Detroit News/WXYZ poll: Film tax credit gets support

From the Detroit News:
May 26, 2009

A maximum 42 percent tax break for filmmakers who shoot movies in Michigan has its backers and its detractors. Some say it is bringing a new industry and high-paying jobs to the state; others say the $100 million cost of the state credit this year is too big of a price to pay.

But the film tax credit drew overwhelming support from poll respondents. The survey shows 70 percent favor it to 21 percent opposed.

“We had ‘Gran Torino’ made here and had nothing but positive feedback about it from folks in the Pointes,” said Lori Zurvalec, a 54-year-old lawyer from Grosse Pointe. “People were very excited about it.”

Dustin Waugh, a 37-year-old bricklayer from Westland, favors the tax credit but has doubts about its long-term viability.

“It’s bringing jobs and excitement into Michigan, which I’m all for. I’m just not sure it’s going to last,” he said. “What happens when another state goes to a 43 percent tax credit? I’m not sure this is a long-lasting job opportunity.”

Support for the movie incentive is strongest among voters in Metro Detroit at 82 percent versus 63 percent in the rest of the state.

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