Wisconsin’s new state budget includes a $5 million allocation to revive film tax credits and establish a state film office under the Department of Tourism. The initiative, supported by Democrat Gov. Tony Evers, aims to attract more film and television productions to the state by offering generous tax incentives.
The revived program will provide a 25% tax credit on income paid to Wisconsin residents, up to $250,000 per person, along with 25% credits on film-related expenses and certain property improvements. The incentives exclude live sports, news broadcasts, and award ceremonies.
Proponents argue the move will boost local economies and promote Wisconsin as a filming destination. Advocacy group Action! Wisconsin praised the decision, claiming it will help grow the state’s entertainment sector and increase national exposure.
But economists warn the program may not deliver the promised economic benefits. J.C. Bradbury, an economist at Kennesaw State University, has studied similar tax credit programs in other states, including Georgia. In a peer-reviewed paper, Bradbury found that Georgia’s film tax credits cost the state $230 per household in lost tax revenue and amounted to $110,000 per full-time film industry job created — with minimal measurable return for taxpayers.
Critics argue that such film tax credits are costly handouts to a niche industry, often benefiting out-of-state production companies more than local workers. Despite the flashy promises, studies show these incentives typically fail to deliver sustainable job growth or long-term economic development.
Wisconsin’s new film credit policy revives a program that had previously been shuttered due to similar concerns. As the program re-launches, taxpayers and lawmakers alike will be watching closely to see if the promised return on investment materializes.
