2026 Legislative Mission:
A Turning Point for Minnesota Production
Minnesota is currently at a critical crossroads. While the global production ecosystem is undergoing a massive realignment, the metrics for where projects land have become increasingly competitive. State-level fiscal incentives are no longer just "sweeteners,” they are the first question that can answer where a project happens.
To move from a regional afterthought to a global leader, the Minnesota Film Alliance is advocating for a bold set of policy updates during the upcoming legislative session that begins in February of 2026:
Minnesota Can Lead the Way in 2026
What We’re Asking
Increase the existing base credit from 25% to 35% for production in Minnesota.
A 5% increase for participation in career readiness and on the job training opportunities (40%).
Reduce the minimum spend from $1,000,000 to $300,000 for film and TV projects and $150,000 for commercials and Minnesota script and screenplay productions.
An additional 5% increase for a MN resident in a key creative role, such as Director, Producer, Showrunner, Editor, Actor, Writer, Cinematographer OR 5% filming outside of the seven county metro area OR 5% for projects hiring majority MN residents in below the line crew positions (45%).
*Worth noting: These are policy changes only. No new funds are needed.
The 45% Potential: Too Good to Ignore
45% isn't just a marginal improvement; it is a gamechanger that places Minnesota in the upper echelon of North American production destinations. In a marketplace where a 25% credit is now the price of admission, a 45% stack allows us to leapfrog the standard competition and match the premium tiers established by major hubs like Illinois and top-tier Canadian provinces.
Financing + Great Crews = More Work in MN
By aligning incentive design with how work is actually produced, Minnesota could establish itself as a distinct “Northern Hub”, capable of attracting work that currently flows to larger markets by default. At the same time, lowering spending thresholds would open meaningful access for independent filmmakers, documentarians, and commercial producers, transforming the tax credit from a passive subsidy into an active engine for workforce development, capacity building, and long-term economic impact.
Participation Shapes Representation
It’s time for Minnesota to play a larger role in shaping the stories that define us. That opportunity is here, if we choose to step into it. If you care at all about the future of film, tv, or commercial production in Minnesota, this is perhaps the best opportunity we’ve had in a very long time.
The first step you can take is to join the Minnesota Film Alliance.
