Sense for Incentives-Final Draft

Creating jobs, encouraging young talent, boosting the state revenue. No this is not the outline for Obama's next speech or some dream plan to pull people from the depths of a recession. This is logical thinking for what will happen if Nebraska can pass the Bill 1073, the "Building Nebraska's Creative Economy Act."

The bill will expand the present, but insignificant, entertainment market. As of now, filmmakers have no reason to bring their business to the Beef State, because there is little enticement here. Nebraska’s idea of attracting business is to aid with lodging if the company stays for over 30 days. Not enough. The simple fact is money talks. The stereotype that Nebraska is boring is not a sound enough reason to ward off business. Nevada, for example, seems to be in the same boat as far as physical attraction to the state, outside of Las Vegas and Reno. In 2008 Nevada brought in $110 million through film production revenue. Nebraska can’t expect to pull numbers as that, but a piece of the pie would be nice.

Case in point is the recently released George Clooney block buster “Up in the Air.” Clooney’s character is from Omaha, but only a day and a half of filming was set in Omaha, the other six weeks were spent in Michigan and Missouri. In Missouri if an entertainment company spends $100,000, the state will pay out 30 to 35 percent of that sum. Michigan will pay out 40 percent on only $50,000. One doesn’t have to be savvy with accounts to see why less than two day were devoted to actual plot setting.

We also can’t point the finger at the talent base here. There are fine opportunities for minds to bloom into great filmmakers here, and with incentive we could keep that talent around. Omaha native Alexander Payne directed “About Schmidt” starring Jack Nicholson as well as “Sideways” starring Paul Giamatti. The later piled on the awards including a Golden Globe for Best Picture. Payne is working on making another film, entitled “Nebraska,” but admitted that without the lure competing states have, “Nebraska” could be “South Dakota.” This proves talent can be grown and harvested in the bread basket of America, but can it feed itself?

The entertainment business is an ever growing market across America, and for Nebraska to sit idly by while other states reap the rewards of that business is ridiculous. Nebraska needs this bill, for money, for talent, and for opportunities. The planned bill could bring $1.08 or upwards of $1.25 on every $1.00 spent, money that would significantly aid after last year’s recession. This is not a dream or an opportunity that can afford to be squandered. Nebraska, we’re on, Lights, Camera, Action.