Written by David Lewis on Apr 25, 2007. Posted in Incentive News

Wyoming Film Incentives Now Available

FIFI has been let out to play and can begin sniffing for business today in Hollywood. Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal signed the Film Industry Financial Incentive (FIFI) program into law this afternoon at a ceremony in the state capitol. It takes effect immediately and will allow cash rebates for production companies of up to 15 percent of dollars spent in Wyoming during a film shoot. “We are very grateful to the legislature and the Governor for their support. This makes Wyoming a player in a very competitive business,” said Michell Howard, film office manager.

Companies would have to prove expenditures of $500,000 in Wyoming in order to qualify. Rebate amounts from 12 to 15 percent would be based on established criteria that includes whether there is a Wyoming storyline, the usage of location establishing props, and the actual onscreen appearance of footage highlighting Wyoming locations.

During committee hearings state legislators were told of losses sustained by the filming elsewhere of two Wyoming-set screenplays – An Unfinished Life and Brokeback Mountain. Prior to settling on Canada, director Ang Lee toured the state for several days and wanted to film Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. “If I had the money I would have made it in Wyoming. I battled and I battled – struggled as hard as I could – but finally had to come to my senses as a filmmaker,” Lee said at a Wyoming premier of the movie. Canada has had film incentive packages and other advantages, such as non-union crew availability, for many years.

The competition isn’t just Canada now as many states are offering incentive packages. “This is a tremendous start for us. If we can get them to film here it can mean job training for our young people and many other benefits to bring Wyoming to the attention of people around the world who might choose our state for a vacation or business location,” notes Rosie Berger of Sheridan, a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives and a longtime film location scout. “When a film crew comes into my community, dollars are flowing immediately - hotels and restaurants are full. I think it’s a great way to diversify our economy,” Berger said.