The State of Alaska Film Office promotes, “Alaska: a big state for the big (and small) screen!” Film was the topic of this week’s Monday Forum at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Roberta Graham, assistant commissioner with the Alaska Department of Commerce, and Kelly Mazzei, executive director of the State of Alaska’s Film Office, spoke about the film industry’s impact on the Alaska economy. The Alaska Department of Revenue- Tax Division works to promote the Alaska film production tax credit to make Alaska more enticing for film projects of various size. The production value in Alaska is as big as the wide open tundra. Variety of locations, untapped beauty and many different landscapes and ecosystems throughout the state are just a few of the things that attract projects to Alaska.
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in all things Alaska and the local economy has benefitted from this interest. In the first three quarters of fiscal year 2013, $10.5 million in wages were brought to Alaska through the film industry. $34.7 million was spent with Alaska vendors, 1,138 Alaskans were employed and 300 workers were trained because of projects being work on in Alaska. There is even a new degree program at UAF that will help future film makers and industry professionals. The state is working to show that Alaska is not only an attractive backdrop for a variety of projects, but is also a good place to work with a pool of local talent for all types of productions.
The Alaska Film Office helps organizations expand and develop programs within the film industry; promotes Alaska as a location for film production; provide production assistance by connecting filmmakers with Alaska contractors, suppliers, and workers; and certify Alaska film production internship training programs and promote the employment of interns by eligible productions.
Production companies are able to receive a tax credit for their work in Alaska. To receive a tax credit, production companies must apply and qualify for the production incentive from the State of Alaska. The incentives range from 30 to 44 percent of qualified expenses and is issued as a transferrable tax credit. More and more projects are coming to Alaska including commercials, reality shows, documentaries and feature films. The film industry is just another example of ways to boost the Alaskan economy.
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