AUGUSTA – A plan to create a pool of money to entice movie and TV productions to come to Maine shrunk this week in the Maine Legislature.
However, leaders at the Maine Film Office hope the $300,000 remainder might still be enough to draw millions of dollars from out of state.
“We aren’t expecting to bring in a $100 million movie,” said Greg Gadberry, the film office’s assistant director. “We’ve never had one of those.”
However, the money might help draw productions with smaller budgets, of $1 million to $5 million, Gadberry said.
The film office’s plan, endorsed by Gov. John Baldacci, would have set aside $500,000. The money is to be used to offset a portion of the wages spent by the productions – 12 percent for Mainers and 10 percent for out-of-state employees.
During an all-night session Monday, the Appropriations Committee cut the film plan.
More importantly, it survived, Gadberry said.
“We can encourage spending in Maine,” he said. “We have modest goals.”
The office is currently aiding several small productions as they hunt for locations for possible shoots here in Maine.
Meanwhile, the Legislative spending package must be voted upon by the House and Senate.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed,” Gadberry said.
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