‘Film in Arkansas’ campaign launched by Arkansas Cinema Society

The Arkansas Cinema Society has launched the “Film in Arkansas” campaign with the goal of encouraging decision makers – especially legislators and those in the governor’s office – to boost incentives Arkansas provides to the film industry.

Kathryn Tucker, executive director and co-founder of the Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS), said around 150 filmmakers and other Arkansans in the film industry launched the campaign to point out that Arkansas’ incentive structure is not competitive with other states, to support legislation that would address the competition problem, and to highlight the potential economic impact of a more healthy film industry.

“Arkansas has pioneered film incentives since 1983, but inconsistent funding has limited our potential,” noted an ACS statement. “By fully funding our film incentives, Arkansas can attract more major productions, create thousands of jobs, keep local talent home, and boost our economy dramatically—just like Georgia, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.”

One of the first high-profile movies that followed the 1983 incentive package was “Biloxi Blues,” of which significant parts were filmed at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith. The movie was released in 1988.

Tucker said Gov. Sarah Sanders and legislative leaders have resisted efforts to expand incentives until a study focused on film industry impact in Arkansas is conducted.

“Without immediate action to fund the 25% base cash rebate program or raise the cap on tax credits, Arkansas risks losing more productions, Arkansans with careers in film, and the associated economic benefits to neighboring states in the coming months,” noted the ACS “call to action.”

She said Sen. Johnathan Dismang, R-Little Rock, and Sen. Clarke Tucker, D-Little Rock, took action to fund an economic impact study by United Kingdom-based Olsberg SPI, which is known globally for analysis of film industry work. Results from the study were expected by late March, so they could be released any time, Kathryn Tucker told Talk Business & Politics.

Kathryn Tucker said she was unsure if study results will be released in time for legislation in the ongoing Arkansas General Assembly, but is hopeful they will be available for crafting legislation in upcoming sessions. She said legislation is needed as soon as possible to help Arkansas compete with states like Oklahoma that in recent years “have really turned those (film incentives) up.”

“When states run the numbers on the economic impact of film incentives, they almost always double down on their investment. States like Georgia have lifted their cap completely because they realized their caps were only limiting their ability to generate revenue,” Kathryn Tucker said in a statement. ”We are not trying to be the next Georgia. Our focus is on Arkansas, so we are eager to see the results from the recent comprehensive Olsberg SPI economic impact study done in Arkansas. We can all agree that Arkansas is known for its diverse, beautiful landscapes and the hospitality and warmth of its people. But without competitive film incentives, we’ll continue losing business and homegrown talent to neighboring states for more consistent and better paying jobs.”

A study by UA Little Rock found that $4.06 million in broader economic impact was generated from each $1 million in film incentives, according to ACS. The study also found that more than 1,300 jobs are supported during the production of “just one major production.”

Christopher Crane, AEDC film commissioner, did not have a comment on the new campaign.