Governor’s Budget Includes Film Incentives and State Film Office, Marking Major Step Forward for Wisconsin’s Film Industry
Wisconsin’s film industry is celebrating a significant milestone as Governor Tony Evers has included film production incentives and the establishment of a state film office in the newly released 2025-27 biennial budget. This marks a crucial step toward revitalizing Wisconsin’s film and creative sectors, bringing new jobs, investment, and economic growth to the state.
The budget proposal creates a 25% film production tax credit with both refundable and nonrefundable components, as well as a transferable credit for film-related physical investments in Wisconsin. Additionally, it establishes the Office of Film and Creative Industries within the Department of Tourism to administer the program and support the industry’s growth. The total credits will be capped at $10 million annually, ensuring sustainable and strategic investment in the sector.
This development is the result of years of advocacy from Action! Wisconsin and Wisconsin’s film community, who have worked to restore Wisconsin’s competitiveness in the national and global film landscape. Wisconsin is currently one of only four states that does not have a film office and one of 13 that currently do not offer production incentives.
Bipartisan Support and Next Steps
The inclusion of film incentives in the budget follows strong bipartisan support for previous legislation, including the original 2023 Senate Bill 1026 and its companion Assembly Bill 1125, which laid the groundwork for this initiative. In the coming weeks, a new bipartisan bill will be introduced to further solidify these measures into law.
The program is structured to encourage investment in Wisconsin talent and businesses, driving economic activity across multiple industries, including tourism, hospitality, and technology.
What’s in the Budget for Film?
The Governor’s 2025-27 Budget Proposal includes:
- Office of Film and Creative Industries: A new entity under the Department of Tourism to support and oversee Wisconsin’s film and creative sectors.
- 25% Film Production Tax Credit: A refundable and nonrefundable credit for wages, salaries, and qualified production expenses.
- 25% Film Investment Credit: A transferable credit for companies investing in Wisconsin-based film production facilities and infrastructure.
- $10 Million Annual Cap: Ensuring sustainable and strategic use of incentives to maximize economic impact.
Building Momentum for Wisconsin’s Film Future
Action! Wisconsin is calling on lawmakers and the public to support this initiative and ensure it is fully enacted. Contact your legislators and express your support for making film incentives a permanent part of Wisconsin’s economic development strategy.
Want to get involved and help support the upcoming bipartisan bill? Take Action!
About Action! Wisconsin
Action! Wisconsin is a coalition of businesses and individuals working to bring Film and Television investment into communities, large and small, across the state.
