Understanding Film Tax Incentives | The Taku Newsletter Edition 5

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 Every film costs money, and often, a lot of it.

As I continue to explore both the art and business of filmmaking, I’ve started learning about a financial tool that plays a bigger role in film production than most people realize: film tax incentives. These aren’t just government benefits; they’re strategic reasons entire film studios pack up and move across state lines. So, I decided to dig into them for this week’s edition.


Let’s take Georgia, for example. Over the last decade, it has quietly become a major production hub, with films such as Black Panther and Spider-Man: No Way Home, and even TV shows like Stranger Things being shot there. Why? Georgia offers one of the most aggressive film tax incentive programs in the U.S.

Here’s how it works:

The state of Georgia provides up to 30% in tax credits to production companies that spend at least $500,000 on qualified productions within the state. This includes movies, series, and music videos. Here's a bit about how the program works in short: 20% for filming in the state, plus 10% if you include Georgia’s promotional logo in the credits. That’s a serious financial advantage.

Who Benefits?

  • Studios save millions in production costs.

  • Local economies gain jobs and increased spending in sectors like catering, hotels, equipment rentals, and transport.

  • Emerging filmmakers can find more affordable ways to bring their ideas to life by filming in incentive-friendly regions.

  • Governments benefit through long-term economic growth and an expanded media presence.

But, of course, there are two sides to every coin.

The Pros

  • Attracts production: More films, more work, more creative opportunities.

  • Builds infrastructure: States like Georgia have developed world-class facilities like Tyler Perry Studios.

  • Talent development: More productions mean more chances for local crew and creatives to gain industry experience.

The Cons

  • Short-term commitments: Studios may only stay for the duration of the tax benefit.

  • Market dependency: Local film scenes may rely too heavily on external productions.

  • Budget strain: Some critics argue that the promised economic impact doesn’t always match the investment from the state.

Why This Matters to Me

As someone building toward a multi-media empire with dreams of owning a studio, launching original stories, and building immersive experiences, understanding tax incentives is about more than funding a film. It’s about sustainability. It’s about making choices that support creative freedom without sacrificing financial reality.

And it’s also about location strategy. If I shoot a feature film in the future, where I choose to shoot isn’t just a creative decision; it becomes a business one. Film tax incentives like Georgia’s are a key part of that equation.

This is just one example of how policy and creativity intersect in this industry.

That’s all for this week’s edition of the Taku Newsletter. Stay tuned for more as we continue exploring the unseen forces that shape the world of filmmaking, from the tech behind theme parks to the incentives behind the scenes.

Let’s keep learning.

Share this newsletter if you found it helpful. The next edition releases on July 16th.

It only gets better from here.

- Takudzwa Thulani


#TheTakuNewsletter #film #filmtaxincentives

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