An ongoing effort to establish an incentive program to encourage film and video productions to be shot in Wyoming has received support from the legislature's Joint Travel, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Committee.
The bill would use $3 million from the Wyoming Tourism reserve and projects account to fund the effort. It would be paid out with reimbursements and would be used for films and productions of various sizes.
Casper resident Kelly Eastes has been involved in a wide range of film productions in the state but noted that a lot of films and television programs have been shot elsewhere, even if their setting is in Wyoming. He said a similar incentive program in New Mexico has created jobs and revenue.
"New Mexico did a study this fall and over the year 2021, they received an expenditure of $623-million from the film industry to the state. Which is pretty phenomenal," said Eastes.
The bill also offers an incentive for film companies to train and use Wyoming residents in productions. The bill will be considered by the full legislature during the upcoming session.