2007 Minnesota Statutes

116U.26 FILM JOBS PRODUCTION PROGRAM.
(a) The film production jobs program is created. The program shall be operated by the
Minnesota Film and TV Board with administrative oversight and control by the director of
Explore Minnesota Tourism. The program shall make payment to producers of feature films,
national television programs, documentaries, music videos, and commercials that directly create
new film jobs in Minnesota. To be eligible for a payment, a producer must submit documentation
to the Minnesota Film and TV Board of expenditures for production costs incurred in Minnesota
that are directly attributable to the production in Minnesota of a film product.
The Minnesota Film and TV Board shall make recommendations to the director of Explore
Minnesota Tourism about program payment, but the director has the authority to make the final
determination on payments. The director's determination must be based on proper documentation
of eligible production costs submitted for payments. No more than five percent of the funds
appropriated for the program in any year may be expended for administration.
(b) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "production costs" means the cost of the following:
(i) a story and scenario to be used for a film;
(ii) salaries of talent, management, and labor, including payments to personal services
corporations for the services of a performing artist;
(iii) set construction and operations, wardrobe, accessories, and related services;
(iv) photography, sound synchronization, lighting, and related services;
(v) editing and related services;
(vi) rental of facilities and equipment; or
(vii) other direct costs of producing the film in accordance with generally accepted
entertainment industry practice; and
(2) "film" means a movie, television show, documentary, music video, or television
commercial, whether on film or video. Film does not include news, current events, public
programming, or a program that includes weather or market reports; a talk show; a production
with respect to a questionnaire or contest; a sports event or sports activity; a gala presentation or
awards show; a finished production that solicits funds; or a production for which the production
company is required under United States Code, title 18, section 2257, to maintain records with
respect to a performer portrayed in a single-media or multimedia program.
History: 2006 c 282 art 11 s 9a