Filmmaker Faces Challenges with Incentives in Wyoming, Turns to North Territory

After Wyoming fell short of introducing a film incentive tax program, Sean Patrick Higgins decided to take matters into his own hands by heading over to Montana to advocate for the growth of TV and film production in the state. This shift in direction occurred about three and a half years ago, and now Higgins has wrapped up his efforts in Helena to head back to the bustling city of New York.

While Higgins continues to pursue acting opportunities in New York, he also keeps busy as a development producer, focusing on new projects in the industry. As he made his way back to New York, Senate Bill 326 was making strides toward completion in the Montana Senate. This bill stands as a significant milestone for the film industry in the state, striking a balance between preserving the existing tax credit program until 2045 and addressing some limitations.

The crux of the issue lies in the fact that the bulk of the available tax credits have already been snagged through 2029 by the likes of Taylor Sheridan’s production company, the force behind the hit series “Yellowstone” and its various spinoffs. Despite this, the revised program comes with what Higgins termed as “Montana-first sideboards” to give local filmmakers an edge and fuel economic growth within the state.

The fresh legislation is set to allocate credits across different sectors of the industry, earmarking a percentage for diverse uses including qualified Montana facilities, companies based in Montana, and more. Higgins emphasized how starkly different Montana’s progress is in contrast to the inaction seen in Wyoming, where he, along with like-minded film advocates, spent years trying to make strides. The missed opportunity in Wyoming serves as a poignant reminder of the potential that went untapped in the state.

On a positive note, the passage of the MEDIA Act, which stands for Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement Act, reveals the concerted efforts of advocates like Higgins and Lynn-Wood Fields. At the heart of their lobbying lay the emphasis on the value of blue-collar jobs in the entertainment industry, shedding light on the substantial wages drawn by workers in various fields. Pointing to the export of stories as a cultural asset, Higgins painted a picture of the impact such productions can have economically and culturally.

Fields dove into the financial data, showcasing how the $12 million tax incentive program more than pays for itself, winning over lawmakers with evidence of the economic benefits. The coalition behind the push for the MEDIA Act united over 1,300 Montanans working in the TV-film industry, embodying the power of collective advocacy. Miracle moments, as Fields described them, played a crucial role in swaying the tide in favor of the bill’s passage, highlighting the significance of collaboration in effecting change.

Looking ahead, both Fields and Higgins look forward to a more equitable distribution of tax credits among productions, ensuring that the benefits reach Montana-based entities and independent filmmakers. Despite the extended waiting period before new productions can tap into these incentives, the optimism remains high. The spirit of resilience and support among Montana filmmakers paints a promising picture for the future of the industry in the state.

As Higgins gears up to tap into his network of Wyoming film professionals, poised to bring some talent over to Montana, the momentum seems to be on the upswing for the state’s burgeoning industry. The focus now lies on nurturing local talent, protecting the industry, and fostering sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders involved.