2008
Film incentive bill SB 230 gets voted in. Ushering in a new industry in Alaska.
The legislation offered a base 30% transferable tax credit on qualified production expenditures, with additional credits for hiring local residents, filming in rural areas, and shooting during the off-season (October to March).
2010
Big Miracle films in Alaska.
The film was shot over 10 weeks across Barrow, Anchorage, and Seward, injecting $7.7 million into Alaska's economy. Over 80 local businesses benefited from goods and services purchased, while the production also provided jobs for more than 1,300 Alaskans
2012
State commits another 10 years to the film industry with SB 23.
Alaska's Senate Bill 23 (SB 23) extended the state's film incentive program for an additional ten years, allocating $200 million in transferable tax credits to attract film and television productions. This initiative built upon the original 2008 program, which had already brought nearly $100 million to Alaska's economy through 15 productions over 910 filming days, employing hundreds of Alaskans. By renewing these incentives, SB 23 further committed Alaska to developing its film industry, resulting in increased job opportunities for residents, growth for local businesses, and heightened global visibility of the state's unique landscapes.
2015
Alaska Repeals Film Incentive Program, Ending Tax Credits for Productions
In 2015, Alaska repealed its film incentive tax credit program, effectively ending efforts to attract major film and television productions to the state. The decision was driven by budget concerns amid declining oil revenues, with lawmakers arguing that the program’s costs outweighed its benefits. While the incentives had brought high-profile projects and economic activity to local businesses, critics questioned its long-term return on investment. The repeal marked a shift away from developing Alaska’s film industry, leading to a decline in production activity and lost opportunities for local filmmakers and related industries.
