EC Wisconsin News

Members of the committee organizing the Sheboygan Film Festival have expressed support for the recent passage of Wisconsin’s 2025-2027 biennial state budget, which includes new measures aimed at supporting the film industry. The budget provides for the creation of a state film office and introduces film and television production tax credits.

Beah Travis, Chair of the Committee and Executive Director of Belladonna Film Project, stated, “So many have been working for so long all across the state to make this happen. We want to thank and congratulate Katie Heil and the members of Action! Wisconsin, who have advocated so diligently for state investment and infrastructure for the sector. This is a win for the entire state.”

The new budget establishes a State Film Office within the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. It also allocates funding for staffing this office and authorizes up to $5 million in annual tax credits for film production and related investments. These incentives are expected to encourage production companies to consider filming in Wisconsin, with requirements that ensure a portion of each project’s spending occurs within the state. This is likely to benefit local businesses in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, construction, catering, and retail.

Katie Heil noted in an Action! Wisconsin press release that these incentives are essential factors considered by production companies when selecting filming locations. She said: “It’s a great day for Wisconsin. We are thrilled that the State Legislature and Governor recognized this enormous economic development opportunity that will attract additional private investment in the film and production sector. This has been a truly bipartisan effort that would not have been possible without the leadership and support of Senator Julian Bradley from New Berlin, Representative David Armstrong from Rice Lake, Governor Tony Evers, and 40 other state legislators who co-sponsored bills with these initiatives.”

The Sheboygan Film Festival is scheduled to hold its first event October 2-5. Organized by Belladonna Film Project—a nonprofit focused on independent filmmaking in the Midwest—the festival aims to showcase regional independent films alongside projects from around the world. Its programming will include features, short films, children’s content, filmmaker discussions, panels, and other events designed to highlight both filmmakers’ work and Sheboygan itself.

For more information about sponsorships or participation opportunities at SFF or details about its programming schedule or mission statement—interested parties can visit their official website.