Looking at film tax credits

In an Oct. 22 article, a Southeast Missouri State professor called for the renewal of Missouri's film tax credit program. Renewing this program would be the worst sequel since "The Godfather: Part III." Simply put, film tax credits do not stimulate economic growth.

States tend to spend more tax money attracting filmmakers than filmmakers generate while operating in the state. For example, to get the movie "Public Enemies" filmed there, Wisconsin gave the filmmakers $4.6 million in tax credits. The film only generated $270,000 in state taxes.

Any economic activity that is generated is short-lived. Once production ends, filmmakers pack up and leave the state. There are jobs created when local residents are cast as extras, but those jobs are low-wage and temporary. During production of "Up in the Air," extras were compensated only $7.05 an hour and asked to work only one day. These are not the long-lasting, high-paying jobs that people really need.

A better policy to stimulate growth is lower taxes across the board. Film tax credits do not encourage investment in Missouri. They are just an expensive way to subsidize temporary jobs. The government should not be in the business of picking and choosing what sorts of companies "win" and which do not.

Missourians can be proud when they spot Cape Girardeau scenery in "Gone Girl." But seeing Missouri on the big screen should not be done at taxpayer expense.

MICHAEL RATHBONE, St. Louis