01/18/2025
As a Minnesota production company, we have experienced firsthand the consequences of the lack of leadership and support from the deputy director of Explore Minnesota Film. The current trajectory of the state’s film incentive program, along with the dismissive tone at the recent Town Hall, has left independent filmmakers and companies like ours feeling sidelined and disheartened. While we have supported the past efforts made by the current deputy director, it is increasingly difficult to remain motivated when we are consistently undervalued and unsupported.
Over the past year, we have lost projects to other markets due to the caps on above-the-line spending and the $1M minimum spend requirement. Despite voicing these concerns, we have been dismissed as an "Up North" company, and it is evident from the recent Town Hall that the current leadership does not view complaints like ours as valuable to the broader film community. We consider ourselves a Minnesota company, not a "Northern Minnesota" company, and we welcome all those who wish to work and thrive in this industry, regardless of where they’re from.
Independent filmmaking is essential to Minnesota’s film economy and creative identity. It provides entry-level jobs, training opportunities, and platforms for underrepresented voices, all while supporting local businesses. Yet, the current program’s high minimum spend requirement intentionally excludes low-budget productions, putting us at a significant disadvantage when compared to states like Louisiana and New Mexico, which actively embrace these films and their economic and cultural benefits.
Minnesota needs a film office that values both independent productions (union and non-union) and large-scale projects, ensuring that our state remains a competitive and inclusive hub for filmmakers. Restoring support for low-budget and independent films is critical to sustaining our industry and honoring the artists, businesses, and stories that make Minnesota unique. It’s time to rebuild trust and invest in the future of our film community.
We want to thank FilmNorth and Andrew Peterson for continuing to support low-budget independent film and for recognizing their vital role in the growth and development of Minnesota’s film culture.
https://filmnorth.org/an-open-letter-from-filmnorth-executive-director-andrew-peterson/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3i6Oeh-dDcvIuPhi10rSdFaUlaa4ubzgZe6RbPxuyUg4yheaq3vNERBHg_aem_G7IQbRallc86RJoDUoG66w
FilmNorth is paying close attention to the current debate about Minnesota’s film production incentive program and is eager to work with Explore Minnesota Film in partnership with diverse artists and…
