McDonnell touts film incentives

Flanked by historic re-enactors, and modern day actors, Gov. Bob McDonnell ceremonially signed legislation that establishes a film tax credit program in Virginia during a Monday afternoon event in the famed St. John's Church near downtown Richmond.

The new law, which Portsmouth Democratic state Sen. Louise Lucas and others sponsored, enables film production companies that spend more than $250,000 in Virginia to seek tax credits from the state. Total credits are capped at $2.5 million over the next two years, that number doubles to $5 million in subsequent biennia.

In future years, companies that produce interactive video games would also be eligible for the tax credit program if they have qualifying expenses.

The tax credits are part of McDonnell's job growth agenda, which includes the promotion of tourism and film production in Virginia, which the governor called "a natural venue" for movies and television with its mountains, oceans, history, culture, and military bases.

"We've got virtually everything right here in Virginia," he added.

Joining McDonnell at St. Johns, the church where Patrick Henry delivered his famed 'liberty . . . or death' speech in March 1775, were re-enactors portraying Henry, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, along with noted actors Tim and Daphne Reid, a husband and wife team who run a production company in Petersburg.

Also at the event was Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, McDonnell's chief job creation officer. In addition to belonging to the same political party and sharing a professional bond, the two have at least one more thing in common: both celebrate birthdays tomorrow (June 15; McDonnell turns 56, Bolling will be 53).

-- Julian Walker

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