Revive Our Film Insustry

Absent the state of Florida’s willingness to support and grow our film industry with viable tax incentives, Congress can replace that state support for the Florida and American film industry through a variety of tax incentives and other measures, that I will sponsor as a U.S. Senator from Florida, which can enhance economic growth, job creation, and cultural output.

Florida hosted film making powerhouses like the Walt Disney Company and Universal Orlando, among others. Powerhouses that are bolstered by documentary makers, set designers, production assistants, food and hospital providers and a wide diversity of smaller but related businesses. When Rick Scott was governor of Florida, he dismantled the Sunshine State’s growing film industry by eliminating many, if not all, of the state’s vital film incentives program with help from the Republican-controlled state legislature. The greater Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville business communities were negatively impacted, and Georgia and other states reaped the benefits.

Here are several ways I believe Congress can and should achieve this:

• Federal Incentives for Production Tax Credits: Offering tax credits for production costs, including expenses for filming, post-production, and labor, can attract filmmakers to produce in Florida and would greatly encourage domestic investment in the industry whether in Florida or elsewhere depending upon where directors and executive producers wish to create. Deductions for investments would allow investors to deduct a portion of their investment in film projects and can incentivize private funding. This funding could include public-private-philanthropic partnership support (see my proposal for P4 use here). These deductions can be structured similarly to the Section 181 deduction, which provided tax relief for investments in qualified film and television productions. Sales tax reimbursements would neutralize state and local sales taxes on goods and services used in film production can reduce overall production costs where individual states fail to provide their own incentives. Infrastructure development incentives offering tax incentives for building and upgrading production facilities, studios, and related infrastructure can help create a supportive environment for film production.

• Grants and Subsidies: Direct grants for independent films can be provided that are specifically targeted at independent filmmakers which can help support diverse and innovative storytelling that might not attract large-scale commercial investment. Subsidies for domestic distribution can also be offered along with tax incentives to companies that distribute films domestically, thus helping ensure that Florida- and American-made films reach a wide audience.

• Workforce Development: Training programs and apprenticeship funding educational programs and apprenticeships in film-related fields, such as directing, screenwriting, editing, and technical skills, can help develop a skilled workforce. Direct federal support for film schools and universities would provide grants and funding to film schools and universities that can enhance educational opportunities and research in film and media.

• International Trade Policies: Federal negotiating of trade agreements will help ensuring that international trade agreements protect and promote the export of Florida and American films which can help open new markets for U.S. productions. Protecting intellectual property would strengthen intellectual property rights and enforcement internationally which can help protect Florida and American films from piracy and ensure that creators receive fair compensation.

• Support for Film Festivals and Cultural Events: Federal funding for film festivals would provide financial support for film festivals and other cultural events can help promote Florida and American films and foster cultural exchange and greater film-related tourism, which is the backbone of many Florida businesses and families. Cultural diplomacy using film as a tool for cultural diplomacy by supporting Florida and American film screenings and collaborations abroad can enhance the global reach of Sunshine State and U.S. cinema.

• Research and Development: Federal funding for technological innovation through research and development for new film technologies, such as digital effects, virtual reality, and sustainable production methods, can keep the Florida and American film industry at the cutting edge of global cinema. 

By implementing these measures, Congress – led by the United States Senate - can help create a favorable environment for the film industry to thrive in our state and in our nation, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and the cultural enrichment of Florida and the United States.

What Rick Scott and the Republican-dominated Florida legislature took away; this independent United States senator will work to replace for the benefit of our state.