Film Incentive Bill: Hotel, Travel Groups Lend Support
Lobbying groups for hotels, airlines and theme parks have joined Hollywood organizations in backing a 20% federal tax credit for film and television work done in the United States.
By Rebecca Foster ·
The American Hotel & Lodging Association and the U.S. Travel Association have endorsed the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, a bill introduced last month by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The two organizations, which represent hotel companies, resorts, airlines, ticketing sites, Disney and Universal theme parks, are working alongside an alliance of film industry stakeholders to push the measure through Congress.
The bill would create a 20% tax credit on labor costs for film and television productions shot in the United States. An additional 5% bonus would apply to independent films and to filming in rural areas and disaster zones. The House version has been referred to the Ways and Means Committee, while the Senate version sits with the Finance Committee.
As of Oct. 30, the House bill carries 52 sponsors and the Senate version has 10. House sponsors cluster in states with major production activity: 15 from California, six from Pennsylvania, four from New York, and three apiece from New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia.
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said productions filmed domestically drive business to lodging and restaurant operators during shooting and continue to draw visitors afterward. "A federal production incentive would bring that economic activity back to communities in all 50 states and give destinations of every size a powerful new way to showcase themselves to the world," Freeman said in a statement.
Ralph Posner, spokesman for the American Hotel & Lodging Association, said cast, crew and suppliers who travel for shoots generate hotel demand and support local businesses. "By encouraging more domestic production activity, the legislation will help drive economic growth, support local communities, and showcase U.S. destinations to audiences around the world," Posner said.
Other organizations backing the bill include the Motion Picture Association, which represents the major studios, the Independent Film and Television Alliance, and Hollywood unions. Supporters are aiming for passage during the lame duck session, which begins a week after the midterm election.
