* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Pinkett
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Growing the Film Industry in Baltimore
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts to speak at an informational hearing regarding the current status and future potential of the film industry in Baltimore, and asking the 2020 Baltimore City Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly to support an increase in Film Production Activity Tax Credit amounts in order to maintain and grow the film industry in Baltimore City.
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Recitals
Baltimore has been home to many film and television show productions. Over 70 films and television shows have been shot in Maryland since 2000. Many of these productions have been filmed specifically in Baltimore. Television shows like Veep and House of Cards were at least partially shot in Baltimore, as well as films like Step Up and Live Free or Die Hard. Baltimore works very well as a stand-in for Washington DC, which due to security concerns is frequently difficult for companies to film in. Television shows and movies that are filmed in Baltimore advertise our City’s beauty to potential visitors around the world. In addition, these large productions provide jobs for City residents. The Baltimore City Council is interested in learning more about the current status and future potential of the film industry in Baltimore.
To promote film and television production in Maryland, the State provides Film Production Activity Tax Credits. For Fiscal Year 2020, the tax credit amount is $11 million; for 2021 the amount is $14 million; for 2022 the amount is $17 million; and for 2023 the amount is $20 million, and will remain at $20 million for subsequent years. There is a 10% carve-out for independent Maryland productions. To maintain and grow the film industry in Baltimore City, the State needs to substantially increase annual available tax credit amounts for the industry. The Baltimore City Council is committed to increasing the presence of the film industry and bringing all of its benefits to the City, and therefore supports the increase in tax credit amounts for the industry.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Baltimore City Council invites representatives from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts to speak at an informational hearing regarding the current status and future potential of the film industry in Baltimore, and asks the 2020 Baltimore City Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly to support an increase in Film Production Activity Tax Credit amounts in order to maintain and grow the film industry in Baltimore City.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the 2020 Baltimore City Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly, the Director of the Baltimore Film Office, the Logistics Coordinator of the Baltimore Film Office, the CEO of the Baltimore City Office of Promotion and the Arts, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.