1. What incentives are offered by Idaho?
2. How do I list my business or service with the Idaho Film Office?
3. How can I list my property as a potential filming location?
4. What are the child labor laws in Idaho?
5. What permits are required in Idaho?
6. Is Idaho a Right-to-Work State?
7. How do I get hired for a production?
8. When will you have snow and where?
9. How do I get someone to look at my script?
1. What incentives are offered by Idaho?
A bill which would provide for a 20% rebate on production will make its way through the Idaho Legislature between January and March, 2008. If passed, and signed by the Governor, it will go into effect July 1, 2008. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, Idaho offers a sales tax rebate on taxable personal property for productions spending a minimum of $200,000 on a wide variety of qualified expenses. Also, production personnel who are staying 30 days or more in Idaho lodging facilities are totally exempt from both sales and lodging taxes, currently 7 %. Certain communities have local option taxes, also exempt under the 30 days rule, which would add to the savings.
Companies wishing to relocate to Idaho can take advantage of tax incentives for building facilities and adding staff. There are minimums for both facility investment and staff levels/pay scale. Contact the Idaho Film Office for more information.
2. How do I list my business or service with the Idaho Film Office?
Idaho allows qualified businesses throughout the west to list with us. Go here to enter your data, which will be reviewed by staff before the final listing appears.
3. How can I list my property as a potential filming location?
Photographs may be sent to Peg Owens at peg.owens@tourism.idaho.gov. Please include detailed information about the site and full contact information.
4. What are the child labor laws in Idaho?
Current child labor laws preclude children from working during hours in which school is in session unless a certified teacher is on set. Children are not allowed to work past nine o'clock in the evening. For more information on age limits and specifics, contact the Idaho Film Office.
5. What permits are required in Idaho?
Most Idaho cities do not require a film permit - only Coeur d'Alene has an official film permit in place. However, it is always a good idea to inform local authorities of filming activities, such as the Mayor's office and the police department. Permission to film on Idaho highways is required from the Idaho Transportation Department. Permits are required on federal and state land - a specific contact will depend upon the area - visit with the Idaho Film Office for assistance.
6. Is Idaho a Right-to-Work State?
Yes
7. How do I get hired for a production?
Fax a resume and cover letter to the fax number of the production office, which will be posted on the Industry News section of this site. Occasionally, the Idaho Film Office will notify appropriate crew via email. It is important to get listed in the Crew & Support section and provide an email address for communication.
8. When will you have snow and where?
No one can guarantee weather. However, for those looking for early or late season snow, try the highest elevations in Idaho rather than areas in the northern part of the state. In Idaho, Mother Nature is most generous in eastern Idaho - the Island Park area sits at an elevation of 6290', west of the continental divide and is quite reliable for early and late snow. Also in eastern Idaho, Driggs and the nearby ski resort of Grand Targhee are a good bet. Stanley, in central Idaho, sits at 6260' and will also keep snow later in the year. Pomerelle Mountain Resort, near Albion in south central Idaho, is known to get early season snow and often opens earlier than any other resort. For more information on average annual snow depth, visit the Western Regional Climate Center site.
9. How do I get someone to look at my script?
First, register your script at the Writers Guild of America for your own protection. Then, there is no substitute for a literary agent.