BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Members of the Massachusetts film and television production industry gathered in front of the state house Tuesday morning, protesting in support of the state's film incentive program.
The program, which provides film companies with hefty tax and other incentives, is set to lapse in 2023.
Though a motion to make the program permanent passed the state House, the state Senate wants the program to end in 2027.
Allison Katinger, a set dresser for International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 481, said that ending the program would end the film industry in Mass. by driving filmmakers to cheaper states.
, more competitive states. "The proposal that has been set forward by the Senate, in the budget, will effectively kill our jobs," she said.
The Massachusetts Production Coalition said the film industry brings millions of dollars to the state and that just one show filmed here brought in $69 million to the local economy.
Their claim faces some pushback from the Senate. The Massachusetts Tax Expenditure Review Commission's report on the tax credit said it did generate jobs and millions of dollars, but cost too much per position created: about $100,000 each.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports from the state house.
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