If you haven't seen the news yet, Iowa Governor Chet Culver, has suspended the Iowa film tax incentive program pending audit and investigation, after irregularities were discovered. The film commissioner, Tom Wheeler, Dept of Economic Development head, and his assistant all fired. They authorized 100 new projects in May-June in the run up to the change in rules on July 1, representing $200m in production. Now producers are in panic mode, not knowing if their films will receive the credits they were promised, and threatening lawsuits against the state. The hubbub began when the producer of the Children of the Corn film managed to get ok for a new $60k Mercedes and RAnge Rover in his budget, which had scant roles in the film and were primarily just to get around, until the film was over, when they were taken back to LA. The Des Moines Register is covering the unfolding saga online and it competes with the best of afternoon soap operas. FYI, I have a contract with Iowa as well, but hadn't started shooting yet. Now, who knows?

Steve Lustgarten
LEO FILMS