Keeping it Rolling: Maine Film Office Sees Remarkable Returns in 2013

Augusta, Maine - Film production in Maine took quite a leap in 2013. The Maine Film Office certified a total of sixteen productions, unleashing more than $4.7 million in direct spending by various companies here in Maine. That figure is a significant improvement over 2012, in which there were eight certified productions and $1.5 million spent in Maine.

"The curtains have closed on a tremendous year for the Maine Film Office," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "The whole state benefits from a robust film industry. We welcome more film and television production in Maine as the curtain rises on 2014. When more productions arrive to do business, more Mainers are put to work as a result of their investments."

"I give a great deal of credit for our industry growth in 2013 to the efforts of our Film Office Director Karen Carberry Warhola who has been a force for us since she arrived in July of 2012," said Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner George Gervais.

In addition to solid leadership in its Film Office, Maine's film incentives play a pivotal role in attracting interest from film and television producers and enable the state to remain competitive in the industry. "Maine's production incentives help generate a solid return on investment," said Karen Carberry Warhola. "In 2013 the direct spend of the productions in Maine was $33.23 for every $1.00 paid out in the program." Better still; that per-dollar return on investment will increase when taxes paid by the productions are deducted from the cost of the program.

The Maine Film Office is proactively working to market and promote the growth of the production industry, and has undertaken a variety of new initiatives to showcase Maine as a prime location. Those efforts include: updates to the Maine Film Office website, making it easier for producers to find locations; talented crew listings; local businesses that can supply needed goods and services; and, film-friendly communities.

The Office also meets regularly with filmmakers, reads scripts, and attends film industry trade shows, local and national film festivals, screenings, and industry events.

The Maine Film Office is part of the Maine Office of Tourism within the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). Film, television and commercial production companies spending at least $75,000 in Maine may qualify for the Maine Visual Media Incentive Plan. The incentives are a mix of various rebates and credits.