R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-31.2-1 — Findings and purpose

(a) The general assembly finds and declares that the state of Rhode Island with its natural
beauty, historical and architectural heritage of the state, its majestic natural resources
including Narragansett Bay and the independence and diversity of its citizens and
neighborhoods would provide a variety of excellent settings from which the motion
picture industry might choose a location for filming a motion picture or television
program, and together with those natural settings, the availability of labor, materials,
climate, and hospitality of its people have been instrumental in the filming of several
successful motion pictures.
(b) It is recognized that the motion picture industry brings with it a much needed infusion
of capital into areas of the state which may be economically depressed and the multiplier
effect of the infusion of capital resulting from the filming of a motion picture or
television program serves to stimulate economic activity beyond that immediately apparent
on the film set.
(c) Since a significant portion of the cost of a motion picture or television production
will not be eligible for existing tax incentives due to the fact that portions of
the production are carried out in another state, it is the purpose of this chapter
to provide a financial incentive to the film industry in order that the state might
compete with other states for filming locations.
(d) The primary objective of this chapter is to encourage development in Rhode Island
of a strong capital base for motion picture film, videotape, and television program
productions, in order to achieve a more independent, self-supporting industry. This
objective is divided into immediate and long-term objectives as follows:
(1) Immediate objectives are to:
(i) Attract private investment for the production of motion pictures, videotape productions,
and television programs which contain substantial Rhode Island content as defined
herein.
(ii) Develop a tax infrastructure which encourages private investment. This infrastructure
will provide for state participation in the form of tax credits to encourage investment
in state- certified productions.
(iii) Develop a tax infrastructure utilizing tax credits which encourage investments in
multiple state-certified production projects.
(2) Long-term objectives are to:
(i) Encourage increased employment opportunities within this sector and increased competition
with other states in fully developing economic development options within the film
and video industry.
(ii) Encourage new education curricula in order to provide a labor force trained in all
aspects of film production.