Connecticut has spent years building a reputation as a premier destination for film, television, and digital media production. The state’s 30% tax credit has been a powerful incentive, drawing major productions and fueling a thriving ecosystem of independent filmmakers, studio projects, and industry professionals. But now, Governor Ned Lamont is proposing a 5% reduction—a move that could have serious repercussions for the state’s production economy.

On paper, cutting the credit from 30% to 25% may seem like a modest adjustment. But in a highly competitive landscape where states like New York, Georgia, and New Jersey maintain a full 30% incentive, Connecticut risks pricing itself out of the market. The industry has already fought back previous efforts to kill the program altogether, and this latest proposal raises fresh concerns about Connecticut’s ability to remain a viable production hub.

The Film Industry’s Economic Impact on Connecticut

Connecticut’s film tax incentive has averaged $128 million per year in credits between 2018 and 2023, but that investment has brought in major productions, thousands of jobs, and millions in local spending. From ESPN and NBC Sports to indie studios and Hallmark productions, the program has supported a wide range of projects.

Hartford Film Co. is a prime example of what the tax credit makes possible. Led by 26-year-old TJ Noel-Sullivan, the studio has helped nurture a growing cluster of independent filmmakers and crew members in the state. His latest project, Midas, was the most-watched film of the week on Starz in 2024, while his work on Rashad Frett’s Sundance-winning film put Hartford on the industry map.

“Cutting the tax credit would undoubtedly impact our yearly revenue and growth opportunities,” Noel-Sullivan told StageRunner. “But it would have the biggest impact on the hundreds of local crew members who rely on this industry for steady work.”

Why a 5% Cut Matters

The proposed cut comes at a pivotal moment. Connecticut has been steadily growing its reputation as a production hub, with major projects like Summerhouse and The Monster filmed in Danbury and a surge of interest in the state’s diverse filming locations.

Industry insiders like Jonathan Black, co-founder of Chair 10 Productions, argue that reducing the incentive could undermine years of progress. “We’ve seen excitement about filming in Connecticut start to rise,” Black said. “We’re literally marketing Connecticut to all the studios right now—this sends the wrong message.”

Other states are watching. In 2024, Governor Lamont himself celebrated the launch of the CT Christmas Movie Trail, highlighting the more than 20 Hallmark-style productions filmed across the state. The event was a showcase of Connecticut’s potential, and yet just months later, the same administration is proposing a cut that could drive those productions elsewhere.

The Competitive Landscape: Can Connecticut Afford to Fall Behind?

Incentives are the industry standard. New York, Georgia, and New Jersey maintain competitive 30% credits, while some states even offer additional rebates and cash incentives. Unlike Connecticut, these states provide certainty—something production executives rely on when choosing filming locations.

“It would decimate the entire industry,” Black said. “Expecting the same results with a less competitive incentive is like expecting Travis Kelce to score the same number of touchdowns after taking away his speed, strength, and size—it just doesn’t work.”

With Los Angeles facing soaring costs, and Canada bracing for potential tariff threats from the U.S., now is the time for states like Connecticut to double down on production incentives—not scale them back. The competition is fierce, and Connecticut’s unique combination of urban and rural locations, cost-effective infrastructure, and proximity to New York City is a valuable asset—if the right policies are in place to support it.