Wisconsin Launches New Film Program to Attract Productions

Filmmakers like Ramon Sloan see the $5 million annual tax credit as a game-changer for the state's creative community.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Wisconsin has launched a new state film office and tax credit program designed to attract movie, television, and other productions to the state. The program will provide $5 million in annual tax credits to productions that spend money hiring crews, booking hotels, or renting equipment in Wisconsin. Filmmakers like Ramon Sloan, a North Side Milwaukee native and head of content at Swift Motion Pictures, are excited about the new incentives, which they say could bring jobs, tourism dollars, and economic growth to local communities.

Why it matters

The absence of film incentives has already cost Wisconsin real opportunities, as major networks and production companies have ended conversations with local filmmakers when they learned the state lacked such programs. The new tax credits are seen as a way to keep the next generation of Wisconsin filmmakers from leaving the state to pursue their careers elsewhere.

The details

The new film program is straightforward - if a production spends money in Wisconsin, the state could return a portion of that spending as a rebate. Film Wisconsin will administer the $5 million a year in tax credits under the initiative. Filmmakers like Ramon Sloan say the credits will benefit more than just filmmakers, as the economic ripple effect extends to hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, and catering businesses when productions come to a city.

  • Wisconsin launched the new state film office and tax credit program in 2026.

The players

Ramon Sloan

A North Side Milwaukee native and head of content at Swift Motion Pictures, a local filmmaking company.

Film Wisconsin

The organization that will administer the $5 million a year in tax credits under the new state film program.

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What they’re saying

“I think that this allows for people to dream here.”

— Ramon Sloan, Head of Content, Swift Motion Pictures (TMJ4)

“It's gonna allow independents the opportunity to shine a little bit better and creatively. Also, you'll be able to get, you know, rebates back for your work.”

— Ramon Sloan, Head of Content, Swift Motion Pictures (TMJ4)

“It's gonna also help the economy in terms of, you know, tourism, people that's into catering, transportation.”

— Ramon Sloan, Head of Content, Swift Motion Pictures (TMJ4)

What’s next

The new film program is expected to attract more movie, television, and other productions to Wisconsin, boosting the local economy and creative community.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's new $5 million annual film tax credit program is a game-changer for the state's filmmakers, providing the resources and incentives needed to keep local talent in the state and attract new productions that can drive economic growth in local communities.