Incentives for Filmmakers in Nebraska

History of Nebraska Film and Media Legislation

LB937, Cast and Crew Nebraska Act

The Cast and Crew Nebraska Act, LB 937, is legislation designed to support and promote the film industry in Nebraska. Introduced in 2024, the act provides tax incentives and financial benefits to film and television productions that choose to work in the state. The tax credit program will begin in fiscal year 2025-26. More information will be posted to the Nebraska Film Office website at a later date. For more information on LB937, visit: Nebraska Legislature. If you have any further questions, please contact Garrett Stolz at garrett.stolz@nebraska.gov or 402-525-3358.

Nebraska Film Office Grant

Administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), the Nebraska Film Office Grant is available to any public or private, resident or nonresident, production company that will produce a feature film, television series, or miniseries on location in the State of Nebraska.

Applications for the Nebraska Film Office Grant reopened November 18, 2024, and will close May 31, 2025. For more information on the Nebraska Film Office Grant, including specific guidelines and requirements, visit https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/incentives/film-office-grant/.

For any questions or other information, please contact Shaun Grantski at shaun.grantski@nebraska.gov or 402-471-9054.

LB840/863, Local Optional Municipal Economic Development Act (LOMEDA)

The Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act (LB840, 1991) authorizes incorporated cities and villages to collect and appropriate local tax dollars—including sales and/or property tax, if approved by the local voters—for economic development purposes. With the passage of LB863, the LOMEDA act was amended and production of films or television programs was included in the program’s eligible activities.

If you are interested in learning more about the municipal incentive available in some communities across the state, please contact the Nebraska Film Office. In order to qualify for the incentive, you must register your project with the Nebraska Film Office.

Do not wait to inquire about this fund. Lead times will vary from community to community. Contact NFO for more information: ded.film.office@nebraska.gov

Find more info about LB840 here: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/lb-840/

Chief Standing Bear Film Grant

The Chief Standing Bear Film program is an authorized use of funding from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, and is available to any public or private entity with an already completed screenplay focusing on Chief Standing Bear, as well as a finalized work plan and an itemized budget. The funds from the Chief Standing Bear Grant must be used for the sole purpose of producing a film based on Chief Standing Bear’s Life. Additionally, grant funds can only cover filming and eligible expenses incurred in the State of Nebraska within qualified census tracts located within the boundaries of a city of the metropolitan class.