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Local filmmaker urges lower rebate thresholds to expand access for micro-budget productions
Summary
Meridian Hill Pictures founder Lance Kramer told the Committee of Human Service that lowering OCTFME's rebate qualifying thresholds would allow micro-budget films (budgets cited between $50,000 and $400,000) to participate and produce outsized local economic benefits, including hiring district residents.
Lance Kramer, founder of Meridian Hill Pictures, said the district's production rebate fund was critical to his company's survival and urged the committee to lower qualifying thresholds so smaller local filmmakers can participate.
"I strongly encourage you and the council to support and expand this program so that more district residents can create and hire here in the district," Kramer said. He listed three films made in the district and gave the budgets: City of Trees (~$400,000), The 1st Step (~$2,000,000) and Holding Liat (~$1,500,000), and said these projects collectively spent more than $1,500,000 on qualified district expenses and hired hundreds of local crew.
Kramer told the committee he testified multiple times over 16 years and argued lowering the qualifying threshold (he referenced earlier thresholds reduced from $500,000 to $250,000) would open participation to projects with budgets of $150,000, $100,000 and even $50,000, producing "an even further outsized impact" per rebate dollar. He also urged support for local screening venues and coverage of local film work to increase impact from production to audience.
Chair Matt Fruman thanked Kramer for his testimony; no formal committee action followed during the hearing. Kramer's remarks were cited later by agency staff describing how rebate-funded projects contribute to tourism and jobs.
