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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
Wisconsin Launches Film Tax Credit Program
The first wave of film projects awarded tax credits under Wisconsin's newly established incentive program are beginning to emerge, marking a significant boost for local filmmakers. Film Wisconsin, an arm of the state's Department of Tourism, has named the initial six recipients, helping to support a range of documentaries and narrative projects shot within the state.
Spotlight on Mis Undead Quince
One of the projects receiving support is Mis Undead Quince, a short film by Jocelyne Berumen of Green Bay-based Cyclops Girl Productions. Inspired by Berumen's experiences filming local celebrations like quinceañeras and weddings, the movie blends coming-of-age themes for Mexican-American youth in Wisconsin with a fictional zombie invasion. The film, which was shot on location in Milwaukee earlier this year, benefited from up to $19,273 in tax credits for in-state expenses and aims to premiere on the 2027 film festival circuit.
Diverse Projects Receive State Funding
In addition to Mis Undead Quince, other films awarded tax credits in the first round include:
- Ueck: A documentary about Brewers radio announcer Bob Uecker, produced by September Club, received $140,008 in tax credits. The film, already in Wisconsin theaters and slated for a national release, conducted its post-production work in 2026, qualifying much of that work for credits.
- The Warehouse: Awarded $216,000, this documentary by Omachance Productions follows efforts to finish Frank Lloyd Wright’s unfinished A.D. German Warehouse in Richland Center. Producer John Tymus expects a spring 2028 release.
- Run for Glory: The Don Beebe Story: This documentary by Salty Earth Pictures, founded by Steven Zambo in Fort Atkinson, received $86,000 in tax credits. While much of the filming took place in Illinois, post-production is occurring in Wisconsin, qualifying the project for the credit and setting sights on a 2027 release.
- Rao and Long Shot: How Bud Selig Brought Baseball Home are also among the inaugural recipients, though further details were unavailable at the time of reporting.
How the Film Tax Credit Works
Wisconsin joins 39 other states in offering film production incentives. The state’s program requires productions to spend a minimum amount in Wisconsin—at least $100,000 for films longer than 30 minutes, and $50,000 for shorter projects. These credits function as rebates, with qualified productions able to recoup up to 30% of their in-state budget. Credits are awarded on a rolling basis, and the state received 20 eligible applications during the initial funding round.
Economic Aims of Wisconsin’s Film Incentives
Anne Sayers, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, explained that the goal is to ensure that tax credits benefit the state’s economy by supporting local film crews, vendors, and services. Projects must conduct their work in-state to qualify. Though prioritizing Wisconsin-centric stories is not a formal criterion, Sayers noted that the first recipients cover a broad spectrum of formats and local themes.
Broader Economic and Cultural Impact
Sayers cited increased tourism tied to earlier Wisconsin-based productions, referencing spikes in visitors after Top Chef filmed in Milwaukee and Lifetime's A Cherry Pie Christmas aired. While the economic impact of these new projects remains to be seen, the tax credit program is considered by recipients as an essential tool for attracting investors and ensuring local film industry growth.
Source: isthmus.com.
