Indiana – Film Tax Credits

What are the tax credit programs to film in the State of Indiana**

Indiana offers a Film and Media Production Tax Credit to attract film, television, documentary, music, and digital media productions to the state. This non-transferable and non-refundable credit provides a base incentive of 20% on qualified expenditures, with potential additional uplifts of 5% each for using Indiana workforce during pre- and post-production and for including Indiana branding in the project. The total credit can reach up to 30% of qualified expenses.

To qualify, productions must incur a minimum of $100,000 in qualified expenditures within Indiana. The program is subject to an annual funding cap of $300 million, which applies to all credits available in the state. Each project is also subject to a compensation cap of $500,000 per individual salary.

For more detailed guidance on Indiana film permits, consult PPS.

Filming in Indiana offers a variety of unique advantages, making it an increasingly popular destination for film and television productions. The state’s diverse geography allows for a wide range of natural settings, from lush forests to urban landscapes. Whether you are looking for rural farmland, scenic riverfronts, or bustling city streets, Indiana offers a rich tapestry of environments to suit any production. The state’s vibrant cities, such as Indianapolis and Bloomington, offer urban settings, while places like Brown County provide picturesque rural backdrops, complete with rolling hills and dense forests. Indiana’s unique topography ensures that filmmakers have access to a variety of settings without needing to travel far distances.

Indiana also provides the added benefit of a relatively low cost of living, which can lead to significant savings in production costs. When it comes to securing locations for filming, Indiana offers affordable rental rates for both urban and rural spaces. This affordability makes the state an attractive option for smaller and independent filmmakers who may have limited budgets. From the expansive farmland to charming small towns, many of Indiana’s locations are easy to access and come with fewer restrictions than might be found in more crowded and expensive states like California or New York. This access to locations, combined with lower costs, makes filming in Indiana a viable option for a variety of projects.

Indiana’s cities are also incredibly versatile when it comes to filming. Indianapolis, the state’s capital, is a bustling metropolitan area with a variety of locations to offer filmmakers. The downtown area is home to tall skyscrapers, historic buildings, and a lively urban scene that can stand in for cities in any part of the U.S. Indianapolis also features the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a key location for high-speed racing scenes. This dynamic mix of urban and suburban areas within close proximity gives filmmakers many opportunities to diversify their shooting locations within a short radius. For filmmakers seeking more intimate, community-driven environments, cities like Bloomington and Lafayette provide an alternative with their unique local flavors and distinct architecture.

The state’s unique topography is also an undeniable draw. Indiana is home to a variety of outdoor settings, including the rugged terrain of the Hoosier National Forest, the picturesque dunes along Lake Michigan, and the winding rivers and rolling hills in the southern part of the state. Locations such as these offer filmmakers an opportunity to showcase Indiana’s natural beauty in ways that enhance the visual appeal of any production. The forested areas and wild landscapes in the state make for perfect backdrops for dramas, thrillers, and adventure films. Whether you’re looking for an idyllic forest or a dramatic river scene, Indiana offers the perfect landscapes to capture those moments on film.

Many well-known films and television shows have been shot in Indiana, adding to the state’s credibility as a filming destination. One of the most famous productions filmed in Indiana is “Breaking Away,” a coming-of-age film set in Bloomington. The movie’s scenes of local bike races and university life showcased the town’s charm. Additionally, Indiana was also the filming location for several scenes in “A League of Their Own,” the beloved film about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which used locations in and around Evansville. The state has also hosted multiple major Hollywood productions, including “The Fault in Our Stars,” based on John Green’s bestselling novel, filmed in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

Indiana’s accessibility is another key factor in its appeal to filmmakers. The state is centrally located, making it easy for production crews to travel to various locations. With Indianapolis International Airport serving as a major hub, filmmakers can fly into the state with ease, which helps streamline logistics. Indiana’s well-maintained roads and highways also ensure that getting to remote filming locations is straightforward. Filmmakers will find that the state is easy to navigate, offering fast access to a variety of settings. This ease of access is particularly beneficial for productions that require quick location changes or have tight shooting schedules.

When considering filming in Indiana, it’s important to keep in mind the role of Indiana film permits. Depending on the location, production scale, and potential impact on public spaces, you may be required to secure permits before filming. Indiana film permits help ensure that filmmakers comply with local regulations, obtain access to necessary resources, and coordinate with authorities to ensure public safety. These permits can be required for everything from shooting on public property to using special effects or altering the landscape. Indiana film permits help to ensure smooth operations and avoid disruptions to both the production and the local community.

Navigating the process of obtaining Indiana film permits can be complex, depending on the specific location and type of production. For instance, productions that involve large sets or have the potential to disrupt traffic may require coordination with local law enforcement or transportation departments. Additionally, for shoots on public property, securing permission from local authorities may be necessary. Having a clear understanding of the specific requirements for Indiana film permits can save both time and effort, ensuring that all legal and logistical details are addressed before filming begins. This allows filmmakers to focus on their creative work without having to worry about administrative concerns.

Indiana film permits can vary depending on the scope and scale of the production. For smaller projects, obtaining permits may be relatively straightforward, but larger productions may face more complex approval processes. In some cases, Indiana film permits will require additional documentation, such as proof of insurance or a detailed production schedule. As the requirements can differ greatly, it is essential to review all relevant regulations in advance to avoid delays. To ensure compliance with all local regulations and streamline the permitting process, it is often advisable to consult a local expert who can guide you through the necessary steps.

If you’d like to save time and money by having PPS handle all the necessary film permit approvals, click the link below to request a quote. Our permit coordination team will be happy to assist you further.