The history of advocating for a media production tax credit in Indiana has been a long and intricate process, with individuals spanning the entire political spectrum championing or opposing its creation. It seems, however, that what was once a topic of heated debate, has slowly but surely become an issue with, dare I say it: bipartisan support.
Democrats embrace the idea due to their backing of the arts and the creative community; Republican legislators are drawn to it because of its potential for economic development, sustainability, and a clear return on investment. Though their motives differ, both sides of the political aisle have a common goal: to nurture a thriving filmmaking economy within Indiana. Together, they have the ability to foster job creation, retain and attract talent in Indiana, boost our economy, and showcase our great State to the younger generation.
The enactment of Senate Bill 361 is a testament to the fact that while advocates on either side of the aisle might have different reasons for supporting tax credits for media production in Indiana, both sides recognize the tremendous potential and economic benefits that the film industry can bring to our State. (Film Indy)
You might be wondering why a media tax incentive is so important and how it could possibly lead to all of these great outcomes for our State. Allow me to direct you to the booming film economy in Georgia.
Georgia has reaped the benefits of up to $4 billion (yes, billion with a “B”) injected into its local economy each year, the creation of countless jobs, sustainability, a huge return on investment, not to mention the production of films like Black Panther, The Fault in Our Stars (featuring Indiana talent), and Remember the Titans, among many others, all thanks to their filmmaker-friendly tax credit policies.
In addition to the aforementioned advantages, Georgia ensures representation of their great State by allowing filmmakers an extra 10% in tax credit when they place the Georgia Peach in the film credits.
The pressing question at hand is: Can Indiana forge a similar path to success?
Tony Samuel of Samuel Solutions Group certainly thinks so. “By passing this bill, Indiana took the first small but crucial step towards creating something similar right here in our backyard, but this is just the beginning,” said Samuel. He dedicated six full years of his life advocating for film tax incentives, both for Visit Indy and independently.
Samuel shared that the most recent effort for a film tax credit was born with former Indy Film Commissioner, Teresa Sabatine, back in 2016 while she was working with Visit Indy, the Indy Chamber, the Central Indiana Community Foundation, and the City of Indianapolis to position the city as a film-friendly location. (You can go even deeper into the history of film tax credits during Governor Mitch Daniel’s tenure.)
Many versions have been put before the legislature over the years, but none have succeeded in passing — until now. The Senate authors were Senators Ryan Mishler (R), Travis Holdman (R), and David Niezgodski (D), and the House sponsors were Representatives Tim Brown(R), Craig Snow(R), Carey Hamilton(D), and Jack Jordan(R). Senate Bill 361 allows for a media tax incentive as a part of the larger economic development bill.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, The Indiana Destination Development Corporation, Governor Holcomb, and Lieutenant Governor Crouch deserve high praise for their support of the bill and their commitment to ensuring its resounding success.
One question remains: How can we take this effort and transform it into a thriving industry here in Indiana?
Now is the time to seize the momentum and ensure that this initial step becomes a catalyst for long-term success. The next steps that need to occur to create success are to pass legislation to make the tax credits refundable and transferable, dedicate more money from the budget to the film tax credit, hire a Film Commissioner, and follow the proven blueprint of successful states with economically beneficial film industries.
Imagine a future where the top studios regularly film at locations across Indianapolis and at the end credits, the Indiana Destination Development Corporations’ “In Indiana” logo gleams bright on the big screen. “It sends a powerful message to the children growing up here that their roots and origins hold significance,” says local graffiti artist Dan Handskillz of Invisible Hometown.
Handskillz, who had a mural featured in the 2015 film, Walter, starring William H. Macy and Milo Ventimiglia shares, “I love the idea of kids being able to see the place they live as a place that’s special. We’re showing them and the world that we matter.”
Kurt Russell playing Herb Brooks in the 2004 film Miracle said, “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” This is a great opportunity for legislators to continue their bipartisan efforts to finish what they started and create not just great moments, but a great industry, long-lasting economic sustainability, and a meaningful legacy staged right here, in Indiana.
So, Call to (Lights, Camera) ACTION! Reach out to your local legislator and the Governor’s office.
You can find your local legislator at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/
Here’s the link to contact the Governor’s office: https://www.in.gov/gov/ask-eric/
Shelby Hiltunen is a writer, producer, director, and actress (trained at William Esper Studio, New York City). Hiltunen created an award-winning scripted series, The Usual, for which she earned accolades from Hollywood New Directors, the International New York Film Festival, and other industry organizations. Hiltunen and Bob Massie are producing partners on every project handled by Naptown Media based in Indianapolis.
We’ll leave you with a parting quote from Hiltunen: “I was lucky enough to be born in the Hoosier State surrounded by the kindest and hardest-working people you’ll ever meet. I am an artist, writer, director, producer, and actress. A creative in every sense of the term. I used to joke that my gifts are in anything that doesn’t make any money. But now I know that these gifts just don’t make money in Indiana. My Indiana Dream is to make a living from my abilities in my home state. That I can stay near my family, connect with the thriving community here, and continue to be a kind, hardworking Hoosier creative right here in Indiana.”
