Connecticut’s film industry is thriving, thanks in part to its Film Infrastructure Tax Credit. This incentive has significantly impacted local productions and the economy.
On February 3, the Connecticut Film and TV Alliance (CTFTVA) and Rep. Bill Heffernan (D-West Haven) held a press conference. They shared success stories from recent productions in the state.
To qualify for the tax credit, productions must film at least 50% of their project in Connecticut or spend at least $1 million here. They can receive up to a 30% tax credit. Even smaller projects can benefit from smaller credits, making the incentives accessible to various filmmakers.
According to Jonathan Black, co-founder of CTFTVA, around 14,000 people in Connecticut work in the entertainment sector, both full-time and part-time. This not only provides jobs but also boosts the local economy. Productions spend money on hotels, rentals, and pay various taxes, which helps the state financially.
Filmmaker TJ Noel-Sullivan, who hails from Hartford, emphasized the importance of this tax credit. He shared how he successfully convinced producers to film the movie “Ricky” in Hartford instead of New York. After discussing the financial benefits of the tax credit, the producers agreed to shoot where the story truly belonged.
In 2020, Connecticut provided $134 million in filming tax credits. A study noted that the film industry contributed nearly $200 million in labor income and generated $38 million in tax revenue. However, audits revealed some inconsistencies. Reports indicated that the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) may have overestimated revenue by $600,000 and improperly awarded $100 million in credits between 2020 and 2022.
Film industry advocates continue to push for enhancements in the tax incentives. Recently, a proposed bill aims to cap the total tax credits available at $50 million, prompting discussions about the future of filming in Connecticut.
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