Ohio offers millions to bring more Hollywood movies to state
May 22, 2017
A tax break and subsidy for people making films in Ohio could cost the state $40 million this year after state lawmakers doubled the cap of the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive.
But as area residents bask in the Hollywood spotlight and snap selfies with Robert Redford and Casey Affleck, some states are determining the fame isn’t worth the cost.
A 2016 survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that 10 states have ended their film incentive programs since 2009 — most recently Michigan, New Jersey and Alaska. Budget deficits and unclear economic benefits are among the arguments against the credits.
Ohio seems to be moving in the other direction, even as it too faces a tough budget year.