Written by new-contact on Apr 19, 2011. Posted in On Location

Mississippi increases filming incentive and opens new studio

Mississippi has increased its filming incentive by 5%, broadened its eligibility and opened a new studio. It all suggests the state is eager for a piece of the industry action now being enjoyed by neighbouring Louisiana.

The state’s rebate now stands at 25% for productions coming in from outside Mississippi and spending at least USD50,000. It carries a per-project cap of USD8 million and USD20 million is available each year. It’s available for eligible features, commercials, television shows and video games.

Already one of the easiest incentive programmes to access, we will immediately begin working with our Department of Revenue to create new streamlined guidelines and a more simplified submission process.

Ward Emling, Director, Mississippi Film Office

Ward Emling, Director of the Mississippi Film Office, said: “Already one of the easiest incentive programmes to access, we will immediately begin working with our Department of Revenue to create new streamlined guidelines and a more simplified submission process.”

In addition to the raised incentive the state is due to open a new studio facility by mid-May 2011. The Mississippi Film Studios at Canton will offer 36,000 sq ft of sound studio floor space across more than 30 acres of land.

Gray Swoope, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), said: “The Mississippi Film Studios at Canton will do much to bolster capacity for film production in Mississippi. I am proud that this project will be able to support the MDA’s Mississippi Motion Picture Incentive Programme and build infrastructure for this growing industry in the state.”