Positive move for state

As a local filmmaker, I was pleased by the recent articles covering film scenes shot in Lincoln for the upcoming Jim Carrey film “Yes Man.”

On such occasions, I am reminded of the positive publicity such activity brings to Nebraska’s image across the nation, in addition to the positive economic impact from film shoots.

Once the film is released, and assuming the Lincoln scenes make the final cut, there will be tens of thousands of moviegoers who will see us and our state in a very positive light. I would guess that additional travelers will stop in Lincoln to visit as a result. And this is only one in what could be many more films shot here but for the total absence of state film incentives.

Nebraska is one of only nine states that offer no economic incentives to the film industry to encourage projects like this one. All of Nebraska’s adjacent states do. And the opportunities for such projects are increasing in number.

By contacting the state film office I found that this particular project would not have been shot here if Memorial Stadium and the football team could have been moved or re-created elsewhere. The producer for this project, and others historically, have indicated that bottom-line considerations mandate shooting in states with such incentives.

The amount of money a production spends with hotel, dining and retail establishments as well as the short-term employment of local film and video professionals far outweighs the perceived loss of revenue these incentives account for.

Isn’t it time for Nebraska to get in the game?

There is a bill currently in the Legislature, LB235, introduced by Sen. Danielle Nantkes of Lincoln, that would create such incentives.

I encourage the Legislature to show more interest in this issue and give positive consideration to LB235 this next session.

It is getting late!

Chad Haufschild, Lincoln