Governor Evers to Visit La Crosse and Baraboo to Highlight Launch of New State Film Office and Tax Credit Program

(Baraboo, WI) Governor Evers visited La Crosse and Baraboo on Tuesday March 10^th to highlight the launch of the new State Film Office and Film Tax Credit Program. While in Baraboo the Governor met with filmmakers from Wisconsin to conduct a walking tour and discuss the new film tax program. During the walking tour Representative Karen DeSanto highlighted the beauty of the Baraboo area including the vibrant Downtown Baraboo area with terrific shops the murals on many of the downtown buildings that celebrate the heritage of Baraboo.

The goal of the program is to encourage filmmakers to produce films in the state, using the talent based in the state. While the films will not be all about Wisconsin some of them will be according to Governor Evers. Films will be produced in Wisconsin because we have good talent people here and the tax credits will encourage film makers to consider Wisconsin according to Evers. The credits will help filmmakers come to Wisconsin for new productions that will provide 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 showcasing the state of Wisconsin. The hope is producers will come to towns such as Baraboo in the future and keep more people involved in our local communities while keeping talented people in Wisconsin.

He stopped in Baraboo as it is one of his favorite places to stop after living in the area previously. Filmmakers visited great downtowns such as Baraboo where many creative people reside. While visiting Baraboo, the Governor mentioned the amazing Al Ringling Theater and he would never guess there would  facility be in a town this size. Keeping it going is important for the history of the area.

To be eligible for tax credits, productions must spend a minimum of $100,000 for projects 30 minutes or longer and a minimum of $50,000 for projects less than 30 minutes. Projects may receive up to $1 million in tax credits per fiscal year. Governor Evers said it is not a lot of money, but it is start.

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.

The tax credits are retroactive to eligible expenditures beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Learn more about Film Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Film Production Tax Credit at FilmWisconsin.com.