The Latest Industry News for the Exciting World of Production.

(Cheyenne, WY) - Wyoming Governor Matt Mead signed a five-year extension of the Film Industry Financial Incentive (FIFI) program into law this morning at a ceremony in the state capitol. It will continue the cash rebate incentives for production companies of up to 15 percent on dollars spent in Wyoming during a film shoot. "We are pleased that the legislature and the Governor support the on-going growth of this industry in Wyoming. With our efforts at production workforce development and the continuation of the incentive program, Wyoming can attract filmmakers and get added visibility of our scenic state," said Michell Howard, Film Office Manager.

Since the inception of the FIFI program, the Film Office has seen an increase in film location requests from out-of-state projects. The program has also supported in-state production companies to keep their projects filming in Wyoming. To date the Wyoming expenditures from approved FIFI projects has totaled just over $2.4 million.

Companies still have to prove expenditures of $200,000 in Wyoming in order to qualify. Rebate amounts range from 12 to 15 percent depending on Wyoming presence in the storyline or other Wyoming tourism value.

"When a film company comes to town, dollars are spent and local people are hired. It's also about promotion. Tourism is Wyoming's second largest industry and film production offers visibility of Wyoming to a vast audience that may choose our state for a vacation or business location," said Rep. Rosie Berger of Sheridan. "This program is a good investment for our state to diversity our economy," Berger said.

For more information about the Wyoming Film Industry Financial Incentive program go to: www.filmwyoming.com and click on the incentives tab.