The state’s House Finance committee is meeting this afternoon to decide on legislation that would provide $5 million in straight grants "for use by the Virginia Film Office to attract motion picture production to Virginia." The bill was originally introduced by Louise Lucas, a state senator from Portsmouth, in the 18th District as a bill that would provide tax credits. As it was originally proposed, the bill would’ve offered tax credits, but was amended so that the bill would provide grants. And then it was unanimously approved on the floor.
You may recall Bob McDonnell’s speech at Luray Caverns over the summer, when he promised to increase Virginia’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund (which stands at about $200,000) by $2 million. McDonnell likes the film industry because he thinks it’ll attract tourists, especially as we approach the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2013.
Can Bob McDonnell and Virginia’s legislators do for Virginia what Peter Jackson did for New Zealand?
