Sense of Incentives

Creating jobs, encouraging young talent, boosting the state revenue. No this is not the outline for Obama's next speech or a plan to 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 give incentive for filmmakers to shoot their films here, as opposed to basing a story here, and shooting out of state. Crazy? But true, the film Up in the Air starring George Clooney (big name actor I've heard) was just that. Based in Omaha, shot in Missouri and Michigan for the most part. They did shoot in Omaha, for a day and half. Whoo Hoo Nebraska! Way to tackle that money making opportunity! This is just one recent example that could have been capitalized on if we had some kind of an incentive bill to attract filmmakers. Let me correct myself, we do have some pluses for companies to film here, if they stay for over 30 days we'll help with their lodging. Hold the doors people, we'll be seeing them comin fast with that news! These companies spend millions+ on films, boosting the local economy while they're shooting, and attracting tourism for just their presence. And we say we'll cover the room (well some of it anyway. . .). Nebraska isn't "pretty" some would argue, who wants to film here? Valid point, but would these people call Nevada "pretty"? I'd say its a draw, except that Nevada brought in $110 million in 2008 due to film production. Hmmm. . . I guess that could help out the economy, a measly $110 million only though. . . Maybe Nevada and other states are just boiling over with home grown talent that feeds their economy and Nebraska can't keep up. Hear of "Sideways" or "About Schmidt"? Good flicks, but above Nebraska talent? Nope, Omaha native Alexander Payne directed those, and won an Oscar for "Sideways." He actually wants to make a movie titled "Nebraska," and base it. . . yes here in Nebraska. With little incentives here though, others push him to shoot elsewhere. Makes sense, with nothing pulling him in, simple math would show why he wouldn't. Let's get the reel turning Nebraska, keep our award winning talent here, attract more and with it bring is some serious dough. Nebraska, we're on, Lights, Camera, Action.