Lawmakers revive effort to boost movie, TV production in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Members of the film industry are teaming up with state lawmakers to try and put Wisconsin on the map for moviemaking. 

A group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would provide tax incentives to film and television to film and television productions that are shot in the Badger State. 

Wisconsin is currently one of 13 states that don't offer any tax credits for film or TV production. 

"The reality is most of the money stays in the state the movie is shot in. That's why states are fighting for incentives," said Michael Graf, a writer and director living in Cottage Grove. 

On Wednesday, May 7, Graf was one of the dozens of producers, screenwriters and directors that testified in support of the bill to lawmakers on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. 

Graf's recent work was as a screenwriter on 'Green and Gold,' a movie shot in Door County and Green Bay, portraying a Wisconsin dairy farmer who bets on the Green Bay Packers to save his farm. 

It premiered in January 2025 and quickly grew a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter after opening weekend. 

Graf said 'Green and Gold' was an exception because of the barriers many industry leaders face in attracting filmmakers to the state. 

"The filmmakers were from Wisconsin, and they had a long-term business relationship with the investors," Graf said. "We're able to talk to them into shooting here. That normally doesn't happen." 

Under the bill, tax incentives would equal to 30% of the salaries and wages for employees for film production services. That's in addition to 30% tax credit for production costs. 

The proposal would only provide up to $10 million in tax credits a year. 

Neighboring states like Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois all have similar tax incentives and have seen millions in economic activity and job creation because of it. 

In 2024, Illinois brought in $653 million in film production revenue and an estimated 18,200 jobs, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. 

"Its money Wisconsin is missing out of," said producer and director Hayden Mauk. 

"The biggest thing we want to do is tell stories and support small towns," Mauk said. "On our off days, we don't sit in hotels- we go to local bars, sporting events and explore the community." 

When Milwaukee hosted the popular cooking show 'Top Chef,' the crews stayed over a two-month period generating nearly $4 million, according to Action! Wisconsin. 

A film office would also be established under the bill. Wisconsin is one of four states that don't have a dedicated film office industry officials rely on. 

"When I call a film office, they tell me who the experts that I actually need," said Stacy Nash, a producer who lives in Milwaukee. "We have the talent, we have the hospitality, but we need the infrastructure to match." 

Without a film office, Nash said production teams often hire crews out of state when there's "ample resources" locally across the state. 

The bill has bipartisan support, including the backing of Gov. Tony Evers who proposed a similar tax credit in his state budget. A similar proposal that offered up to $5 million in tax incentives was introduced last year. 

It never received a committee hearing or vote because it was proposed in the final weeks of the legislative session, according to the bill author Rep. Dave Armstrong (R-Rice Lake). 

Last spring, Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), a co-author of the bill, also indicated the proposal was just a first step to begin conversations about film tax incentives. He hopes this year the measure can get across the finish line. 

"We can't let Wisconsin be left behind as nearby states successfully leverage incentives to attract substantial investments," Bradley said in a statement. 

Nearly two decades ago, Wisconsin had a lucrative film tax incentive program. It took effect in 2008 before sunsetting in 2013. 

The program, established under then-Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, helped attract the film "Public Enemies" to film in Madison, the town of Columbus and other parts of the state.