Film tax credit increase could benefit local economy
The film industry got a notable boost in benefits from the 2022-23 state budget — a boost that may impact the local economy outside of film production, Butler County officials said.
An update to the 2022-23 state tax code increased the cap for the film production tax credit in Pa. from $70 million to $100 million and provided a $5 million allocation to Pennsylvania film producers.
The film tax credit program provides a 25% tax credit to film productions if Pennsylvania production expenses make up at least 60% of the film’s budget. An additional 5% tax credit —for a total credit of 30% — is available for productions that meet the minimum state filming requirements at a qualified production facility.
Members of the film production industry in Pennsylvania previously had asked state lawmakers to increase the number of tax credits available in order to provide a larger incentive for companies to work in the state. A proposed increase to $125 million was introduced in Senate Bill 321, led by Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-46th, last March.
“We are thrilled with the much-needed expansion of the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit program,” said Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, which serves a 10-county region that includes Butler County.
“The film industry is a viable economic generator for southwestern Pa., and the film tax credits are a crucial part of the process to attract film production to the region,” she said. “The film/TV industry wants to film in southwestern Pa., and we are happy to welcome them.”
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