Film incentives worth the investment

Here’s a deal: For every dollar you spend, you can make almost $9 back.

Kentucky filmmakers become empowered to tell Kentucky stories, ensuring that the next generation of Kentuckians stays put, adding to the economic impact and artistic flavor of the place we call home.

In 2015, a forward-thinking Kentucky legislature enacted tax incentives that are bringing more film productions to the Bluegrass than ever before. Now our lawmakers are worried about keeping this program alive.

Financial wisdom says you must spend a dollar to make a dollar. Our state needs all the dollars it can get. Keep the tax incentives in place. Georgia did so, and enjoys more film revenue than almost any other state. Netflix standout “Stranger Things” is a Georgia-based production, as are many other big-budget shows and movies. Incentives like ours will help draw permanent studios that will bring year-round employment for Kentuckians in all phases of production.

Pay out $1, get back $9 in return, in places like the small Edmonson County town of Brownsville, where a production company housed and fed crews, bought gas, employed locals and paid taxes for at least a month, with plans to come back for several more productions. Brownsville welcomed this business with open arms — so should we.

This story was originally published January 31, 2018 at 7:25 PM with the headline "Film incentives worth the investment."