NewsflashMFO report - 2007 assessment of Michigan Film Incentive

Monday, 14 July 2008 | mpa

article thumbnai   Each year, per the incentive bill, MFO must report. The language of the 2007 bill states: Not later than March 1 of each year, the department of history, arts, and libraries shall submit to the governor, the chairperson of the senate finance committee, and the house tax policy committee an annual report concerning the operation and effectiveness of the credit under...
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Local NewsStatus of MFAC

Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | mpa

article thumbnaiHere is an update on the status of MFAC now to be known as the "MFOAC". When they moved from HAL to MEDC all appointments and the enabling legislation was abolished. So, according to the Appointments Office, MFOAC will be treated as a new commission, council whatever. And as you will note there are changes to the make up. So, they may be adding or changing some members, while...
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MFO report - 2007 assessment of Michigan Film Incentive
Written by mpa   
Monday, 14 July 2008

 

Each year, per the incentive bill, MFO must report. The language of the 2007 bill states:

Not later than March 1 of each year, the department of history, arts, and libraries shall submit to the governor, the chairperson of the senate finance committee, and the house tax policy committee an annual report concerning the operation and effectiveness of the credit under this section. The requirements of section 28(1)(f) of 1941 PA 122, MCL205.28, do not apply to disclosure of tax information required by this subsection. The report shall include all of the following:

(a) A brief assessment of the overall effectiveness of the credit under this section at attracting motion picture productions to this state during the immediately preceding year.

(b) The number of motion picture productions requesting tax credit preproduction approval letters during the immediately preceding year, the names of the motion pictures produced in this state for which credits were begun or completed in the immediately preceding year, and the locations in this state that were used in the production of approved motion pictures in the immediately preceding year.

(c) The amount of money spent by each motion picture production company identified in subdivision (b) to produce the motion pictures in this state and a breakdown of all production spending by all companies classified as goods, services, or salaries and wages.

(d) An estimate of the number of persons employed in this state by motion picture production companies that qualify for the credit under this section.

(e) The value of all tax credit certificates of completion issued under this section.

(f) An estimate of the cost to the general fund resulting from the tax credits claimed under this section and an estimate of increased direct and indirect spending in this state due to motion picture production.

(g) A brief review of the practices and experiences of other states and provinces with similar incentive programs.

(h) Any other information deemed important by the department to include in the report.

It is very important to note that this report is based on the 2007 incentive bill...not our newly minted one. We will see the 2008 report March 1 2009.

But reviewing the report just begs more questions doesn't it?
For example, I'd like to see more detail in just what goods and services are included and in particular the figure for "estimate of increased direct spending" ($4, 600,000) as well as an explanation of direct verses in direct spending.

It would be great for this report to have been posted prior to the signing of our current bill and to also compare other State's bills           (a current snapshot) on a yearly basis as a basis for future adjustments - we should always be thinking ahead, what can we offer that's better, what works, what does not and these reports would have greater value with more such information. In the law requiring this document the following stated requirements do not seem to be included. 

(g) A brief review of the practices and experiences of other states and provinces with similar incentive programs.

(h) Any other information deemed important by the department to include in the report.

I think comparisons and ideas for future additions should be deemed important...you too?

The 2008 report should be more interesting especially if we are able to perhaps get some more detail. Also, I'd like to see such reports posted on the MFO website for reference...it is a public document.

 

Pursuant to that requirement, here is MFO's report for 2007:

 

February 29, 2008

 

Annual Report to:         Governor Jennifer M. Granholm

                                    Chair, Senate Finance Committee, Senator Cassis

                                    Chair, House Tax Policy Committee, Rep. Bieda

                                   

Re: Assessment of the 2007 Michigan Film Incentive

 

The overall effectiveness of the current film Michigan Film Incentive has been minimal.  Only two feature films and one video project applied for the funds, in spite of some  targeted marketing, including direct and personal mailings to nearly one thousand identified film and television decision-makers nationwide, a smaller direct mail and telephone campaign to identified high level decision makers nationwide, and a modest outreach to foreign filmmakers. In our opinion, the lack of response is due to other states almost immediately surpassing Michigan's incentives 

 

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 July 2008 )
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Granholm signs film incentives bill
Written by mpa   
Monday, 24 March 2008

           Granholm signs film incentives bill

A.P. and MPA Sources  

The governor signs the bill, surrounded by her friends and cartoon buddies, April 7, 2008
The governor signs the bill, surrounded by her friends and cartoon buddies, April 7, 2008
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm went to a Lansing movie theater to sign legislation aimed at giving Michigan a bigger role in the film industry. 

Supporters say the bills signed Monday will make Michigan the most financially attractive state in the nation to make movies. 

The key bill in the package gives film studios a refundable credit or a cash rebate of up to 42 percent on production expenses in the state. Decisions on where to shoot movies often are based on costs.

Michigan competes with New Mexico, Louisiana and other states also aggressively courting movie studios.

 

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 April 2008 )
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Welcome to the Michigan Production Alliance Website
Written by mpa   
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
ford_camera_men.jpgThe mission of the Michigan Production Alliance is to provide cohesiveness to the community, through communications, continuing education and political awareness. As well as to offer leadership in the development of incentives and a more stable financial environment for Michigan film and video production companies, freelancers and support services.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 January 2008 )
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What is the Michigan Production Alliance?
Written by mpa   
Wednesday, 12 May 2004
The Michigan Production Alliance or MPA is a 501c6 industry trade or business enterprise organization.

Our goal is to encourage a more stable financial environment for Michigan film and video production companies, freelancers and support services

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 January 2008 )
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Capture Main Street Project
Written by mpa   
Monday, 23 April 2007
Michigan has an abundance of locations. Shorelines, rural, urban etc. MPA had the idea to try and highlight the main streets of our State. What if we had shots of every main street in Michigan, just as a reference to provide to filmmakers within and outside of the State?!
Last Updated ( Sunday, 24 February 2008 )
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http://www.mpifilm.com/