Legislation helps Missouri attract film makers

Proposed legislation that will make Missouri an appealing location for film makers passed the Senate Thursday and is headed to a joint House and Senate committee.

The Missouri Film Production Tax Credit bill recommends increasing current tax credits of up to $1.5 million to $10.5 million for each qualified film project that comes to Missouri and to deduct up to 35-percent of the project's overall production cost.

Mark M. Biggs, who chairs the Missouri Film Commission, said Friday the incentives will keep Missouri competitive with other states vying for lucrative benefits afforded by having film makers come to a state.

Biggs said states with tax incentives benefit from the creation of new jobs and increased tourism in addition to dollars spend on location by film makers.

Check back at www.semissourian.com or read Saturday's Southeast Missourian for details.