Press Release: Gov. Evers, Film Wisconsin Announce First Film Tax Credit Awards, Bolstering Economic Development, Tourism, and Film Industry Growth

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 08/19/2026 07:00 AM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers, Film Wisconsin Announce First Film Tax Credit Awards, Bolstering Economic Development, Tourism, and Film Industry Growth 
More than $1 million in film tax credits awarded to six Wisconsin productions that tell stories about the people and places that make Wisconsin extraordinary
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Wisconsin’s new film office, Film Wisconsin, today announced that six Wisconsin productions have been awarded more than $1 million through the state’s new film tax credit program. Aimed at bringing creative endeavors to Wisconsin’s doorstep, bolstering the state’s travel and tourism economy, and strengthening the film industry in Wisconsin, the state’s new film office and tax credit program were created by the 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed into law by Gov. Evers and launched within the Department of Tourism earlier this year.

“Film Wisconsin and our new film tax credit program are building on our efforts over the past seven-plus years to support Wisconsin’s tourism and travel industry, bring creative endeavors to our state, and showcase all our great state has to offer, and I’m excited that we’ll soon be getting this first round of film tax credits out the door,” said Gov. Evers. “These tax credits will not only help create jobs and support local businesses, but they work to support the projects that tell stories that focus on the people and places that make our state extraordinary. I look forward to seeing these incredible works come to life and many others like them in the years ahead.”

A significant milestone for the state’s rapidly expanding film and television industry, this inaugural round of grants builds on longstanding efforts of the Evers Administration to bolster the state’s booming travel and tourism economies. In June, Gov. Evers announced that Wisconsin’s tourism industry saw its fourth year in a row of record-breaking economic impact under the Evers Administration last year, generating a record-high $27 billion in total economic impact, or about $74 million a day, surpassing the previous record of $25.8 billion set in 2024. Additionally, the state also saw another record-breaking year for the number of visits in 2025, with 117.9 million visits to the state and a record-high $1.7 billion in state and local revenue generated.

“Film and television productions create lasting economic impacts that extend well beyond the filming schedule,” said Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Every production brings opportunities for Wisconsin businesses, workers, and communities while inspiring future visitors to experience the destinations they see on screen. Film Wisconsin is another powerful way we’re sharing Wisconsin’s story with the world.”

The inaugural group of six projects includes feature films, documentaries, and a short film that will showcase Wisconsin stories, communities, and talent while generating economic activity across the state. Film Wisconsin’s first accredited productions include: 

“RAO” | $557,991 
An independent feature film from Wisconsin filmmaker Sagar Brahmbhatt that follows an Indian American family’s journey as they navigate the tension between duty and dreams across three decades and three seasons in Northern Wisconsin.

“Long Shot: How Bud Selig Brought Baseball Home” | $167,100 

A feature film from Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein, chronicling former Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig’s unlikely quest to bring America’s National Pastime back to Milwaukee.

“UECK” | $140,008 

A documentary from September Club exploring the life and legacy of legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker, revealing the humility, resilience, and love of baseball behind one of America’s most recognizable sports personalities.

“Run for Glory: The Don Beebe Story” | $86,000 

A feature film from Salty Earth Pictures telling the inspiring story of NFL standout Don Beebe, following his upbringing in the Midwest and his determination to overcome adversity.

“The Warehouse” | $216,000 

A documentary from OmaChance Productions following an eclectic team of educators and artists working to complete Frank Lloyd Wright’s last remaining unfinished building in Richland Center, the famed architect’s hometown.

“Mis Undead Quince” | $19,273 

A short film from Wisconsin-based Cyclops Girl Productions in which a rebellious teenager and her Spanish-speaking grandmother must bridge generations and cultures to survive an undead invasion during a quinceañera.

Administered by Film Wisconsin, the new film tax credit makes $5 million available annually to assist the production of feature and short films, scripted and unscripted television shows, documentaries, broadcast advertisements, and production infrastructure in Wisconsin. Prior to the governor’s creation of the new film office, Wisconsin was just one of a handful of states without a dedicated film office.


With the creation of Film Wisconsin and the new tax credit, new productions will result in a two-fold benefit to the state by providing immediate returns like employing local workers, booking local lodging, and the purchasing of local goods and services to bolster local and statewide economies, while also through showcasing the state of Wisconsin and all it has to offer on a national and global stage to attract visitors for years to come.

To be eligible for tax credits, productions must spend a minimum of $100,000 in salary and wages for projects 30 minutes or longer and a minimum of $50,000 in salary and wages for projects less than 30 minutes. Projects may receive up to $1 million in tax credits per fiscal year. Eligible production expenses include cast and crew wages, accommodations, costs of set construction and operations, purchase or rental of facilities and equipment, location fees, and other production-related goods and services purchased and consumed within the state. Film Wisconsin will review tax credit applications monthly. 

Learn more about Film Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Film Production Tax Credit at FilmWisconsin.com. 
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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