Understanding Film Tax Credits in Nevada and Nationally

This policy primer provides an overview of Nevada’s transferable tax credit program for film and other productions and reviews articles, reports, audits, and studies of film tax credits as a tool for economic development in the United States. This review considers a significant body of work analyzing the use of film tax credits in support of economic development. Studies and state audits often show that because film tax credits do not create the number and quality of full-time jobs necessary to merit their costs and do little to stimulate other related industries, they are a poor financial choice for state governments seeking to invest public assets to spur economic growth. Far from a recession-proof industry, film and television production is experiencing major disruptions due to rising costs, lower production levels, changing audience preferences, and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). These challenges are ushering in an era of seismic technological shifts and consolidations and mergers that will transform the industry in the coming years.