Why 'House Of Cards' May Make A Big Move

WHY 'HOUSE OF CARDS' MAY MAKE A BIG MOVE Movie and television production companies don't always base their filming location on looks or convenience -- they decide where to set up based on where they'll recieve the most favorable incentives, including tax credits and cash rebates for money spent on production. Maryland usually allocates $7.5 million per year to divide between production companies working in the state (the $11.6 million tax credit "House of Cards," which shoots in Maryland, received for Season 1 came from the state's budget for fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014), but approved $25 million to be spent in 2014. Next year, the cap goes back down to $7.5 million, unless state legislators vote to boost it. In the case that they don't, the "House of Cards" production company is threatening to "break down our stage, sets and offices and set up in another state." Tax credit and cash rebate film production incentives 'House of Cards' production costs and Maryland tax credits Tax credit Cash rebate Do not offer tax credits or cash rebates Production expenditures Maryland tax credits for which "House of Cards" qualifies Tax credits Maryland can guarantee with current funding levels D.C. Puerto Rico Season 3 (estimated) Season 1 Season 2 (paid) (pending) A TEMPORARY BOOST Tax credits Maryland will allocate annually for film and television projects in 2015 and 2016. $7.5M $7.5M $25M $7.5M A bill in the Maryland House would increase tax credits in 2015 to $11 million. Allocated for tax credits Allocated for tax Allocated for Allocated for tax credits in 2012 tax credits in 2014 credits in 2015 and 2016 in 2013 A bill in the Maryland Senate would increase tax credits in 2015 to $18.5 million. Sources: Motion Picture Association of America, Tax Foundation, THE HUFFINGTON POST National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington Post $63.6M $11.6M $55.5M $15M $55.5M $15M $4M