Proposed Assembly Bill Advances with Growing Bipartisan Support Statewide
Madison, WI, May 14, 2025 – Members ofAction! Wisconsin, a statewide coalition of filmmakers, producers, businesses, and film and television project supporters, remain positive as legislative efforts to create film production incentives and establish a State Film Office continue to move forward. This morning the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means unanimously approved Assembly Bill 231 as amended.
The proposed legislation advances with growing bipartisan support statewide. The Bill includes 33 co-sponsors, 4 Republicans and 4 Democrats in the State Senate and 17 Republications and 8 Democrats in the Assembly. (See full list at bottom.) Along with the Bill’s lead Assembly author, Representative Dave Armstrong, a dozen production and film professionals testified last week in support of the Bill at the Ways and Means Committee’s public hearing.
“This is a new and lucrative economic opportunity. Production incentives are the number one factor considered by production companies when deciding where to film,” testified Jeffrey Kurz, producer, writer, educator, and former film executive. “This is a very Wisconsin-centric program. Only money paid to state residents and spent on state businesses will qualify for tax credits. And the credits will only be issued after money has been spent and rigorously verified.”
Stacey Nash, a three-time Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker and commercial director, said, “With a film office and production incentives, Wisconsin can be more competitive. We have the landscapes, the talent, and the hospitality. What we need is the infrastructure to match. Let’s stop watching jobs, revenue, and opportunity go elsewhere.”
Additionally, a number of individuals and organizations submitted written testimony, including State Senator Julian Bradley, the lead Senate author, and executives from the Department of Tourism, Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association, Action! Wisconsin, The Eisley Company, Backyard Dream Productions, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and Create Wisconsin.
“This bill aims to make Wisconsin competitive by attracting filmmakers and productions through meaningful incentives, which in turn support local businesses, job creation, and increased tourism,” Bradley wrote. “Importantly, AB 231 ensures fiscal responsibility by distributing state funds only after production spending has occurred and been documented. Additionally, minimum spending requirements will guarantee that significant portion of each production’s budget benefits local business across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transportation, construction, and catering.”
“Our industry has long recognized the positive economic ripple effect that accompanies film productions,” noted Bill Elliott, President and CEO, Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association. “When production crews and cast members operate on location, they rely on local hotels for extended stays, meetings, dining, and amenities. Furthermore, the indirect exposure generated by showcasing our state on screen translates into long-term tourism growth, destination branding, and increased convention business.”
“Wisconsin has the creative muscle, facilities, and work ethic to become a key player in the national production landscape,” wrote Osmar Aguilar, Executive Producer, The Eisley Company. “A film incentive would not only attract new projects—it would empower local crews, inspire young talent, and bring long-term investment to the region.”
The Bill will be referred to three additional committees in the state legislative process: the Joint Committee on Tax Exemptions, the Joint Finance Committee and the Senate Committee on Utilities and Tourism before the full Assembly and Senate vote upon it. Last month, the Joint Finance Committee held four public hearings across the state. Nearly 30 individuals and several organizations testified, urging lawmakers to pass legislation and approve a state budget that invests in growing Wisconsin’s film and production sector and strengthens the state’s overall economy.
