By Laura Weber
The film industry in Michigan may soon get a boost from the state. The state Legislature has approved a measure that would create a grant-based program to entice film companies to work in Michigan. The new grant program would replace the tax credit the state currently awards film productions. That incentive was dramatically scaled back this year by Governor Rick Snyder.
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said he was glad the Legislature approved the film incentive program before the end of the year.
"It was important for me to I think continue the investment in this industry and continue to make it attractive, slash, competitive, to make movies here. I think it's a great industry and I'm excited to maybe have helped out some today."
Richardville said he knows there may be some disagreement among Republican lawmakers next year over how much money should go toward film incentives. He said he thinks the program needs at least 100 million dollars in state funding to be viable.
The measure now goes to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature.
Copyright 2010, MPRN
The film industry in Michigan may soon get a boost from the state. The state Legislature has approved a measure that would create a grant-based program to entice film companies to work in Michigan. The new grant program would replace the tax credit the state currently awards film productions. That incentive was dramatically scaled back this year by Governor Rick Snyder.
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said he was glad the Legislature approved the film incentive program before the end of the year.
"It was important for me to I think continue the investment in this industry and continue to make it attractive, slash, competitive, to make movies here. I think it's a great industry and I'm excited to maybe have helped out some today."
Richardville said he knows there may be some disagreement among Republican lawmakers next year over how much money should go toward film incentives. He said he thinks the program needs at least 100 million dollars in state funding to be viable.
The measure now goes to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature.
Copyright 2010, MPRN