Bill > S00271

This bill amends the New York State tax law to define a "film zone" as an area within a 25-mile radius of Columbus Circle in Manhattan and modifies the Empire State Film Production Credit by excluding this film zone from eligibility for the additional tax credit. Specifically, the bill adds language that allows the film production tax credit for counties and areas outside the newly defined film zone, effectively limiting tax incentives for film productions shot in the densely populated New York City metropolitan area. The tax credit, which runs from 2015 through 2034, provides a 10% credit on qualified production costs including wages and other expenses for film productions with a minimum budget of $500,000, but now restricts this benefit for productions primarily filming within the 25-mile radius of Columbus Circle. The goal appears to be encouraging film production in less urban and potentially economically disadvantaged areas of New York State by making the tax incentives less attractive for productions centered in Manhattan.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S271