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Manatee County, home to the popular Gulf-side filming destination Bradenton, has approved an incentive program consisting of up to a 10% cash rebate and in-kind local perks. The cash deal is not for newcomers: applicants must have completed five feature films or television episodes, or have had at least one theatrical release or one television series on a major network.
So far, specifics are only spelled out for smaller productions. The rebate amounts to a $25,000 return on a project budgeted at $250,000 to $500,000, and up to $50,000 on projects budgeted between $1 million and $5 million. Bigger-budget productions can negotiate a cash incentive.
The plan is being administered by the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, according to the Herald-Tribune. The bureau assists filmmakers with finding and securing locations, and says it has done so for some 24 film and video projects in the last fiscal year.
Some of the non-cash incentives include:
• Discounted hotel rates.
• Free filming at county properties such as beaches, Port Manatee and the local courthouse.
• A free hotel room for the producer with 25 paid rooms for the crew.
• Free use of office space and equipment at the tourism bureau.
Read the full article at the Herald-Tribune. Check out our interactive production incentives map and learn more at mediaservices.com.
