I am really, really passionate about getting movie and TV studios to Maine. I truly believe it would be an enormous boost to our economy. Think about it, dozens of jobs ranging in skill level and pay grade. Free advertising for the state of Maine, low environmental impact, various venues across the state. Why WOULDN’T we want the industry here?

Here’s the deal, Maine is not competitive at all when it comes to incentives for filmmakers. Films set in Maine are being filmed in Canada, MA, and other locations. Filmmakers who want to film here can’t because the studios find better deals elsewhere. I’ve heard numerous stories about filmmakers that WANT to come here, but can’t because we don’t provide adequate incentives. How stupid is that? We have people that want to come here and create jobs, and highlight what a great state Maine is, but we are do nothing to welcome them. In fact, we are actively repelling them.

I think a great way to emphasize how little the state cares about attracting the film industry is easily illustrated by checking out the differences in Maine’s Film Office website and New Mexico’s Film Office site. Are you as angry and embarrassed as I am?

I mean. Wow. Just wow. Ours looks like it was slapped together by an intern in, well according to the site, 2006 – because they haven’t bothered to update the copyright at the bottom of the page. It’s full of dead links, no news, nothing. Just take it down, it would be less embarrassing.

New Mexico’s well. There’s a state that wants to attract some business. Not only is that site highlighting the film industry, but you can also check out other emerging areas they are trying to attract. Notice that nice big banner on the side touting the big tax breaks for films?

There’s  a lot of blow back about giving film companies tax incentives. Normally, I’m not gung-ho about slinging massive tax breaks to corporations but in this case, we have to do it. If we want the industry here, an industry that has all the advantages I listed above, we have to do it.  Why not? We give tons of breaks to mills and call centers, and we know how well that’s been working out. Those industries only focus on one skill in one area of the state. Films have the potential to spread the wealth state-wide.

What can you do about it? Find your representative on this list and tell them you want competitive incentives for the film industry in Maine. Let’s do this.