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The bills are called HF-1975 and SF-1986. They encourage film makers to come to Minnesota by offering them a transferable tax credit of up to 25% on in-state purchases for production.
A similar incentive was passed in St. Louis County in February. Already, it has seen traction from films like the movie ‘Abroad,’ being shot on the North Shore this month.
Max Selim of St. Paul, the producer of the movie, said it will be about a Korean couple who visits the North Shore, where they become entangled in a murder mystery that is heightened by language barriers.
“This has been something we’ve always wanted to do,” Selim said. “I’m happy to be doing it back in Minnesota.”
Paul Cram, an actor in the movie from Wyoming, Minnesota said he believes the film will be well received and is happy to show off his home state in the filming process.
“It feels good to be working here and have that impact in my community and in Minnesota in general,” Cram said.
If Minnesota’s film incentive passes this legislative session, the men believe that even more movies could come to Minnesota.
“I hope that Minnesota becomes one of these film making hubs across the country,” Selim said.
They add that the more movies coming to Minnesota could inspire business and tourism, while also helping the area thrive.
“I think that its already helping the local economy. I mean, from my own experience just being up in Two Harbors and you know, being able to walk down the street and shop in some stores and things like that. I think its already having a nice ripple effect of infusing some money into the local economy,” Cram said.
Starting as early as this summer, Selim plans to submit Abroad to domestic and international festivals. He hopes that it will be put on a streaming platform like Netflix or Hulu or be brought to theatres.
Cram hopes to see the movie played in Duluth as well.
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