Superior Provides 25% Rebate Incentive For Film Production Companies That Use The City As A Locale

If the popularity of movies like Merry Kiss Cam are any sign, the Twin Ports is quickly becoming a popular destination locale for film production companies. Hoping to capitalize on that, the City of Superior has pledges a future investment.

The city - working with it's Tourism Development Commission - recently approved a 25-percent rebate incentive for filmmakers who use Superior as their locale. While the rebate doesn't cover the production companies entire expense in town, it does provide the help in areas that are mutually-beneficial to the economy.

Here's how it works: The filmmakers can apply for the 25-percent rebate against their costs in town "on qualified lodging, food, and catering expenses". The rebate incentive program will be managed by the Upper Midwest Film Office, and according to details shared in the article in the Superior Telegram [paywall], "the commission has earmarked $20,000 for the program".

In general, everyone involved with the incentive program believes that it will be a win-win for everyone - the filmmakers and the local economy. Riki McManus, the Chief Production Officer for the Upper Midwest Film Office explains:

"Having Superior be an option for hotels and catering is a game changer. There are many time (sic) when we have a shortage of hotels and caterers available for projects.  That can be a reason for projects to go elsewhere. This helps to alleviate some of that hurdle in attracting large projects to the region."

How large of an impact could the rebate incentive provide? That article in the Telegram details that during the recent production of the Merry Kiss Cam movie in the Twin Ports, it "generated more than 900 nights in hotel and Airbnb rooms in Duluth".