Shining the spotlight on Missouri

Posted 29 September, 2007 in MO News

Shining the spotlight on Missouri

By Mindy Honey
BDN Staff Writer
mhoney@bransondailynews.com
Branson could be well on its way of having more exposure like what it had over the summer through NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and CBS’ “As the World Turns.”

Two weeks ago, Gov. Matt Blunt signed legislation to increase the Missouri Film Commission’s tax credit amount.

“When the governor signed legislation to increase our tax credit amount from $1.5 million amount for $4.5 million amount, that helped a lot,” director of the commission Jerry Jones said.

Jones said that by offering financial incentives to film makers, it makes coming to areas such as Branson very attractive. Currently, there are 34 states which have incentives for filmmakers and Jones said he hopes the much heftier amount Missouri now has to spread around will only increase exposure for Branson and the rest of the state.

“We have been utilizing what tax credit we have had heavily,” Jones said. “In fact, what we really expect and what we hope to happen next is to get more production in and as a result of that, grow our infrastructure.

“By our infrastructure I mean talent pool, the crew, the equipment, the other resources film makers need when they come. It is much cheaper for a film maker to find everything locally.”

On Monday, the commission met in Branson for its quarterly meeting. This is the first time in a couple of years that the commission has met in Branson, but the nine members of the board are all familiar with Branson.

Lynn Berry, director of public relations for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce said the more familiar they become with what Branson has to offer, the better.

“It is important to the Branson area that the Missouri Film Commission be well aware of what we have to offer people that are seeking locations, seeking workers to work in the industry, seeking places to come and teach people how to be a good part of this industry,” Berry said. “Of course with our brand new convention center, we offer more amenities now than ever before. Many members of this commission have been here since Friday night, and we arranged for them to see shows, and see some of our attractions so that they would be more familiar with what Branson has to offer and I understand they have enjoyed themselves.”

Jones said it is the cooperation that the commission gets from Branson officials that makes Branson so easy to work with and an attractive place to direct people in the film making industry.

“Sometimes we will go into communities that have a lot of things going, but if the community itself isn’t responsive, it isn’t going to help,” Jones said. “There are a handful of handy communities in Missouri and Branson is at the top of the list.”

Jones said the tax credit is just one way the commission can entice the film industry to Missouri and believes that new amount will have them very busy. He said meeting in Branson was a “no brainier.”

“It fits into what we do,” he said. “We are economic development, but we are also the entertainment industry.”