CMU School of Drama


Sunday, September 07, 2008

Hollywood wants tax breaks to film movie in Cleveland

cleveland.com: "Ohio risks losing a $100 million movie project to another state -- possibly Michigan -- unless state officials quickly grant the Hollywood producers tax breaks."

5 comments:

dmxwidget said...

I have never really heard about tax incentives for big corporations or the movie industry. I don't completely see why the government needs to give tax breaks to large movies and certain corporate operations. I know movie studios and other organizations always want to come in under budget, and spend as little as possible, but sometimes you need to just pay the extra money for what you want. If you want to film in a specific location then you should film there regardless of money. It seems like money, today, has become one of the greatest factors in what we can and cant do.

Sarah Benedict said...

It seems to me that Ohio would be better off giving the movie its tax breaks. They would get lots of free publicity, and their economy would be stimulated from the spending of the production - not only on supplies for the show, but on housing, food, and general living expenses for the cast/crew.

It's cool that Hollywood is so powerful/big/expensive that it can (to some degree) regulate state law. Working on a big show like that it would be such a relief as a designer that you could use that tax break money on a better couch, or more lights.

The tax break seems like a win win to me.

Brooke Marrero said...

I agree with Sarah. I don't see why Ohio would want to lose all the publicity they would be gaining over a tax break. Any money they would be losing from the cut in taxes would more than be made up from the publicity that the film brings in. I would understand concern if it were a smaller film, but with a star like Matt Damon attached to it, there's always going to be publicity.

NorthSide said...

I friggin' hate how Hollywood thinks they are above people. Yes, I can see states giving tax breaks to the arts as a way to show support, but for Hollywood to demand a tax break is, to say lamely, being a bit forward. I completely agree with the statement made that "you give them one break and others will complain for equal treatment." In the short run, bringing in this movie could help the financial stresses, but in the long run could the compliance lead to future troubles and losses?

Serrano said...

It's not uncommon for tax breaks to be given out to movies, but you cant be surprised that cities are wary of doing it these days. Some smaller cities are really in a fiscal bind given the current state of the economy. Cities and counties across the country have, or are considering, imposing a four day work week so that they don't run out their budgets; Cleveland might not be able to really afford it right now.