MONTGOMERY -- Alabama Governor Robert Bentley Thursday signed a bill that will allow Alabama to compete more effectively for film production in the state.

HB243, sponsored by Representative Terri Collins and carried by Senator Gerald Dial, increases incentives allowed for filming projects in the State of Alabama from $10 million per project to $20 million per project. The minimum that can be spent remains at $500,000 and the percentages received (25 percent for expenditures and 35 percent for hiring residents) also remain the same.

This new amendment also increases the amount that can be rebated per year to qualified productions. Currently the amount is $10 million and will increase to $15 million in 2013 and 2014, and $20 million in 2015 and each year thereafter. 

Since 2009, when the Alabama film incentives legislation passed, there has been a significant increase in filming in the state.  In 2011 alone, production companies spent approximately $22.5 million in Alabama and more than $5.6 million was reimbursed to these companies through the incentives, according to the Alabama Film Office.

“The passage of this legislation will allow this industry to grow and continue to create more jobs,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. “Although we are somewhat new to the industry regarding film incentives, Alabama has already gained recognition and earned respect as a state with an uncomplicated process and an honest work ethic. The Governor and the Legislature have shown their overwhelming support and we see a bigger and brighter future for Alabama in the film industry.”