LANSING, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- A new series of bills introduced in Lansing this week would create tax incentives for the film industry in Michigan.

The incentives would apply to Michigan produced commercials, film, television and streaming productions.

The legislation creates a two-tiered tax credit that lawmakers say would boost the economy through added jobs, as well as money spent at hotels, restaurants and retailers.

“What it’s going to do, it’s going to be an explosion of work, its going to be an explosion of opportunity, its going to put our restaurants and our hotels right to work and they are badly needing of it currently," said Brian Kelly, Chairperson with the Michigan Film Industry Association.

The bills give preference to state-based companies who hire Michigan residents.

Other specifics of the legislation include:

• A base tax credit starting at 25% for in-state spending with an additional 5% awarded for the inclusion of a “filmed in Michigan” logo
• A commitment from production companies to spend at least $50,000 for a single commercial campaign or project under 20 minutes or at least $300,000 for productions over 20 minutes
• A 30% tax credit for hiring Michigan residents and 20% for nonresidents
• A requirement that qualified Michigan vendors provide proof of brick-and-mortar presence, have inventory and full-time employees on staff. Pass-through companies and transactions will not qualify
• Accountability requirements for independent verification of approved expenditures

More than 39 states offer film incentives.

Michigan previously offered incentives to the film industry but the program ended in 2015.

Senate bills 862 and 863, now go to the Senate Economic and Small Business Development Committee with the House bills, 5724-5725, headed to the House Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Read article at Up North Live