit Requirements The state will assign a CPA to prepare production expenditure verification Sales Use Tax Relief For applications for initial certification the fee for filing an application shall be equal to 0.5% of the amount of the incentives or exempted taxes, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $15,000.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

With distinct Southern charm impossible to recreate on a soundstage, Mississippi has welcomed film production for over 100 years. The diverse geographic landscapes include the panoramic Mississippi Delta, the rolling hills in historic Natchez Trace, preserved railroad depots and antebellum estates. The state has a diversified economy that includes reality programming like Home Town (produced in the town of Laurel) and Homer-inspired epics like O Brother, Where Art Thou? that spotlights Mississippi’s blues, country and gospel music traditions.

Incentive Type Rebate

Incentive Amount 30-35% (residents), 25% (nonresidents)

Minimum Spend $50,000

Bonus 5% for payroll of honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces (wages subject to Mississippi income tax withholding).

Audit Requirements None

Application Submit the Mississippi Motion Picture Incentive Application and all documentation (vendor list, script, shoot schedule, etc.) prior to production beginning.

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Buena Vista Pictures

Columbia Pictures

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

The Magnificent Seven

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina’s diverse landscapes allow it to stand in for upstate New York (The Last of the Mohicans) and a post-apocalyptic mining community (The Hunger Games). The state’s coastal region also offers charming beach communities ideal for romantic dramas or even horror films.

Incentive Type Rebate

Incentive Amount 25%

Minimum Spend $1.5 million for feature film; $500,000 for madefor-TV or streaming film; $500,000 per television series episode; $250,000 for commercial

Bonus None

Audit Requirements North Carolina-licensed independent certified public accountant to perform audit at cost to the production

Application Applicant must complete a notification of intent to film form. Afterwards, complete the formal North Carolina Department of Commerce and Entertainment Grant Application.

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina features a mild climate and diverse topography for a variety of projects. Robert Zemeckis famously shot Forrest Gump’s Alabama scenes here, and the hit Netflix program The Outer Banks utilizes the beautiful coastal scenery.

Incentive Type Rebate

Incentive Amount 25% (residents), 20% (nonresidents)

Minimum Spend $1 million

Bonus N/A

Audit Requirements Audit is progressive and is performed by a South Carolina provided auditor; audit begins upon submission of first wage report.

Application Contact South Carolina Film Commission and include script, detailed budget and production schedule.

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

TENNESSEE

Two of America’s music capitals—Nashville and Memphis—are located in the Volunteer State, and they are major hubs for the entertainment and tech sector to provide your team with talent and postproduction facilities. The Creative Artist Agency, William Morris Endeavor, City National Bank, Sony’s Affirm Films, Scripps Networks Interactive and Regal Cinemas all have offices in the state, and filmmakers can take advantage of the area’s rolling deltas and lush Appalachian landscapes. (Added incentive: Most stateowned property in Tennessee, such as buildings, parks and roads, are available free of charge.)

Incentive Type Grant

Incentive Amount 25%

Minimum Spend $200,000 minimum qualified Tennessee expenditures per production/TV Pilot; $500,000 minimum qualified Tennessee expenditures per episode

Bonus 5% on resident labor if filming a scripted TV show with a minimum spend of at least $500,000 an episode and meet the screen credit requirement

Audit Requirements An independent CPA Agreed-UponProcedures report is required.

Application Apply at least four months prior to the start of principal photography

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Fox 2000 Pictures

Walk the Line

MIDWEST FILM INCENTIVES

MAXIMIZE YOUR NEXT PROJECT'S BUDGET WITH BEAUTIFUL WATER VIEWS AND CITY SKYLINES

The Great Lakes region offers a variety of visuals to suit your next project. From dense forests and coastlines to bustling cityscapes, there is a landscape in this area to match your creative vision.

ILLINOIS

Illinois is one of the most respected production centers in the country. Chicago’s distinct skyline has appeared in global smash-hits like The Dark Knight and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Additional blockbusters filmed in the state include Divergent, Home Alone, Groundhog Day and The Blues Brothers. The city attracts billions of dollars in local revenue from the number of productions highlighting Chicago’s gorgeous lakefront to its well-manicured parks. While the city of Chicago is managed by its own film office, the state of Illinois promotes the unique array of locations available. With an eye for diversity, inclusion and opportunity, the state of Illinois provides a plethora of resources to ensure the success of every production.

Incentive Type

Incentive Amount

Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Tax credit eligibility $50,000 in Illinois production spend for a project less than 30 minutes, $100,000 in Illinois production spend for a project 30 minutes or more.

Minimum Spend 30%

Bonus

Audit Requirements

15% on salaries of individuals that live in an economically disadvantaged area (at least 13.8% unemployment).

CPA must be approved by Illinois Film Office.

Application Applications must be at least 5 business days before the first day of photography. Applications must include a plan outlining goals for diversity in hiring. Commercial production applications filed with the Illinois Film Office 24 hours before filming begins in Illinois

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Sunset Date December 31, 2026

Watner Bros. Pictures

Dark Knight

Chicago's iconic lakefront and downtown

INDIANA

The Northwest region of the state is home to some of the rarest shorelines of Lake Michigan, protected as a national park in 2019. The sky-scraping dunes lining the shore transport you to another planet, providing a striking background in all seasons. Indiana Caverns is an underground cave system explorable by boat or by foot. Located at the southern tip of the state, it is a remarkable location just five miles off of I-65. Indiana is home to cities big and small, each with a unique flair. Transformers: Dark of the Moon and A Nightmare on Elm Street were just two of many feature films produced in Gary. Throughout the state, you don’t have to travel far to come across some of the most charming small towns in midwestern America.

Since 2009, Ohio has made significant efforts to attract the film and TV industry with a comprehensive tax incentive and the development of multiple regional film offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Hamilton. Each regional commission boasts unique filming locations and easy access to well-trained local crew members. The sky is the limit when it comes to locations in the birthplace of aviation. Of course, Ohio has an abundance of open fields, farms and corn silos –the images that come to mind for most non-Ohioans. But the state’s location databases are full of forest preserves, historic landmarks, amusement parks and urban sprawl.

Incentive Type

Incentive Amount 30%

Minimum Spend Credit is a case-by-case credit that is to be approved by the Director of the Film Office

Bonus

None

Audit Requirements In-office audit will be required

Incentive Type

Non-Transferable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 30% (residents and non-residents)

Minimum Spend $300,000

Bonus N/A

Audit Requirements

Application A qualified applicant may apply to the Film office for a tax credit. Then they shall be prescribed the form and contents of the application.

Sales Use Tax Relief N/A

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Projects of 30 days or more may be exempt from the County Innkeeper’s Tax.

An independent CPA must issue a report to the Director of the Ohio Development Service Agency certifying the production company’s expenditures.

Application Applications are reviewed and awarded in two rounds throughout the year: July 31 and January 31. Ohio requires a nonrefundable application fee equal to one-half percent of the estimated tax credit, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

OHIO Courtesy Visit Indy

Youngstown, Ohio

Indianapolis

Minnesota is the nation’s midway point between New York City and Los Angeles, and its plethora of international and regional airports means that bringing your production to the state is highly accessible. The state’s location guarantees four distinct seasons all marked with their own grandeur. The incredible fall foliage in particular has popped up in many films shot in Minnesota, including The Mighty Ducks , Grumpy Old Men and Purple Rain . The Land of 10,000 Lakes has no shortage of waterfront filming locations, and its comprehensive location database means every production team can easily find the setting they’re looking for.

NEBRASKA

Nebraska has attracted a variety of filmmakers who want to take advantage of the state’s vast plains (Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland ), cosmopolitan cities (Jason Reitman’s Up in the Air) and welcoming small towns (Alexander Payne’s Nebraska ). A successful grant program passed nearly a decade ago has bolstered Nebraska’s pool of local talent and studio space, and the state’s expansive western half contains untouched state parks and grasslands for distinctly Western vistas.

Incentive Type

Credit/Rebate Combo

Incentive Amount 20-25% (residents and non-residents)

Minimum Spend

Minimum spend varies between the two offered incentives:

Rebate: $100,000

Tax Credit: $1 million

Audit Requirements Projects with expenditures of $1 million or more require a CPA review, paid for my Minnesota Film and TV

Application

Incentive Type Grant

Incentive Amount 20%, up to $400,000 per film

Minimum Spend $1 million in-state

Audit Requirements Project must utilize 50% of Nebraska-based workforce for the duration of the Nebraska production unless a lower percentage was pre-approved by the Nebraska Film Office through a waiver.

Application Applications must be submitted before production begins. Each application is reviewed and funding will be awarded on a case-by-case basis with a max of 25% of projected Nebraska production cost

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief N/A

MINNESOTA

Photo by Matt Mead/courtesy Visit Sauk Centre Paramount Vantage

Sauk Centre, Minnesota Nebraska

AMERICAN WEST FILM INCENTIVES

THE REGION OFFERS AN IMMENSE TALENT POOL AND COUNTLESS DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES FOR YOUR NEXT FILM OR TELEVISION PROJECT

The American West is the cradle of modern Hollywood, with the talent pool and entertainment infrastructure of L.A. unmatched anywhere in North America. However, it’s also home to breathtaking natural environments that range from arid deserts to lush forests.

NEVADA CALIFORNIA

California can attribute its domination in the film industry to its wide array of amenities and services. The state boasts over 800 miles of picturesque coastline views down the coast-hugging Highway 1. The diverse climate of the state allows for a multitude of filming locations, from the vast deserts and grasslands of Southern California to temperate forests of Northern California. Combined with easy access to expert crews, state-of-the-art facilities, and a culture that prioritizes the creation of art, it is no question as to why California is known as the modern-day capital for film production in North America. The biggest film and TV production studios call this state home, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros., Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios. Academy Awardwinning Everything Everywhere All at Once is just one among many productions filmed in California.

Incentive Type Non-Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Spend 20-25%

Below the Line Residents 20-30%

Below the Line Nonresidents 20-30%

Minimum Spend $1,000,000

Bonus California Tax Credit Program offers bonuses based on the project’s job ratio. These are judged in 3 different categories that may not be combined: out-of-zone filming, visual effects, and music scoring / track recording labor.

Sunset Date 6/30/2025

A desert oasis of moral ambiguity, gambling, vice and unadulterated entertainment has made Las Vegas and Nevada at large a distinguished cultural contributor to the entertainment industry. The locations offered instate provide some of the most contrasting backdrops for any production need. The Las Vegas Strip offers glitz and visual stimulation in its most American form, while 30 miles away, the most bleak environments with otherworldly attributes can be found in lifeless deserts and dried lakebeds.

Recently, local crews have worked with production teams to produce critically acclaimed films and television shows like the Hangover series and Jason Bourne

Incentive Type Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Spend 15-25%

Above the Line Residents 15-25%

Above the Line Nonresidents 12-17%

Minimum Spend $500,000

Annual Cap $10,000,000

Project Cap $6,000,000

Nevada's Las Vegas Strip

OREGON

Oregon’s picturesque landscapes, reminiscent of the country’s last great frontier, have graced the screens of film and TV since the silent film era of the early 1900s. Only a two-hour flight from Los Angeles, this state offers unmatched access to hundreds of unique filming sites. Fog-covered neighborhoods akin to Norman Rockwell paintings are within driving distance to rugged terrain only conquerable by the most expert outdoorsmen. Oregon has served as a backdrop for recent projects like Significant Other produced by Paramount and Somebody I Used to Know produced by Amazon.

The Oregon Office of Film & Television sets itself apart through its commitment to a more inclusive, diverse film and entertainment industry. The office is championing initiatives in affirmative action and DEI, environmentally conscious content creation and equitable hiring practices.

Twilight

WASHINGTON

Filmmakers have flocked to Washington for its notably unique locations that embody the rugged and rainy Pacific Northwest region. This state is home to a number of small towns that boast a wide array of unique attractions, from the self-proclaimed “Lavender Capital of North America" in Sequim to the historic lumber town reimagined with Bavarian-style buildings in Leavenworth. Films and TV shows requiring an urban setting will not have to look far for stunning backdrops in Seattle or Spokane. Washington has served as the backdrop for classic films like Sleepless in Seattle , Grey’s Anatomy , Fifty Shades of Grey , The Man in the High Castle and Twilight .

Bonus

The state of Oregon offers 2 bonus programs under their Oregon Production Investment Fund: Within the Portland Metro Area: Allows a reimbursement of up to $200/day for each person traveling to or being put up at a different location. This has a project cap of $50,000. Outside the Portland Metro Area: Allows for an additional 10% to be added to the project’s overall award

Audit Requirements

The Oregon Film and Video Office may reduce the rebate by the costs incurred in verifying the production expenditures in Oregon, including obtaining an outside audit.

Incentive Type Rebate

Spend

Minimum Spend

30-45% (residents), N/A (non-residents)

$500,000 for motion pictures, $300,000 per episode, $150,000 for commercials

Bonus Episodic series with a minimum of 6 episodes may qualify for a maximum rebate of 35%

Audit Requirements

Application

Application Submit a completed application to the OFVO prior to the start of production

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Sunset Date 1/1/2030

None

Prior to receiving funding assistance, productions must file a completed Production Survey with the Department of Commerce. The Funding Assistance Application Form must be submitted to Washington Filmworks prior to principal photography.

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Sunset Date 6/30/2030

Summit Entertainment

MOUNTAIN WEST FILM INCENTIVES

UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPES AND AUTHENTIC SMALL TOWNS WILL LEND UNFORGETTABLE IMAGERY TO YOUR NEXT PROJECT

If you want to lend your film Western authenticity or a stunning natural backdrop, the Rocky Mountains are an unbeatable setting in North America. The region has received renewed interest as a film destination with the massive success of Yellowstone and its prequel 1883, with many producers looking to capture the beautiful vistas. Several states in the region offer attractive tax rebates, rentable ranches and excellent local crews for a variety of projects.

COLORADO

Between Denver and the Rockies, Colorado holds the best of both worlds for your production. Its enchanting landscapes will aid your talents in content creation. Film lovers from everywhere come here to attend film festivals such as the Telluride Film Festival, where guest directors Peter Sellers (The Pink Panther ) and Peter Bogdanovich (The Sopranos ), have offered up their expertise. Rumor has it that Telluride convinced Quentin Tarantino to film (at least part of) The Hateful Eight here.

Incentive Type Rebate. To earn a performance-based rebate of up to 20%, all production companies need to hire at least 50% local cast and crew

Incentive Amount 20% (residents and nonresidents)

Minimum Spend $100,000 – $1,000,000

Bonus None

Application Submit the Statement of Intent and Application for Conditional Approval and all supporting documents prior to production activities in Colorado. Production shall submit application prior to beginning production activities in the state for the project the production company is seeking the incentives for. You must include a statement of intent by the production company to produce a film in Colorado for which the production company will be eligible to receive the incentive. The production company shall submit any documentation stating the projected qualified local expenditures. For those companies seeking the CO based incentives, the CO based companies must provide documentation that the production company meets the definition of ‘originates” by showing copies of income tax forms, proof of voter registration, or utilities bills.

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Photo by Sean M,

Ouray, Colorado

Photo by Nathan Satran

Pompeys Pillar, Montana

UTAH

Utah’s diverse terrain has been used to create fictional towns or described as a different, existing place. Famous films that do this are Footloose , 127 Hours and National Treasure . Between the red rocks, the snow-capped mountains and desert, this state holds worlds within it. You can check out films in Utah productions coming soon on the Utah Film Commission resourceful site.

Yellowstone

MONTANA

While filming What Dreams May Come (1998), Robin Williams reportedly said, “If it isn’t God’s backyard, He certainly lives nearby” when looking at the stunning Montana scenery. He’s talking about the landscape, like the opening scenes in The Shining (1980) shot in Glacier National Park, the beautiful yet suspenseful scenes in The River Wild shot in the Kootenai River, and the scenes of Paradise Valley in Montana Story (2021). This state’s landscape is heaven on Earth for filmmakers. Recently, Paramount Network’s Yellowstone filmed in Montana.

Incentive Type Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 25% (residents above the line) – 15% (nonresidents above the line); 25% (residents below the line) – 15% (nonresidents below the line)

Minimum Spend $50,000-$300,000

Bonus 5% bonus for expenditures incurred in an “underserved area”; an additional 10% of all in-studio facility and equipment rental expenditures incurred in the state for a production that rents a studio for 20 days or more

Application

• $500 for projects spending less than $350,000

• $1000 for projects spending $350,000 or more in MT

• $1000 for any post-production company utilizing the post credit.

• The department of commerce shall notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application as to whether the production qualifies as a state-certified production.

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Sunset Date 12/31/2024

Incentive Type Credit/Rebate Combination

Incentive Amount 20-25% (residents), n/a (nonresidents)

Minimum Spend $500,000

Bonus

• 5% (the max % allowed per production is 25%) if the production company: 1) verifies $1 million or more of expenditures were made in the state of Utah; and 2) meets the definition of ‘significant percentage of cast and crew from Utah’ which shall be no less than 75% of the total instate hires of cast and crew, excluding extras, 5 principal cast members

• 5% (the max % allowed per production is 25%) if 75% of Production is in rural areas. Based on production days only (excludes Weber County, Davis County, Salt Lake County, and Utah County)

Audit Requirements

Independent CPA audit is required.

Application Prior to production submit the application in PDF format via e-mail to the Utah Film Commission Director; application will be reviewed by the Utah Film Commission for completion and then submitted to the Motion Picture Advisory Committee for review and recommendation to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board of Directors.

The motion picture company must have proof that 100% of financing of the anticipated Dollars left in state for the project are in place.

If a production has initiated principal photography prior to the Office’s receipt of a completed application or will not commence principal photography for more than 90 days from date of application, the application for incentive may be denied.

Applications are accepted on the 15th of each month

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

SOUTHWEST FILM INCENTIVES

UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPES AND AUTHENTIC SMALL TOWNS WILL LEND UNFORGETTABLE IMAGERY TO YOUR NEXT PROJECT

From the John Ford Westerns of the 1930s to eager vacationers on summer break, the mythic qualities of the American West have inspired stories and memories for generations. The mountains, valleys and vast rivers of the region can replicate the 19th century or the 23rd, and immense horizon lines make for stunning compositions no matter your subject matter.

ARIZONA

Best known for the Grand Canyon, this southwestern state offers plenty of outdoor adventures and the landscapes to go along with them. Flagstaff, a ponderosa pine-covered mountain town, is a major gateway to the Grand Canyon. Other natural sites include Saguaro National Park, protecting cactus-filled Sonoran Desert landscape. Tucson is University of Arizona territory and home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Recent films that have taken advantage of Arizona’s stunning scenery as Into the Wild, Little Miss Sunshine and Nomadland

Beginning January 1, 2023, the Motion Picture Production Program (HB2156) created new income tax credits for film production companies in Arizona.

Incentive Type Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit

Spent 15-22.5% (residents and nonresidents)

Bonus An extra bump on all qualified expenditures if you utilize a local Arizona-qualified production facility

Application This is a case-by-case program. Application and supporting docs must be submitted to the Arizona film counsel for approval. Some documents to include but are not limited to budget, amount of residents vs. nonresidents, filming locations. Etc.

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

NEW MEXICO

Over the last few years, New Mexico has turned into a “home-away-from-home” for streaming sites and production companies. In 2018, Netflix moved in, with a 170,000-square-foot studio in Albuquerque planned to be their “main production facility in North America.” Later on, in 2021 (same city), NBCUniversal opened its own studio, hoping to “further elevate New Mexico into the film world.” Recent productions filmed in New Mexico include Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, Better Call Saul, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and Flamin' Hot

Incentive Type Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 25-35% (residents and nonresidents)

Minimum Spend None

Bonus 5% increase for productions that shoot in rural areas, defined as 60 miles outside the counties of Bernalillo (home to Albuquerque) and Santa Fe

Application Productions must submit the Film Production Registration form and the Film Production Tax Credit Agreement form to the New Mexico Film Office two weeks prior to the beginning of principal photography. A production can expect to wait 8-10 months after wrap to receive their earned credit for applications submitted.

Audit Third-party audit is required.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Sony Pictures Television

Breaking Bad

OKLAHOMA TEXAS

Since the pandemic, there’s been no better place to shoot a movie than Oklahoma. Many linking this to “Oklahomans’s poise in the face of calamity,” another theory has been because of Governor Kevin Stitt’s signing the Filmed in Oklahoma Act, “increasing the state’s annual funding to $30 million.” Either way––the state’s been swarmed (busy) with productions. Stillwater , August: Osage County , Reservation Dogs , To the Wonder and Killers of the Flower Moon were all filmed in Oklahoma.

Texas has a long history of film and television production and continues to maintain its reputation as a premier destination for all types of projects. With more than 210 production companies based in Texas, the state's hard-working community of crew and resources attracts U.S. and international filmmakers. Yellowstone helped put the spotlight on small Texas towns. A recently signed bill includes $200 million in funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP), a big upgrade from the current budget's $45 million

Incentive Amount

Bonus Up to a 3% uplift for at least 25% of main crew principal photography on location in a county of less than 250,000 residents. If 25% filmed on location in a county less than 250,000 residents: 2% uplift. If 35% or more filmed on location in a county less than 250,000 residents: 3% uplift

Audit Requirements An audit by a pre-certified Oklahoma CPA is required

Application Apply no more than 1 year prior to preproduction and no less than 45 days prior to preproduction (14 days prior to post on postonly projects.)

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Film & TV & Visual Effects Projects: 5% for $250,000 but less than $1,000,000; 10% for $1,000,000 but less than $3,500,000; 20% for $3,500,000 and above

Minimum Spend 5-22.5%

Bonus

2.5% for projects which complete at least 25% of their total filming days in Underutilized or Economically Distressed Areas (UEDAs)

Application Applications will not be accepted earlier than 120 calendar days and no later than 5 p.m. Central Time, five business days prior to a project’s production start date.

Sales Use Tax Relief Yes

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Photo by Raychel Sanner Miramax

Taloga, Oklahoma

There Will Be Blood

CANADA FILM INCENTIVES

UTILIZE THE MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES AND COSMOPOLITAN CITIES OF THE GREAT WHITE NORTH

Besides Canada’s internationally recognized film locations (Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal), the Great White North holds a wealth of movie locations across its picture-perfect provinces. Between the boreal forest and the Toronto skyline, location scouts can create stories of any genre and receive financial relief by way of the Canadian Film Production Tax Credit.

ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA

Alberta is a Canadian province located in the West. While its capital city Edmonton is a good option for scouts looking for an urban backdrop, Alberta also has a diverse terrain great for nature shots. The landscape encompasses mountains, prairies, desert badlands, and evergreen forests. While the story of Ennis and Jack takes place in Wyoming in 1963, Brokeback Moutain was almost entirely shot in the Canadian Rockies in Southern Alberta. Other noteworthy blockbusters shot in Alberta are The Last of Us , Fargo , Ghostbusters: Afterlife , Land and Inception (2010).

British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province. This province is defined by a scenic Pacific coastline and majestic mountain ranges. Vancouver is also located in BC and holds Sony’s headquarters. Shot in Vancouver were The Night Agent , Yellowjackets , Peter Pan & Wendy , Deadpool and Deadpool 2 . For more picture opportunities, make sure to explore locations outside of Vancouver like Victoria, Okanagan Valley, and Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. If you’re a scout looking for cutting edge technology for special effects, BC is internationally recognized as a special effects hub.

Incentive Type Refundable Alberta Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 22% or 30% tax credit rate (International treaty co-productions may be eligible for a 30% tax credit certificate)

Minimum Spend Spend at least 60% of the total production costs in Alberta or at least 70% of the total production salary or wages on Alberta-based individuals.

Incentive Type Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 35% (Basic); 12% (Regional); 6% (Distant location); 30% (Training)

Application A link to the portal is available on the program webpage at www.alberta.ca/film-television-taxcredit.aspx

Application Complete the British Columbia Film and Television Tax Credit form (T1196).

Attach the certificate you received for your production from Creative BC. This is either the: Eligibility certificate (if production is not yet complete) or Completion certificate (if production was completed in the tax year). Submit the T1196 and certificate with your T2 Corporation Income Tax Return to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

20th Century Fox

Deadpool 2

MANITOBA

Manitoba’s landscape will make your viewers fall in love with nature. Its wide-open spaces are made up of lakes and rivers, mountains, and boreal plains. This province lends itself to professionals in the film industry. Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city, brings thousands of filmgoers together through its annual Gimli International Film Festival. Films you might have seen filmed in Manitoba are The Lookout , Paycheck , The Italian Job , Resident Evil: Apocalypse and more.

NOVA SCOTIA

Nova Scotia might be one of the smallest Canadian provinces, but it has a bold and rich film history. Nova Scotia, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and covered in vibrant green vegetation, has been the source of inspiration for various feature films. It is also the birthplace of Academy Award nominees Elliot Page, Arthur Kennedy and many other critically acclaimed actors. Some of the award-winning feature films made in the province are Titanic , The Shipping News , Sullivan’s Crossing , Amelia and The Lighthouse .

Incentive Type Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 45% (65% with bonuses)

Bonus • 5% (Manitoba Producer)

• 5% (Rural and Northern)

• 10% (Frequent filming)

Application For each eligible film, file the following with your return for the tax year: A Certificate of Completion (if the production was completed in the tax year), or an Advance Certificate of Eligibility (if the production was not completed in the tax year), issued by Manitoba Film and Music.

Credit Based on Production Cost Corporations may elect to claim a 30% tax credit based on production costs incurred for labor, goods and services provided in Manitoba that is directly attributable to the production of an eligible film.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Up to $300 (including tax) per night

Incentive Type Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 50% - 65%

Bonus Production companies that shoot more than two films in Nova Scotia over a two-year period are eligible for an additional 5% of eligible salaries frequent film bonus on the third and subsequent films.

Application Enter the amount of the credit earned in the current year on line 565 of Schedule 5, Tax Calculation Supplementary – Corporations.

Photo by Saidamir Mukhitdinov

Photo by Josh Lavalle

Peggy's Cove, Nova Soctia

Winnipeg, Manitoba

ONTARIO QUEBEC

Ontario, which borders the United States and the Great Lakes, is home to Canada’s capital Ottawa, and Toronto — one of the five top screen-based in North America. Notable movies made in Ontario are The Umbrella Academy , My Big Fat Greek Wedding , and this classic, X-Men . Ontario will support your big picture project with industry connections, services, and financial relief.

Incentive Type Refundable Ontario Tax Credit

Incentive Amount

• For first-time producers only, 40% of the labor expenditures, for the first $240,000 for the production and 35% on the balance. An additional 10% of the labor expenditures if the production is a regional Ontario production.

• For small first-time productions, you can claim a credit equal to the lesser of the labor expenditures, $20,000 if the production is a regional Ontario production or $15,000 if it is not a regional Ontario production. These amounts are reduced by any Ontario film and television tax credits previously received for the production.

• For consecutive productions, you can claim a credit equal to 35% of the labor expenditures and an additional 10% labor expenditures if the production is the regional Ontario production.

Bonuses Are Determined by Regions Within Ontario

10% — entirely outside or at least 85% of key animation outside the Greater Toronto area, at least five location days in Ontario

Application Before claiming the credit, you must apply online to Ontario Creates for a certificate of eligibility. If the production is eligible, Ontario Creates will issue a certificate indicating the estimated amount of the tax credit.

Sales Use Tax Relief No

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Quebec has a rich film history stemming as far back the late 1800s. In fact, the first public film projection in North America took place in Montreal. This gigantic province, which is nearly three times the size of Texas, with strong French influence and diverse terrain. Look out for the Place Royale and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church in Catch Me If You Can , and Château Frontenac, the streets of Old Québec, Le Théâtre Capitole, the Limoilou neighborhood, and Île d’Orléans in Alfred Hitchcock’s film I Confess . Other Quebec productions include John Wick: Chapter 2 and Jack Ryan

Incentive Type Refundable Tax

Credit

Incentive Amount 20% (All-spend Québec production costs including qualified labor and the cost of qualified goods and services)

Minimum Spend $250,000 CAD

Bonus 16% Labor-based computer-aided special effects and animation and shooting of scenes in front of a chroma key screen.

Application The corporation must submit to Revenu Québec its tax credit claim for a taxation year, along with a copy of the favorable the advance ruling given by SODEC and, where applicable, a copy of the approval certificate.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief Yes

Netflix

Photo by Mohammed Abubakr

Umbrella Academy Quebec City, Quebec

LATIN AMERICA, HAWAII & THE CARIBBEAN FILM INCENTIVES

GIVE YOUR PROJECT A TROPICAL BACKDROP OR AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN ATMOSPHERE

The island nations and tropical locales of Central America and the Caribbean offer lush, colorful backdrops for your project after just a short flight. Locations such as Hawaii and Puerto Rico allow a large cast and crew to establish a production without passports, while nations like Mexico and Dominican Republic pair enticing tax incentives with locations that are impossible to replicate. From the pristine beaches of Trinidad & Tobago to the colonial missions of Puerto Rico, there is surely, location in Central America or the Caribbean for your pefect shot.

COSTA RICA

With biodiverse ecosystems, sustainable production methods and historic cities, Costa Rica offers dramatic backdrops for a variety of projects. In December 2021, Costa Rica enacted the film investment attraction law, which aims to promote investment in and development of international film productions, co-productions and activities. High-profile projects shot in Costa Rica include Suicide Squad and You Were Never Really There.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

2022’s The Lost City, a critical and financial success that proved Hollywood could still profit off original mid-budget films, was almost entirely shot in the Caribbean’s second-largest island. Home to breathtaking beaches, jungles and historical Spanish colonial landmarks like the Primada de America cathedral, the Dominican Republic can stand in for most Latin American environments and has proven it can handle large productions. Besides the natural sites, film crews can take advantage of Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios’ 43 acres of soundstages and access to tropical locations.

Incentive Type Transferable Tax Credit

• A 90% VAT (value added tax) refund on purchases of goods and services for a film project if the film investment in Costa Rica exceeds USD 500,000

• An income tax exemption on payments to actors, directors, producers, and other personnel involved in a film project

• An import tax exemption on equipment and parts that are temporarily imported for a film project and on other imported tools, costumes, makeup, scenery and technical materials required for a film project

Incentive Amount 25%

Minimum Spend $500,000

Application Application to the Dominican Republic Film Commission

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

HAWAII

Home to 11 district tropical zones and a diverse topography that has stood in for Asia, South America and Pacifica, Hawaii offers colorful, natural beauty impossible to find in the continental U.S. With its appealing amenities that lure in cast and crew for extended shoots, Hawaii has established itself as a television destination, with both editions of Hawaii Five-0 , Lost and the breakout HBO hit White Lotus all shooting on the islands.

Incentive Type Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 20-27%

Minimum Spend $100,000

Bonus 25% total tax credit if production cost incurred on all other neighboring islands (big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai)

Audit Qualified CPA audit is required

Application Submit the Hawaii Production Report data online and a signed hard copy of the report via mail.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

Sunset Date 12/31/2033

MEXICO

Nowhere else in Latin America has a deeper and more knowledgeable crew base than Mexico. The country is a major draw for auteurs like Alejandro G. Inarritu. The Birdman director recently wrapped Bardo (Or False Chronicle Of A Handful Of Truths) in Mexico City, and it’s the directors first film to shoot entirely in his home country since his 2000 breakout Amores Perros.

• The Focine public fund is administered by Imcine. Full details at imcine.gob.mx

• International productions can request the return of 16% VAT if they meet certain criteria. Full details at comefilm.gob.mx

• The Eficine 189 tax break remains in place for film production, postproduction and distribution. It also enables tax credits for investors. Full details at imcine.gob.mx

Photo by Attie Heunis

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Límon Province, Costa Rica

PANAMA

With its unique blend of colonial structures and modern skyscrapers, Panama City is an eye-catching and underutilized location in Central America. Easy to navigate with a sophisticated underground metro system, the city also has easy access to the country’s pool of multilingual crew. Filmmakers can take advantage of Panama’s rainforests, beaches and resort towns, and recent productions have included Quantum of Solace, Contraband and James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad

• Economic return of 25% on qualified productions.

• A foreign production company that must invest at least $500,000 in qualified local expenses in Panamanian territory.

• Requires the international production company, through a local production company, to hire a certified public accountant (CPA) to conduct an audit of financial documents detailing all expenses incurred in the course of film production activities in Panama, to subsequently present your certification for economic return, subject to verification and approval by the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI).

Offering beautiful Caribbean backdrops without a passport required for your American cast and crew, Puerto Rico can easily stand in for other Latin American locations and features visual charms all its own. The island, complete with lush rain forests and sugar-white beaches, has been utilized by the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Driven (doubling as San Diego), and representing Fast Five (standing in for Rio de Janeiro). The Peacock series The Resort, starring Cristin Milioti and William Jackson Harper, also used Culebra and San Juan as stand-ins for Mexican resort towns.

Incentive Type Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit

Incentive Amount 40-55% (residents), 20% (non-residents)

Minimum Spend $50,000

Application Submit your application through the film commission’s online portal

Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief No

PUERTO RICO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

This West Indian nation, located 11 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela, offers a competitive exchange rate and lower production costs than other island nations. If your team is filming a short or commercial that does not require a large crew, the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company (FilmTT) is a state agency that can loan local talent and location scouts for production teams. Smallscale spaces are also available for limited digital and green-screen work.

For international productions the rebate offers:

• 12.5% cash back for productions over $100,000, plus 20% cash back for hiring local labor

• 15% cash back for productions over $500,000, plus 20% cash back for hiring local labor

• 35% cash back for productions over $1 million, plus 20% cash back for hiring local labor

Warner Bros. Pictures

The Suicide Squad

SITE INSPECTIONS

Created in cooperation with film commissions from coast-to-coast, these Site Inspections highlight exceptional locations and beneficial financial incentives offered by the local governments.

Photo by Donnie Sexton, Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

Philipsburg, Montana has a charming main street with historic buildings and impressive landscapes.

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

The Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit (OFTTC) is a refundable tax credit available to eligible Ontariobased Canadian corporations of 35% of qualified Ontario labor expenditures. The Ontario Producer Services Tax Credit (OPSTC) is a refundable tax credit to eligible Ontario-based Canadian and foreign-controlled corporations of 21.5% of qualified Ontario production expenditures.

Scan to discover more of what Film Durham offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com

DURHAM REGION, ONTARIO

Durham Region plays a key role in Ontario's film and television with a unique mix of industrial, urban, and rural locations that can be used as sets taking place in a variety of time periods. Due to its proximity to Toronto, many of the production companies that come to Durham Region have established headquarters in Toronto where the larger film studios are located but enjoy the convenience of filming on location in Durham.

FEATURED LOCATIONS Town of Orono

With a tagline of “The Village With a Difference,” Orono is a quaint town offering a variety of unique landscapes and landmarks, especially along its rural Main Street, where you’ll find antique shops, the Orono Country Cafe and 1899 Orono Town Hall. Other landmarks include the

Orono Water Tower (as seen in Schitt’s Creek), Jungle Cat World and the North American Hotel, built in the 1850’s it is considered one of Orono’s first brick buildings.

Pickering Nautical Village

An area of outstanding natural beauty and environmental diversity, Pickering Nautical Village is part of the Waterfront Trail, which features a beach and boardwalk. This popular and picturesque tourist destination bounded by Lake Ontario and Frenchman’s Bay has an array of shops, businesses, cafes and restaurants on its main thoroughfare, Liverpool Road.

Port Perry

Found on the shores of Lake Scugog, Downtown Port Perry offers a welcoming Victorian main street, lined with gorgeous heritage buildings and

charming storefronts. The lakefront setting creates a cottage country feeling. Home to many galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, Port Perry is also home to an award-winning craft brewery housed inside a restored carriage works building.

FILM CREDITS

Jack Reacher, Robyn Hood, Orphan Black, Flintstrong, The Art of Christmas, Gotham Knights, Fubar, In the Dark, The Handmaid’s Tale, Pretty Hard Cases, The Marsh King’s Daughter, The Way Home, Titans

FILM DURHAM

Eileen Kennedy 289-927-7119

eileen.kennedy@durham.ca

InvestDurham.ca/film

Pickering Nautical Village

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

To encourage film companies to film in New York, productions that comply with the requirements may be eligible for a tax credit of 30% percent of qualified production expenses. Qualified expenses include certain above-theline wages subject to specific caps, below-the-line wages, and production costs directly related to the production of a qualified film. This tax credit is funded at $700 million a year through 2034.

UTICA, NY

No matter the size or type of production that you are interested in filming, know that Film Utica and its partners are here to make your production, life and working experience in our area are as enjoyable, simple and exciting as possible. The Mohawk Valley region’s diverse landscape gives filmmakers a wide array of locations for cinematography. From inner city, medical, office, correctional, time-period, suburban, natural and rural farmlands, we have the ability to create or replicate any type of location your production team is seeking. Check back with us on a regular basis as we are continuing to grow our resources daily.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

The Stanley Theatre and Sound Stage

A Baroque movie palace in Utica, The Stanley Theatre and Sound

Stage is located on the expanding southern edge of downtown, some four blocks away from Utica's theater district. The design motif of The Stanley Theatre is dubbed “Mexican Baroque” because of its unique blend of styles. The terra cotta and tiled mosaic exterior shows its Mexican influence, while Habsburg lions, Indian faces and a multitude of angels and cherubs grace the lavish gold leaf Baroque theater’s interior. Legend has it that the grand entry staircase was designed to resemble the main staircase on the Titanic

Fort Schuyler Club

Located in the heart of downtown Utica, kitty-corner to The Stanley Theatre and Soundstage, the Fort Schuyler Club was founded in 1883 and is the area’s only private club of its kind. It is significant as a rare and

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substantially intact example of a late 19th-20th century social club. It was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

FILM CREDITS

The Good Shepherd, Sterile Cuckoo, Severance, Clean, Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99, Utica: The Last Refuge, As Long As We Both Shall Live, The Mountain, On the Road, Slap Shot

FILM UTICA

Lisa Wilsey

315-724-4000

filmutica315@gmail.com

www.filmutica.com

Fort Schuyler Club

"As a longtime Location Scout and Manager that has worked in several film markets, I can say that Atlantic City has been one of the best-kept surprises I've found upon returning to the area. The generous support offered by Heather Colache and local public safety systems allow Productions to meet deadlines on budget and with virtually no red tape. The City's landscape has so much to offer, including it's fabulous entertainment backdrops, historical prohibition era architecture, a thriving small business community, diverse neighborhoods, vibrant network of mural art installations, and general can-do spirit have me coming back for more.”

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ

With a big city feel from the tall buildings and nightlife, Atlantic City offers so many possibilities for a wide array of genres and plotlines. The Steel Pier and boardwalk give off a summertime aesthetic that can bring you back in time or keep you in modern times. The natural surroundings of sandy beaches, ocean waves and greenery will give you a wellrounded area to work with for your production.

Atlantic City is a “Film-Friendly Community,” that can accommodate a smooth and enjoyable filmmaking process. Our four miles of white sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean offer a variety of amazing looks – from our historic Steel Pier, America’s first boardwalk and nine casino resorts to the back bays and marshes with all their flora and fauna. We allow cars and trucks on the beach and Boardwalk for driving shots, have ample free parking, and we’re the perfect spot to film a surf scene.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

Atlantic City Boardwalk

The five-mile-long promenade along the Atlantic Ocean was the

first of its kind and remains the most famous boardwalk on the East Coast. and it has developed into a major tourist hub. Whether your project’s setting is based in today’s era or one of the distant past, the classic boardwalk feel will give you stunning ocean views and charming storefront shots.

Steel Pier

The Steel Pier has been a location for entertainment and amusement for generations. Originally built in 1898 and remodeled in 1904, the pier quickly became an exciting location for vacations. The carnival feel of the pier is the perfect location to capture summer activity

– Suzanne Koneful, Local Location Manager, Location Managers Guild International member

Atlantic City Boardwalk

and energy. The opportunity to incorporate the miles of beach and boardwalk all while sticking to one location is possible at the Steel Pier.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Formerly known as the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall, the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall has been the host of countless events throughout the 1900s. The beautiful arches and stonework give a unique and grandeur impression that will only continue when you step into the giant hall.

Showboat Hotel

This hotel gives you views of the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean while being minutes from popular tourist locations. The New Orleansthemed hotel is a great spot to find yourself in when trying to capture the feel of Atlantic City. The distinguished shape of the building will sell the big city feel you’re looking for and establish the tone of your project.

Atlantic City Casinos

Our casinos bring excitement at every turn, all while having that boardwalk charm right outside. With nine popular casinos in the area, there is plenty of space to create the setting for a high-stakes gambling scene or a fun night out on the town that will hook your audience. The casinos offer a variety of flash and exuberance to your project.

FILM CREDITS

Frances, Bruised, Army of the Dead, Warrior, The Bounty, Atlantic City, The Color of Money, Snake Eyes, Rounders

ATLANTIC CITY FILM COMMISSION

Heather Colache

609-226-5035

heatherc@visitatlanticcity.com www.atlanticcityfilm.com

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

New Jersey offers productions that shoot in Atlantic City a tax incentive program of up to 35% in tax credit that allows them to open the door to filmmakers and create opportunities for productions who qualify with a spend up to 60% on in-state expenditures or spend more than $1 million in qualified production expenses. Productions that meet New Jersey’s diversity requirement are able to receive an additional 2% tax credit totaling 37%.

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Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Atlantic City Beach

Showboat Hotel

ST. LOUIS, MO

Great location, easy access, a favorable economy, four distinct seasons, an eclectic music scene, cooperative city and county governments, and great transportation options are just a few of the advantages to filming in St. Louis. The St. Louis Film office is here to help you find the best the city can provide.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

The Gateway Arch Riverfront

Founded by the National Park Service in 1935 to commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a transcontinental United States, the Gateway Arch National Park (formerly known as the “Jefferson National Expansion Memorial”) stretches from the Old Courthouse to the steps overlooking the Mississippi River. Its riverfront stretches 1.5 miles. The landscape around the Gateway Arch reflects the monument’s curvilinear nature. Anchoring the west end of the park, the Old Courthouse is a prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture.

Union Station

When it opened in 1894, the St. Louis Union Station was the world's largest and busiest railroad station and its trainshed was the largest roof span in the world. The station was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970, as an important surviving example of large-scale railroad architecture from the late 19th century. Today, Union Station is a beautiful balance of nostalgia and renovation. The stylish and sophisticated Grand Hall features elegant historic touches like the original terrazzo floor, green glazed terracotta bricks, stained glass windows and wooden carpentry detailing.

Historic Laclede's Landing

Located just north of Gateway Arch National Park on the Mississippi Riverfront, the Landing is a multiblock collection of cobblestone streets and vintage brick-and-castiron warehouses dating from 1850 through 1900. The district is the only remaining section of St. Louis’ 19th century commercial riverfront.

Lemp Brewery

Originally a beer brewery established in 1840, the Lemp Brewery complex currently consists of 27 buildings on a 13.7-acre site bounded by Cherokee Street on the north, Lemp Avenue on the west and South Broadway on the southeast. The original complex buildings were designed in the Italian Renaissance style, with a wealth of brick detailing, arched openings and multilight windows.

FILM CREDITS

Up in the Air, Escape From New York

ADDITIONAL REASONS

PRODUCTION COMPANIES

CHOOSE ST. LOUIS:

• Diverse shooting locations

• Impressive production crew base

• Professional, diverse talent pool

• State-of-the-art post-production facilities

• 38,000+ hotel rooms with over 7,000 in downtown St. Louis

• Non-stop flights from L.A., New York, Chicago and more than 60 major U.S. cities

• Extensive equipment rental

• Stage space, soundstages, unique venues and theaters

• Easy permitting system

EXPLORE ST. LOUIS FILM

Renee M. Eichelberger

Film Commissioner 314-992-0643

reichelberger@explorestlouis.com explorestlouis.com

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

New for Fall of 2023, Missouri offers a 20% transferable tax credit on qualified production expenses with additional potential increases to 40%. Get all the details at MoFilm.org.

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St. Louis Union Station

Lemp Brewery

Historic Laclede's Landing

MONTANA

Montana certainly lives up to its nickname as the Big Sky State. Spectacular national parks—Yellowstone and Glacier—are the highlights of an incredible landscape of roaring rivers, dramatic mountain ranges and serene prairies. Montana has been the site of historical battles, prehistoric dinosaurs and unforgettable vacations, and its blend of landscapes will appeal to productions who seek an epic scope.

Established in 1974, the Montana Film Office markets Montana as a business destination for production companies and provides technical assistance to productions that choose Montana. It is the responsibility of the MFO to ensure the state is film friendly. We work with producers to find locations that fit their script and serve as their liaison through every phase of their production.

Producers have come to depend on the MFO to help navigate permitting, understand regulation processes, and assist in location nuances. In the film industry, time really is money. A state’s willingness and ability to facilitate film productions often becomes a factor in choosing their location.

The setting of beautiful Montana added such depth to our film. The filmmaker and producers always knew that Montana itself would be its own character in the story, but we never could have imagined what an incredible impact Montana had not only on the film, but, also on all the cast and crew. We have filmed in many states, but this was by far the best experience.”

–God’s Country

FEATURED LOCATIONS

Yellowstone Film Ranch

This Western backlot is styled after 1800s gold rush towns and uses five fully functional interior/exterior sets with support buildings to create 28 unique structures against the backdrop of Emigrant Peak. Buildings include a church, saloon, general store and barn in addition to a main street for shootouts and establishing shots.

Butte

The largest historic district in the country was transformed for the location shoot of 1923 starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. The Highland Mountains and east-ridge of the Continental Divide surround the

Yellowstone Film Ranch

city of Butte. Productions can utilize the stately mansions and Victorian architecture of the uptown business district as well as the numerous ghost towns in outlying areas.

Virginia City/Nevada City

These neighboring gold rush towns grew rapidly in the 1860s. Today, they are home to over 150 preserved 19th century buildings that lend authenticity to Westernthemed films and TV shows. Locations include the Nevada City Railroad Station, a stagecoach buildings and several saloons.

Old Montana Prison

The oldest Territorial Prison in the Western United States dates back to 1870 and features immense grey sandstone walls. The prison was decommissioned in 1979, but the facility still houses cells, wardens quarters, a yards a chapel and gates for your next prison-set production.

Billings

Montana’s largest city offers easy access to the Yellowstone River, Crow Indian Reservation and local talent. Popular locations include the Billings Depot (a massive passenger station that can accommodate hundreds of extras), the Moss Mansion (a 28-room building with original furnishings) and the Rimrocks (an environment of ancient sandstone cliffs and hiking trails).

FILM CREDITS

Yellowstone, 1923, 1883, The Revenant, Certain Women, A River Runs Through It, The Shining, Far and Away, Mending the Line, Supercell, God's Country

MONTANA FILM OFFICE

Allison Whitmer

406-841-2881

allison.whitmer@mt.gov

MONTANAFILM.COM

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

Montana offers a 20% transferable income tax credit on production expenditures in the state with additional amounts that can increase the credit up to 35% of the production company’s base investment in the tax year. These per production, additional incentives include 25% of compensation for Montana resident crew members, 15% of compensation for out-of-state crew and 20% of above-the-line compensation (actor, director, producer, writer).

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Billings

Virginia City

KENTUCKY

Home to rolling hills, bustling cityscapes and friendly small towns, Kentucky offers a diverse array of settings while maintaining its distinct Bluegrass State charm. Whether your team is looking for a rugged Appalachian backdrop, a quintessential small town main street or city backdrops that can double for New York City, you can find them in the state that also offers four distinct seasons and more navigable waterways than any other state in the U.S. other than Alaska. With generous incentives and large pool of local talent, Kentucky is the ideal choice for your next project.

The Kentucky Office of Film and Development was created to encourage the film and entertainment industry to choose locations in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for filming of motion picture or entertainment productions. The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development administers the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive program and is a resource to producers and filmmakers who have questions about filming in Kentucky.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

Louisville

Kentucky’s largest city is home to famous sites like Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Factory and

the Ohio River shoreline. Filmmakers can also take advantage of Old Louisville, a gorgeous historic district that contains more restored Victorian homes than anywhere in the United States and is an excellent setting for period pieces. Productions will have easy access to experienced crew, gear rentals and expansive studio space.

Lexington

Home to the University of Kentucky and famed statesman Henry Clay, Lexington features academic buildings, horse racing courses and thriving downtown districts for your next project. Coming in 2023 is the state-of-

John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Covington

the-art, 52,000-square foot studio facility overseen by the Lexingtonbased Wrigley Media Group.

Danville

Danville’s downtown has earned the coveted Great American Main Street Award, and its perfect backdrop for projects set in an allAmerican small town. Buildings in the area such as the Willis Russell House (which dates back to 1837) and the Fisher Ford House (a two-story log cabin) and several antebellum mansions also can lend historic authenticity.

Keeneland Racecourse

Founded in 1935 and designated a National Historic Site in 1986, this 147-acre facility is one of the most famous horse racing venues in the world. The films Seabiscuit and Secretariat both used the track for their horse racing sequences, and the venue’s grandstand design lends it a timeless quality.

Covington

Located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, this city’s waterside views can be seen in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Ides of March . The downtown area is brimming with Italianate brick buildings and expansive murals, while the St. Anne Convent in nearby Melbourne was featured in the Oscar-winning Rain Man .

FILM CREDITS

Above Suspicion, The Asphalt Jungle, Elizabethtown, Goldfinger, The Kentuckian, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Rain Man, Seabiscuit

KENTUCKY CABINET FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Timothy Bates

502-564-7670

tbates@ky.gov

ced.ky.gov

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program offers up to $75 million in annual tax credits to qualified projects. A refundable income tax credit of up to 30% of approved expenditures in nonenhanced incentive counties and 35% in enhanced incentive counties can be applied for by reaching out to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. The state offers an additional 5% incentive for Kentuckyresident crew members. A minimum Kentucky spend for narrative films is $250,000 ($125,000 for Kentucky residents) and $20,000 for documentaries ($10,000 for Kentucky residents).

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Danville

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Lexington

BILLINGS, MT

Montana’s largest city is alive with urban growth and vibrancy, yet it maintains its Western heritage and accessibility to natural resources for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit an art museum, experience a Native American Pow-Wow at nearby Crow Indian Reservation, explore ancient fossil beds, relive the Battle of Little Bighorn, rappel down rimrock cliffs or navigate the mighty Yellowstone River. Here, city parks and urban landscapes rival the beauty of Mother Nature and surrounding natural wonders.

The team at Visit Billings works closely with the Montana Film Office to ensure the state and destination are film-friendly. With Montana’s new and attractive tax incentives, Visit Billings also offers financial assistance (on a case-by-case basis) to provide perks for choosing this area to film your next production. And for off-day adventure ideas, they provide inside information on hidden gems and local favorites. Job one for Visit Billings is to be your local resource in facilitating seamless location-shooting and simplifying production logistics.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

The Billings Depot

Built in 1909, just 20 years after

statehood, this massive complex spans four city blocks. Sitting on a main east-to-west rail line corridor, this gorgeous building was a centerpiece for downtown Billings. The campus features an office building, passenger station (with a baggage room) and historic post office. Politicians, Hollywood celebrities and even royalty have made their arrival in Billings through these doors. Today, it is lovingly restored to period condition.

Four Dances National Recreation Area

With cliffs that drop 200-500 feet to the river, this area features spectacular views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding plains that

Photo courtesy of Visit Billings

are bordered by mountains on the horizon. One side showcases an undeveloped natural area while the other highlights an industrial cityscape. The crown jewel of the area is Pictograph Cave State Park.

The Rimrocks

Geologically and geographically iconic to the Billings landscape, these 70-million-year-old sandstone cliffs outline the northern border of the city, Several parking areas make it easily accessible, while historic Zimmerman Trail allows cars to zigzag up (or down) the “rims” amidst natural and wooded areas.

The Moss Mansion

Built in 1903 and designed by the famed New York architect who also designed the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, this three-story, red-stone mansion has 28 rooms and stands 45 feet tall. It features unrivaled craftsmanship and exquisite décor such as marble fireplaces and a vintage intercom.

Pryor Mountains

The type of terrain that makes up the Pryors consist of flat benches, high deserts, mesas, buttes and deep limestone canyons, and it is partially forested. The Pryor mountain range is also host to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, which is home to 120 wild mustangs.

FILM CREDITS

Nebraska, We Burn Like This, Far and Away, American Idol, The Amazing Race, Hotel Impossible x 2, Undercover Boss (Kampgrounds of America), Wheel of Fortune

VISIT BILLINGS

Alex Tyson (406) 869-3726

Alex@VisitBillings.com www.visitbillings.com

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

From assisting with site inspections and visits, to accommodating talent and crews with off day adventure ideas, the Visit Billings team is proud to assist every step of the way. From American Idol talent calls to assisting the director (Payne) and producers (Parra) of Nebraska, the community is ready and willing to help make sure filming is seamless and that execution is as simplified from a community standpoint as possible. There is financial assistance available on a case-bycase basis by Visit Billings that offer advantages to choosing the area.

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Billings Depot

Moss Mansion

Rimrocks

CITY CRUISES NEW YORK

While City Cruises is traditionally known for hosting public dining cruises and private events, the company’s fleet of yachts are also sought-after production venues for TV and movie producers looking for flexible spaces that offer a blank canvas for capturing scenes that include iconic NYC sights as the backdrop. City Cruises yachts range in size, with capacity for 120 to 1,000 passengers. Each yacht has its own unique style ranging from traditional to modern in design.

FILM ON THE WATER WITH CITY CRUISES

All yachts have interior climatecontrolled decks with large windows and large outer decks offering unparalleled views of iconic sights from a variety of angles, creating alluring backdrops.

While routes are completely customizable, classic iconic New York City sights seen from yacht routes along the Hudson and East Rivers include the Empire State Building, Vessel at Hudson Yards, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, Battery

Park City, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Governors Island, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Iconic New Jersey sights viewed from yacht routes are Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, the Colgate Clock and Erie Lackawanna Railroad Terminal.

CUSTOMIZABLE SPACES

All yachts can be used in traditional dining, sightseeing, private party cruise set-ups. Additionally, they can be cleared out, functioning as a blank, customizable space with

Set the Scene with Stunning Views You Won’t Find on Land

City Cruises yachts are sought-after production venues, offering versatile filming space with breathtaking views of NYC landmarks. (Capacity ranges from 120 to 1,000).

external furniture, lighting, sound and finishings bringing each production’s vision to fruition. Each yacht has full electricity, running water and HVAC. Yachts have a combination of polished wood flooring and carpeted interiors. Most furniture can be removed except for some built-in bar counters. An accommodating team of expert captains and deck hands are equipped to handle various set-ups and can work closely to support a film crew in all their on-site needs.

YACHT DETAILS

• Infinity is 45’ wide x 210’ long and has a passenger capacity of 1,000

• Spirit of New York is 36’ wide x 197’ long and has a passenger capacity of 600

• Spirit of New Jersey is 33’ wide x 185’ long and has a passenger capacity of 600

• Celestial (Bateaux New York) is 37' wide x 210’ long and has a passenger capacity of 300

• Atlantica is 34' wide x 150' long and has a passenger capacity of 400

• Serenity is 31’ wide x 145’ long and has a passenger capacity of 425

• Sensation is 39” wide x 114’ long and has a passenger capacity of 425

• Lexington is 24' wide x 96’ long and has a passenger capacity of 120

• Manhattan Elite is 20' wide x 96’ long and has a passenger capacity of 120

FILM CREDITS

Succession, Unbreakable Kimmy

Schmidt, Million Dollar Listing, Side Effects, CSI: Miami, Entourage, Dexter, Hells Kitchen, The Bachelor

CITY CRUISES NEW YORK

Elizabeth Tornatore

917-753-0661

elizabeth.tornatore@cityexperiences.com

www.cityexperiences.com

LOCATIONS

City Cruises has three easy-to-access port locations in Manhattan and one in New Jersey where their 9 New York based yachts can depart from:

• Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers in NYC: West 23rd and 12th Avenue, NYC

• Pier 15 at the Seaport in NYC: 78 South Street, NYC

• Pier 40 in the West Village in NYC: 353 West Street, NYC

• Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken: 1500 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ

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Manhattan Elite has a passenger capacity of 120.

Spirit of New York has a passenger capacity of 600.

The stuff we shot in the [Missouri] Ozarks looks stunning…When we were planning to shoot our first episode of “Ozark,” the film office served as our guide on a number of trips. They showed incredible hospitality and offered a superb glimpse of the world we were about to portray.”

MISSOURI

Missouri has three major Midwest cities and hundreds of charming small towns. St. Louis is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and is the home of the iconic Gateway Arch, while Kansas City boasts more than 200 beautiful European fountains and some of the country's best barbecue, and Springfield is the founding home of Route 66. Whether you need a sun-drenched setting, spectacular fall foliage or are storyboarding a snowball fight, you can film it in Missourisometimes in the same day!

Missouri Film Office is a great resource when looking for a variety of locations in one spot. Step back in time at well-preserved historic buildings and districts across the state, fabulous sites ready to recreate the industrialization period, the prohibition era, or mid-century life. And if nature is what you need, explore Missouri’s 59 accessible rivers and streams, six major lake destinations, more than 7,000 natural caves and awardwinning outdoor trails.

FEATURED LOCATIONS Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City)

The Missouri State Penitentiary is a historic building that brings

a rich history and sits along the Missouri River. After opening in 1836, the prison housed inmates for 168 years, making it the longest operating prison west of the Mississippi River until 2004 when it was decommissioned. The large stone brick building and walls, long hallways and barred cells will give you a sinister feeling that old jails portray, making it the perfect location to film a prison movie.

Fantastic Caverns

Missouri has the most caves per square mile in the United States, giving it the well-earned moniker of “The Cave State.” But Fantastic Caverns, located just north of

–Chris Mundy, Showrunner, "Ozark"

Springfield, Missouri, is the only ridethru cave, not just in the state, but in the whole country! The cave boasts gorgeous rock formations from the size of soda straws to massive columns that span floor to ceiling, and a crystal clear underground river.

Union Station (Kansas City)

This restored Gothic Revival landmark offers a location that shows off beautiful architecture with plenty of space. The spacious rooms, sunlit corridors, extravagant fountain and elaborate light fixtures offer elegance and early 20th century charm that will add period accuracy to your production.

Missouri Mine State Historic Site (Park Hills)

This mine, built in 1907, provides an authentic industrial environment. The structure of the building, rusted walls, broken windows and railroad tracks all provide diverse set-ups for filmmakers. If your project seeks a factory setting or working-class backdrop, this facility can serve your needs.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Beautiful views, scenic hiking trails and a sparkling lake aren’t the only things you’ll be getting at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. This location offers two swimming beaches, boating and an active lake environment, hiking, biking and equestrian trails, a variety of natural features like overlooks, sunny glades and wooded areas.

FILM CREDITS

American Honey, Gone Girl, Up in the Air, Winter's Bone, You’re Next, Ride With the Devil, Escape From New York, Tom Sawyer, Paper Moon

MISSOURI FILM OFFICE

Andrea Sporcic

573-526-3566

andrea.sporcic@ded.mo.gov MoFilm.org

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

New for Fall of 2023, Missouri offers a 20% transferable tax credit on qualified production expenses with additional potential increases to 40%. Get all the details at MoFilm.org. In addition, the Kansas City Film Office offers a 10% rebate for projects produced in the KC Metro area.

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Union Station

Fantastic Caverns

Missouri Mine State Historic Site

SOUTHWEST MONTANA

Southwest Montana is a prime film destination that offers a variety of historic small towns, ranches, wideopen spaces, mountains, lakes and rivers, ghost towns and more. Nestled between two of America's most beautiful parks, Yellowstone and Glacier, Southwest Montana offers the best of Big Sky Country.

FEATURED LOCATIONS Butte

Established in 1864 as a mining camp in the northern Rocky Mountains on the Continental Divide, Butte was one of the largest copper boomtowns in the American West. The city’s Uptown Historic District is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the U.S., with nearly 6,000 contributing properties. Located on a hillside on the northwestern edge of town this area is noted for its abundance of lavish Victorian homes and Queen Anne-style cottages built in the late 19th century. Throughout Uptown and

western Butte are 14 headframes, remnants of hoist houses accessing 10,000 miles of underground mine tunnels honeycombing the Butte hill. In 2002, Butte was one of only 12 towns in America named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Helena

Montana’s capital city, Helena was founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush. The city became wealthy, with some 50 millionaires inhabiting the area by 1888. The concentration of wealth contributed to the city’s prominent, elaborate

Victorian architecture. All across Helena, you can experience historic roots that reach back hundreds of years—from Carroll College and the Mansion District to the Montana State Capitol building. Surrounding features include the Continental Divide, Mount Helena City Park, Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Lake Helena, Helena National Forest, the Missouri River and Elkhorn Mountains.

Anaconda and Philipsburg Area

Nestled in a mile-high valley in the Deer Lodge National Forest, Anaconda sprang up when the giant Anaconda Copper Mining Company of Butte needed a smelter for its vast amount of copper ore. While smelting operations were suspended in 1980, “The Stack” remains an important landmark and state park. Anaconda is characterized by densely timbered forestlands, lakes, mountains and recreation grounds. The county has common borders with Beaverhead, Butte-Silver Bow, Granite, Jefferson and Powell counties. On the main street is the Washoe Theater, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the last theater constructed in the U.S. in the Nuevo Deco style.

FILM CREDITS

Father Stu, Yellowstone, 1923, Call of the Wild, Heaven's Gate, Mickey and the Bear

VISIT SOUTHWEST MONTANA

Sarah Bannon

406-846-1943

info@southwestmt.com

film.southwestmt.com

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

Montana offers a number of competitive incentives to bring productions to Big Sky Country, including a media tax credit and the Big Sky Film Grant. The Montana Film Office works closely with the advertising, film and television industries to bring productions to the state in a partnership that is beneficial to your crew as well as Montana.

BIG SKY FILM GRANT

This grant program builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies with the intention to create Montana film industry jobs. It enhances the marketing efforts of Montana’s tourism regions and advocates for the state’s people, history and overall quality of life.

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Butte

Nevada City

Photo by Andy Austin

Photo by Donnie Sexton, Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

GLACIER COUNTRY, MT

Western Montana’s cinematic landscapes, Old West charm, and rich history have long inspired film producers, setting the stage for films like The Revenant and bingeworthy TV shows like Yellowstone. In addition to unrivaled landscapes, Glacier Country boasts more than 75 charming communities where you’ll find historic, Western architecture and authentic, smalltown Americana. You’ll also find ease of access and unmatched hospitality while filming here.

Along with the Montana Film Office, Glacier Country Tourism is here to help you find your next show-stopping location. Discover the perfect setting among idyllic panoramas, towering mountain backdrops, lush forestland, glistening waterways, like Flathead Lake, and endless rivers and streams. Your next scene or full-feature film is waiting in Glacier Country, Montana.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

Missoula

Halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks is the city of Missoula, touted as Montana’s

cultural hub. The state’s secondlargest city is home to nine historic districts and is surrounded by a vast mountain range that stretches far toward the horizon. The treasured locale has served as the setting for legendary classics in the Western genre, including the ongoing series Yellowstone , starring Kevin Costner.

Libby

Combining authentic mountain experiences and breathtaking scenery with abundant outdoor recreation, Libby sits at the base of the Cabinet Mountain Range in

Kootenai River Valley. Here, some attractions include Libby Dam, Ross Creek Cedar Grove, the Kootenai River, and Kootenai Falls, seen in 2015’s The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio. The location is also notable for the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, located above Kootenai Falls.

Darby

Darby sits at the southern tip of the Bitterroot Valley and is home to local antique shops and oldfashioned candy stores, with the surrounding area offering authentic lodges and cabins. Some highlights include Lake Como, Painted Rocks State Park and Alta Ranger Station. Darby is also a primary filming location for the Yellowstone series, as the Dutton Ranch is located there.

Kalispell

Kalispell is a vibrant mountain town with a notable Old West charm located between Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. The bustling community sits among towering mountain ranges in a valley filled with crystal clear lakes and is known for its proximity to vast recreation areas. The town served as the shooting location for the 2004 film Hidalgo.

FILM CREDITS

The Shining, Hidalgo, Forrest Gump, The Revenant, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM

Racene Friede

406-532-3234

racene@glaciermt.com

film.glaciermt.com

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

The state's MEDIA tax credit offers a 20% transferable income tax credit on production expenditures in the state with additional amounts that can increase the credit up to 35% of the production company’s base investment. The Big Sky Film Grant builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies intending to create Montana film jobs. Filming in Montana also comes with a host of bonus incentives that include no sales tax, licensing exemptions and free location breakdowns.

Scan to discover more of what Glacier Country Tourism offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com

Montana’s I-90 Corridor

Fly-fishing the Blackfoot River

Photo courtesy of Andy Austin

REBATES AND INCENTIVES

Applicants meeting designated criteria may be eligible for tax credits with the Entertainment Job Creation Program and the Motion Picture Production Program.

Scan to discover more of what Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com

LOUISIANA’S CAJUN BAYOU

In Louisiana's Cajun Bayou, 35 miles south of New Orleans, discover the unapologetic Cajun culture of Lafourche Parish. Bayou Lafourche stretches over 100 miles, flowing through communities and defining traditions unique to this region, offering plenty to see and do "up the Bayou" and "down the Bayou."

FEATURED LOCATIONS

Laurel Valley Village, Thibodaux, LA

The largest surviving 19th and 20th century sugar plantation, Laurel Valley Village features miles of sugarcane fields, original slave cabins, a schoolhouse and a church. With more than 50 original structures remaining, Laurel Valley offers a unique glimpse into plantation life along the bayou.

Historic Downtown Thibodaux, LA

Though first settled by French and Spanish Creoles from New

Orleans, Thibodaux rapidly became a refuge for the Acadian exiles of the mid-1700s. The city’s rich past still lives on today via its multitude of pristinely preserved historic architecture. Nearby, you’ll find a number of Queen Anne style homes.

Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA

If high-quality fields and sports facilities are on your scouting musthave itinerary, then Thibodaux’s Nicholls State University with its 287-acre campus should top your list. Nearby is Nicholls Farm, a 277acre farm used for cross country.

Golden Meadow, LA

A small Cajun Country town on Highway 1, Golden Meadow features a changing rural landscape as the Bayou gets wider leading to the Gulf, offering plenty of the classic coastal Louisiana ambiance the area is known

for. Additionally, this area is dotted with authentic shops and businesses that have a long history of catering to those who make their living via the shrimping and seafood industry.

FILM CREDITS

Long, Hot Summer, Angel Heart, Gathering of Old Men, Point of No Return, Interview with a Vampire, The Vampire Chronicles, Ray, the Ray Charles Story, Because of Winn-Dixie, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Hypnotize Me, The Highwaymen

LOUISIANA’S CAJUN

BAYOU TOURISM

Cody A. Gray

985-537-5800

cgray@lacajunbayou.com

www.lacajunbayou.com

Laurel Valley Village Store