Quaint villages and dramatic coastlines make for unforgettable backgrounds
New England’s visually dazzling fall foliage, charming coastal villages and winding, European-inspired streets appeal to various productions. The region’s diverse landscapes and well-preserved historic architecture provide a rich tapestry of settings, making it an ideal canvas for capturing a wide range of cinematic stories and moods. Whether you want an authentic period piece or a vibrant outdoor adventure, New England offers the perfect backdrop for you.
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Connecticut for Filmmakers
There has been a recent influx of filmmakers and producers flocking to Connecticut to take advantage of the Constitution State’s diverse landscapes and colorful seasons. Its close proximity to New York City and shared film crew workforce with New York City and New Jersey makes this state extremely appealing to producers. Not only do the state’s tax incentives cover motion picture productions but digital animation as well.
Producers of the new Netflix movie The Good Nurse starring Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain saw filming potential in the coastal cityscape of Stamford. The small-town charm of Connecticut was also the inspiration for Amy Jones, the brilliant screenwriter of the beloved 1988 Julia Roberts classic Mystic Pizza, where visitors to Mystic can still get a slice today.
Incentive Type: Transferable, Non-Refundable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 10% – 30%
Minimum Spend: $100k (10% credit), $500k (15% credit), $1M (30% credit)
Bonus: Contact the film office.
Audit Requirements: An audit by a Connecticut-licensed CPA is required.
Application: Submit a hard copy Eligibility Application to the Department of Economic Community Development (DECD) no later than 90 days after the first qualified production expense or cost has been incurred in Connecticut. Include administration fee and any other required information to be considered complete.
Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes
Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: None
Filming Incentives in Maine
Maine offers attractive film perks, including two production incentives, along with stunning backdrops for any type of production. Historic lighthouses and coastal communities provide one-of-a-kind scenery, while rugged mountains, ski lodges and copious snow provide winter wonderlands for outdoor adventure pieces.
Summertime projects will find numerous filming locations, including authentic docks lined with boats and quaint canals boasting old architecture. The Pine Tree State also does not require sales tax on most fuel and electricity purchases for film productions.
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Incentive Type: Credit / Rebate Combo (Wage Rebate: 10% – 12%; Expense Tax Credit: 5%)
Incentive Amount: 5% – 17%
Minimum Spend: $75K
Bonus: Contact the film office.
Audit: No
Application: Production companies must provide a projected schedule for pre-production, production and post-production that reflects that the project will begin 60 days after certification.
Sunset Date: None
Massachusetts Filming Incentives
Thanks to tax incentives paired with iconic New England charm and the state’s popularity among cinematographers, Massachusetts is known as “Hollywood East.” The brownstones and old brick pathways of Boston and the sleepy coastal magic of Cape Cod beguile producers with authentic New England backdrops oozing with old-world character. Incentives like a film sales tax relief and a 25% incentive package, the Bay State is ready to welcome projects of all sizes and budgets.
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Incentive Type: Partially Refundable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 25%
Minimum Spend: $50K
Bonus: Contact the film office.
Audit: Yes
Application: Production companies must complete the Film Production Registration form online through the Massachusetts Film Office. Prior to making purchases in Massachusetts, apply for the Sales Tax Exemption.
Film Sales Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: None
Rhode Island Benefits for Filmmakers
Picturesque seaside locations throughout the Ocean State offer prime shooting environments used by revered RISD students and well-known producers alike. The school of design encourages experimental film and photography, so it’s no surprise that the state offers a 30% Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit program to those who qualify as an incentive.
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Incentive Type: Fully Transferable Tax Credit
Incentive Amount: 30%
Minimum Spend: $100K
Bonus: Contact the film office.
Audit: Yes
Application: Production companies must submit the initial application before the start of production and begin principal photography no more than 180 days from the start date on the initial certification letter.
Film Sales Tax Relief: Yes
Sunset Date: June 30, 2029
