Uncertain Support for Pa. Film Industry

Tax incentives could face an unhappy ending to balance the budget

Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to announce next week whether state lawmakers should cut the motion picture tax credits.

Pennsylvania approved $60 million in incentives in the 2010-2011 state budget to lure motion picture productions to Pennsylvania. Last year 43 states and the District of Columbia offered tax subsidies for film and television productions, according to the Washington-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Corbett spokeswoman Kelli Roberts said the governor will grant $49 million in tax credits for 60 film, television and commercial productions, this year. But she did not say whether Corbett will include the funding in next year's budget.

The state is faced with a $4-billion deficit. Corbett is reviewing all of the programs being funded in the current $28 billion budget.

Corbett will deliver his budget address on March 8.

The film incentive program began in 2004. It allows filmmakers to apply 25 percent of production expenses in Pennsylvania to offset other state taxes, if at least 60 percent of the total production expenses occurred in the state.

In the last two decades, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office reports 260 films and tv shows have been produced in part or entirely in this region.

Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro star in Limitless, which shot scenes in Center City and is set for release March 18.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is recommending ending funding for film tax credits. The program was created in the Garden State in 2005, but was suspended last year to ease a budget shortfall. 

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