It’s time to scale back film incentives, legislators say
It’s Time, a film based on the life of former Ole Miss football player Chucky Mullins, could be one of the last multi-million dollar motion pictures filmed in the state to take advantage of all three rebates offered in the Mississippi Motion Picture Incentive Program.
The non-resident payroll portion of the incentive program, which offers a 25 percent cash rebate on payroll paid to cast and crew members who are not Mississippi residents, was not extended by the Legislature this year. This component will expire July 1. The Department of Revenue will not issue any rebates for non-resident productions submitted after June 30.
“For every taxpayer dollar spent on that program, the state made 49 cents back on the dollar,” said Sen. Joey Fillingane R-Hattiesburg, chairman of the Senate finance committee.
“Obviously, if you’re in a tight budget year and you’re looking at places to cut dollars that don’t affect essential state services, (rebate programs) became a target of great concern,” he added.
MS Today
6/13/17
Magnolia Tribune
