Report calls for end of Tennessee taxpayer money spent on film incentives

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The nonprofit think tank Beacon Center of Tennessee has issued a new report criticizing the state's use of film incentives issued thanks to tax payer dollars.

The policy brief titled 'Calling Cut on Film Incentives' states the $51 million in cash grants distributed to lure production in Tennessee has failed to provide a return on investment.

While the actual returns on investment have not been calculated by a state office, Beacon Center looked at box office sales of films made in the state and found 40% of films which received grants made less than what they received.

The report takes particular aim at the show Nashville, which has received $45 million in state incentives -the highest total of all projects. The report states even a “successful” TV series will result in Tennessee taxpayers subsidizing Hollywood and other out of state locales. While fans may miss the show after it received its final death in July 2018, Tennessee taxpayers should breathe a sigh of financial relief.

The Beacon Center is calling on lawmakers to eliminate the fund used by the Tennessee Entertainment Commission to lure productions to the state or at the least, placing more restrictions on how grants are distributed.

See the full report below or CLICK HERE: