Film credit halt harms production, reputation

Filmmaking is a process that is not designed for a complete stop. Some movies have stories that can survive a change in the seasons, but most movies rely on consistent weather throughout so that scenes filmed on different days can all look like they happened within minutes of each other.

Iowa's film tax credit is one of the most generous in the nation. We're not giving away money because this is money that wouldn't be here if we hadn't offered those tax breaks. During high unemployment around the nation, we're adding jobs. Local economies are being stimulated by purchase of equipment, sets, materials, food, lodging, etc.

But if we as a state don't respect the terms of our agreements, this can all evaporate. We agreed to offer film tax credits, the movie industry came here and now numerous legitimate, rule-respecting film projects are on hold and expiring as the seasons change, and our reputation in the industry (which brought all those productions and millions of dollars to Iowa) is seriously damaged. Irreparably so? We can only hope not.

Yes, there were some bad decisions made in applying the tax credit, but overall it's a good program.

Adam Burton

Iowa City