There is something wrong in this next story. Maine writer Stephen King (if you don’t know of him I really can’t help you) has been basing many of his ludicrously popular novels in his home state for nearly 40 years. Of the some 109 films, television series and episodes produced from King’s works a mere 5 were actually filmed in Maine. 5 of 109. That is 6%.
A chance to have at least one more King flick (Bag of Bones) filmed in Maine was blown this week by Augusta. A bill that would have given tax breaks to film companies spending $50,000 or more in the state died on the voting floor. Tax credits would have been given to companies hiring UMaine system students, Maine workers, and to film in counties with high unemployment rates.
from Portland Press Herald:
The makers of a film based on the Stephen King novel “Bag of Bones” said Thursday they are “less likely” to film in Maine after a proposed state tax incentive for filmmakers died in the Legislature this week due to a lack of funding.
“We’ll have to investigate other options. The film still takes place in Maine whether we film there or not,” said “Bag of Bones” director Mick Garris. “All I can say is that I’m extremely disappointed. We were counting on Maine, but this is a big blow.”
Perhaps the $3 mil to fund the bill will be available next session, though it’s doubtful. It’s a shame really. For a state the really depends on tourist dollars, we really kick ourselves in the ass when it comes to news ways of bringing those dollars in.
Filed under: bag of bones, filming, films, maine, movies, stephen king, tax credits, taxes, unemployment | 4 Comments »
