Louisiana is likely to impose a cap on annual spending for its 30% filming incentive in the coming weeks. The state has recently hosted dinosaur sequel Jurassic World and is currently home to Matthew McConaughey’s true-life Civil War drama The Free State of Jones.
Nova Scotia in eastern Canada is set to change its filming incentive. From July, the province plans to switch its existing tax credit to a 25% funding programme applicable to all Nova Scotia production expenses.
Ontario has proposed a reduction in the province’s formal filming incentive programme in response to the falling Canadian dollar. Toronto is Canada’s main production centre – as well as being a major North American hub – and recently hosted Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak.
Director Spike Lee could face problems securing filming incentive support for a planned Chicago shoot for his new black-on-black gang movie Chiraq. Authorities are unhappy with the title, which is a word being used in rap lyrics comparing Chicago’s gang violence with war-torn Iraq.
Louisiana’s filming incentive supported economic output worth nearly USD 1.6 billion in 2013, according to new figures. The state offers a 30% uncapped filming incentive which in the past year alone has attracted major features like Terminator Genisys and Jurassic World.
Crime drama Longmire will return to film on location in New Mexico for a fourth season, doubling the state for Montana. The announcement comes shortly after separate news that New Mexico is preparing to boost its filming incentive programme.
Further enhancements to the UK’s filming incentives have been announced by the Chancellor George Osborne. The TV tax credit that’s attracted shoots like 24: Live Another Day and Veep is now accessible with a lower spend and a dedicated children’s TV tax credit has been launched.
Italy’s international production profile has been given a lift since its filming incentives were boosted last year. Major projects currently shooting include a big-budget remake of historical epic Ben-Hur, which is the first international movie in years to shoot entirely in Italy.