Iowa film incentives draw record interest

DES MOINES – Iowa once again has become a field of dreams for filmmakers.

At least 58 proposed projects – mostly involving feature-length films – have applied to receive state tax incentives that are among the nation's most attractive, ranking 2009 as the high-water mark for movie-making interest in the Hawkeye State, state officials said Thursday.

“It's going great guns right now,” said Mike Tramontina, director of the state Department of Economic Development. “We've had a big rush.”

The list of prospective film, television, broadcast and video projects slated for urban and rural venues include a post-apocalyptic feature-length drama tentatively titled “2060,” several TV or broadcast interactive game shows, an untitled “field of screams” horror/thriller film, and a mix of romantic, action, comedy and drama genres, according to DED documents.

“We have a new wave of interest,” said Tom Wheeler, head of the Iowa Film Office, thanks in part to “top-tier” enhancements that are slated to be modified somewhat on July 1 – prompting a flurry of applications for projects that would be eligible under the current program if they proceed. “It's a really good example of how the grapevine works in Los Angeles,” he said.

Currently, film productions that are certified by the Iowa Film Office and spend at least $100,000 in production costs in Iowa are eligible for 50 percent tax credits and other incentives. Beginning July 1, project officials will be required to have 50 percent of their financing in place and they will be encouraged to begin production within six months after signing a state contract for the incentive program.

Tramontina said the changes are designed to create a sustainable movie production presence in Iowa that will spur jobs, economic activity, community excitement and tourism.

“The purpose really of what we're trying to do is build an industry here. We'd love to see somebody build a studio,” he said. “This is a high-tech industry.”

Tramontina said the effort fits with the state focus to grow the information technology sector with an eye on encouraging filmmakers to based multiple projects in Iowa, put down roots and hire permanent, ongoing staff rather than proceed on a project-by-project basis.

The state Economic Development Board approved state tax credits capped at $185 million by the Legislature, with $12 million earmarked to housing projects, $50 million to film projects and $123 million for a variety of business-related, high-quality jobs programs.

Tramontina said he was not concerned the cap would pose a problem for at least the next two fiscal years, although there is a “safety valve” that allows the agency to exceed the cap in one fiscal year by scooping some of the allocation for the following fiscal period.