This short film highlights the local economic impact of 3 Massachusetts movies, from the summer of 2009, to illustrate how film and television production supports and sustains local businesses and communities. It was produced by MFO Director of Operations, Mary Chiochios:
Why so much action in Massachusetts since 2006?
Because under our bi-partisan film tax credit law (originally signed by Governor Mitt Romney in 2005 and significantly upgraded by Governor Deval Patrick in 2007) studios, producers and filmmakers–who either shoot at least half of their movie or spend at least half of their production budget in the Commonwealth–are eligible for a tax credit equal to 25 cents for every new dollar of spending they bring to Massachusetts. No caps. No limits. No pre-authorization. No pre-certification. No lines. No waiting. No muss. No fuss.
That’s not all. Beginning with the start of pre-production and continuing for a period of 12 months, filmmakers will be eligible for 100% sales tax exemption on any production relates items purchased in the state.
Massachusetts is also the only state in the country that allows filmmakers to take their credits either as a direct rebate at 90% of the face value (guaranteed), or to sell them at market rate—whichever is more favorable.
And finally, this credit is not just for big Hollywood moguls. With the spending threshold lowered to $50,000 and with “digital media projects” now eligible, Massachusetts has extended the benefits of the film tax credit to thousands of locally based, small independent and documentary filmmakers — key elements of our ever-expanding Creative Economy.
For all other information, click on any of the links to the right.
If you have a specific tax credit question that is not addressed in any of these links, you may send an email directly to the Department of Revenue (rulesandregs@dor.state.ma.us) or contact their Film Tax Credit Division:
John Lordan, Director
Phone: 617-887-6885
Fax: 617-887-6792
E-mail: lordan@dor.state.ma.us
Patrick Shirley, Supervisor
Phone: 617-887-6725
Fax: 617-887-6792
E-mail: shirleyp@dor.state.ma.us
The following slideshow describes the local economic impact of the film tax credit program from 2006 to 2009: