Arizona’s Film Industry: A Rising Star
In recent years, Arizona's film industry has experienced significant growth, particularly in the Phoenix metro area. In 2024 alone, film production in Greater Phoenix generated an impressive $29.1 million in economic output, a substantial increase from $18.1 million in 2023. This surge was driven by 777 projects, including feature films, television shows, commercials, and more, resulting in over 1,100 shoot days and the employment of more than 3,000 local crew members and 1,800 talent.
This growth is a testament to the state's commitment to fostering a thriving film industry, providing ample opportunities for local talent and businesses.
Incentives That Make a Difference
Arizona's Motion Picture Production Program (MPPP), introduced in 2023, offers refundable tax credits to production companies based on their qualified production expenses in the state. The program provides a base credit ranging from 15% to 20%, depending on the amount spent:
15% for productions spending up to $10 million
17.5% for productions spending between $10 million and $35 million
20% for productions spending over $35 million
Additional incentives include:
2.5% credit for using Arizona resident labor (below-the-line positions)
2.5% credit for using a qualified production facility or filming primarily at a practical location in Arizona with all postproduction completed in-state
2.5% credit for productions associated with a long-term tenant of a qualified production facility
The program aims to allocate up to $125 million annually in tax credits by 2025, encouraging more productions to choose Arizona as their filming destination.
Why Choose Arizona for Your Next Production?
Beyond the financial incentives, Arizona offers a plethora of advantages for film and video productions:
Diverse Locations: From the iconic Grand Canyon and red rocks of Sedona to bustling urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona provides a wide range of filming locations within a few hours' drive.
Year-Round Filming: With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Arizona's climate allows for consistent outdoor filming throughout the year.
Skilled Workforce: The state's investment in film education, such as the partnership between the Arizona Commerce Authority and local community colleges to train over 2,000 production assistants, ensures a growing pool of skilled professionals.
Supportive Infrastructure: Organizations like the Phoenix Film Office provide assistance with location scouting, permitting, and connecting productions with local resources.
Final thoughts
Arizona's combination of stunning landscapes, favorable climate, skilled workforce, and attractive financial incentives make it an ideal location for video production. As the state's film industry continues to grow, now is the perfect time to consider Arizona for your next project.