Welcome to the Home for Michigan Film First
Welcome to Michigan Film First (“MFF”). MFF was
formed in November of 2010 to help preserve, promote,
and build Michigan’s film industry. Our members are most
if not all of the stakeholders who have invested in
creating this new and vibrant economy in our State.
MICHIGAN FILM FIRST SPECIAL UPDATE Public Affairs Associates represents Michigan Film First’s lobbying efforts in Lansing and has been working hand in hand with key legislators to preserve and build Michigan’s film industry and to structure the tax credit in order keep Michigan as a top tier filming destination.
Last week the House passed the Governor’s proposed tax overhaul with little changes and the Senate passed the tax reform package yesterday when the Lieutenant Governor broke a 19--19 tie with his vote. These bills that have been passed affect the revenue side only by eliminating the MBT and replacing it with a corporate income tax and graduated pension tax, among other things. These bills by their passage eliminate virtually all credits but do not affect the Governor’s proposed 25million dollar line item for the film incentive nor do they put the matter to bed. Credits, including the film credit will be dealt with in a budget negotiation beginning next Tuesday morning, following next Monday’s State Revenue Estimating Conference, whereby a firm annual revenue number will be established. This number will determine how much money can be spent in the appropriations process including credits and other programs. At this point it is rumored that there will be approximately an extra 600million dollars to be added to be added to the Governor’s current proposed budget. Special Interests efforts totaling over one billion dollars are seeking those monies. These include the film industry, which has requested an annual appropriation of 180million dollars.
The public hearing scheduled for today by State Senator Mike Kowall is intended to solicit information on the economic impact of the film industry in order to help determine the appropriate amount of appropriation for the film tax credit. Your attendance is strongly encouraged. We believe that the Governor, Senate, and House will reach an agreement on firm targets for the budget and then bring these target numbers to their respective caucuses in the coming days (which could turn into weeks). We are in the final stretch of what has been a long process. Michigan Film First is fighting for the industry and urges you to continue contacting your Legislators and the Governor’s Office to express your support for the film credit. Best Regards, Jim Ryan, Lobbyist for Michigan Film First
Are you interested in the Michigan Film Incentive remaining in Michigan?
In November of 2010, Michigan Film First was founded by leaders in Michigan’s film and television industry. The members of our Board of Directors all derive their livelihood from working in the industry. This is what we do.
In anticipation of challenges to the film production incentive, we hired lobbyists and a leading PR firm with close ties to the Snyder administration. We have been working diligently since that time to prepare what we hoped would never happen…..The proposed elimination of the film industry as we know it in Michigan. Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposed budget, if adopted, would threaten the industry’s very existence in our State, result in the unemployment of thousands of Michigan residents, and cease the momentum that we have all worked so hard to build.
You can make a difference in the debate over the future of Michigan's film industry by talking to your legislators. Every Michigan resident has one State Representative and one State Senator and each will have a vote on this issue in the coming year.
Read MoreRead more about the Film Industry Tax Incentives in this one page fact document.
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