TJ Healy is the chair of the Delaware Motion Picture Television Development Commission.
For years, Delaware has watched neighboring states attract film and TV productions, while our talented workers, local businesses and unique communities missed out on the economic opportunities those productions bring. With the creation of a Delaware film tax credit, that is beginning to change.
This isn’t simply about Hollywood. It’s about Delaware jobs.
When a film or TV production comes to a community, it spends money immediately. Local electricians, carpenters, painters, caterers, hotel employees, truck drivers, equipment rental companies, restaurants, security firms, florists, dry cleaners and countless small businesses all benefit. Productions hire local talent whenever possible and purchase goods and services from the communities where they film.
A successful film incentive program creates a ripple effect throughout the economy. Every production brings hundreds of workers, fills hotel rooms, supports local restaurants and showcases communities that can attract future tourism and investment. For a state the size of Delaware, even a handful of major productions each year can have a meaningful economic impact.
Delaware has long possessed what filmmakers seek: beautiful beaches, charming historical towns, thriving urban centers, scenic farmland and locations that can double for communities across America — all within a short drive. Until now, however, Delaware lacked the competitive incentive necessary to persuade productions to choose the First State over neighboring states.
The new film tax credit changes that equation.
It also sends an important message that Delaware is open for business and ready to compete in the growing creative economy. Beyond production jobs, the incentives can encourage investment in studios, postproduction services, workforce development and educational opportunities for young Delawareans interested in careers in film, TV and digital media.
This achievement did not happen by accident. It required leadership and a willingness to think creatively about Delaware’s economic future.
Gov. Matt Meyer; Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, D-Wilmington; and Reps. Kerri Evelyn Harris, D-Dover, and Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, deserve huge props for making the film tax credit part of Delaware’s economic development agenda and recognizing the opportunities it can bring to our state.
Their work demonstrates that bipartisan economic development is still possible when leaders focus on creating opportunities for workers.
The passage of Delaware’s film tax credit is just a beginning. The next step is ensuring that the program is marketed aggressively, so producers know that Delaware is ready and open for business. Success will ultimately be measured not by the legislation itself but by the jobs created, the businesses supported and the economic activity generated across our state.
Delaware has taken an important step toward diversifying its economy and creating new opportunities for its citizens. And, as the saying goes, “Lights, camera, action, Delaware!”
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
