The 2 Big Hoops That Many Movie/TV Productions Go Through to Film in Colorado

There have been a lot of great movies and TV shows filmed in Colorado. Why not? We have great weather (most of the time,) great scenery, and the state can give you a rebate on your expenses. Those rebates aren't just handed out, however.

It's fun to think about all the movies that have been made in Colorado, from comedies to action, to drama. A lot of work goes into getting a movie, television show, even a music video, ready to be filmed. Then, comes the effort of getting the location you want to use, to make your production as good as it can be.

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The Colorado Film Incentive Program can help productions by giving them up to 20% in rebates on qualified expenses. That kind of savings can really help out a production.

WHY DOES COLORADO PROVIDES THE REBATES?

• They create jobs, at an 18-1 return rate.
• They promote tourism to Colorado.

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WHAT PRODUCTIONS DOES COLORADO GIVE FILM INCENTIVES TO?

• Feature Films.
• TV Pilots.
• TV programs.
• Streaming series.
• Music videos.
• Industrial.
• Documentaries.
• Video game design and production.

Once a production has completed the application process, the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media makes recommendations to the Colorado Economic Development Commission. That commission then bases their approval on:

• The expected economic impact.
• The number of jobs being created.
• The overall positive impact for Colorado.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIG HOOPS TO RECEIVE EXPENSE REBATES WHEN IT COMES TO FILMING IN COLORADO?

• The production needs to be made up of 50% local cast and crew. That seems like a lot, but if you want to film in Colorado, you need to hire Coloradans.
• Colorado production companies need to have at least $100,000 in qualified local expenses; out-of-state companies need to have at least $1,000,000 in qualified local expenses.  They do make an exception for TV commercials and vide game productions, slicing that number down to $250,000 in qualified local expenses.

None of this is to say that every production has to go through this process, it's only if they want to receive the (up to) 20% rebate incentives.