Wisconsin could be the next big film destination—and not just because of its sweeping landscapes and small-town charm.
As of mid-July 2025, Governor Tony Evers signed the biennial state budget that reboots Wisconsin’s film tax credit program and launches a new Wisconsin Film Office under the Department of Tourism.
This move introduces a 30% transferable tax credit on all qualified production spend—with a $5 million annual cap—and lowers the barrier to entry for indie filmmakers. With thresholds as low as $50K for shorts and $100K for features, Wisconsin is suddenly in play for producers seeking authentic, cost-effective locations.
The implications stretch far beyond the state’s borders, potentially putting Wisconsin on the radar of decision-makers at Sundance, Cannes Marché du Film, and European Film Market (EFM).
Why the New Film Tax Credit Turns Industry Heads
Wisconsin’s rebooted incentive isn’t just another fiscal perk—it’s a competitive repositioning. By offering a 30% transferable tax credit across all qualified production spend, the state instantly becomes viable for both prestige festival contenders and commercial projects.
“Producers had been bypassing state locations without it.”
The launch of the Wisconsin Film Office signals a clear message: this is a long-term play.
For years, the absence of an official film office kept Wisconsin off the pitch decks of producers meeting at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) or BFI London Film Festival.
Now, the state can actively court projects in the same arenas where tax-incentive-rich regions like Georgia and New Mexico promote themselves.
Indie Filmmakers, This One’s For You
The most game-changing aspect of Wisconsin’s program is its accessibility to smaller productions. Minnesota’s $1 million minimum spend excludes many indie projects, but Wisconsin’s thresholds—$50K for shorts and $100K for features—are a breath of fresh air for emerging talent.
This opens doors for filmmakers whose projects debut at prestige fests like Telluride Film Festival, New York Film Festival, or the Hong Kong International Film Festival, where the conversation increasingly revolves around diverse storytelling and cost-efficient location shooting. Now, Wisconsin can be part of that conversation.
Wisconsin on the Big Screen: Recent Success Stories
Even before the incentive reboot, Wisconsin hosted a variety of projects, proving it can deliver authentic backdrops:
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Hundreds of Beavers (2022): A black-and-white slapstick comedy filmed in Manitowish Waters, Pembine, and Superior. With a $150K budget, it became a festival favorite, earning praise on the indie circuit and at regional showcases.
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Freedom, Wisconsin (2023): Shot in Kaukauna and the Fox Cities, this coming-of-age dark comedy found a home in niche festivals, reminiscent of films that have broken out at Sundance and Venice Film Festival.
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Green and Gold (2025): Filmed in Door County and Green Bay, this heartfelt drama reflects the kind of regional authenticity celebrated at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and BFI London.
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Murder Cabin (2025): A Wisconsin-made horror short, premiered at Milwaukee’s Times Cinema, showing how local productions can tap into genre audiences—a strategy that has fueled midnight slots at TIFF and Venice.
Taking Wisconsin to the Global Film Market
With a film office in place, Wisconsin can now market itself directly to the world’s major film markets:
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European Film Market (Berlinale) for early-year project financing
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Cannes Marché du Film for global distribution networking
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TIFF and Venice for fall prestige launches
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Sundance for indie debuts
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BFI London, Telluride, and New York Film Festival for critical acclaim circuits
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Hong Kong International Film Festival for Asia-Pacific visibility
The combination of competitive incentives and a diverse landscape—urban Milwaukee, historic Madison, serene Door County—positions Wisconsin to make serious pitches in these arenas.
Lights, Camera, Wisconsin!
Wisconsin’s 30% refundable tax credit, accessible minimum spend thresholds, and dedicated film office have transformed it into a serious contender for productions eyeing both festival prestige and commercial success.
Filmmakers—before locking in your next location, consider what Wisconsin now offers. It might just be your production’s best plot twist.
