EP NowEP StoreAcademySupportCommunityProducts by Country
Blog Home

Building on Oregon’s Cinema Legacy

How improved tax Incentives, job training, and production infrastructure is expanding the filmmaking industry in the Pacific Northwest.
July 19, 2022

Joseph Chianese

Photo of Mt. Hood, blog title

Tim Williams, Executive Director at Oregon Film, is taking the legacy of filmmaking in the Pacific Northwest to new heights. While it may seem that Oregon is a new filmmakers’ destination, Oregon’s rich filmmaking history dates back to the first feature-length film, ‘The Fisherman’s Bride’ in 1908, just as the silent-film era took off. For the next twenty years almost 50 silent feature films were shot in Oregon, including one of the greatest silent films of all time, ‘The General’ (1926) starring the iconic Buster Keaton. Today, Oregon is building on this history with increased tax incentives to capitalize on its growing world-class talent and production resources.

Oregon’s wide-reaching appeal covers the gamut of entertainment: TV, feature films, commercials, visual effects, animation, and beyond. The location also makes it an ideal destination, as Williams explains, "The terrain is second to none. You have oceans, mountains, snow, rivers, deserts. We have the landscape, talent, and resources of Canada, but you don't need a visa and you don't need to go through customs. It's easy to work here and then get back to LA quickly.”

Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Goonies,’ ‘Wild’ starring Reese Witherspoon, and NBCUniversal TV series ‘Grimm’ are just a few of Oregon’s notable projects, but one of the best kept secrets? Oregon is home to several of the top stop-motion production houses in the world.

Academy Award-Winning Director, Guillermo del Toro, in partnership with Netflix, chose to create his upcoming stop-motion film, ‘Pinocchio’ in Oregon. Del Toro worked with stop-motion animation studio Shadow Machine, who recently expanded their studios from LA to Portland and are known for hits like ‘BoJack Horseman’ and ‘Robot Chicken.’ Another leading stop-motion studio just outside of Portland, Laika ('Coraline,' ‘Boxtrolls,’ ‘Kubo,’ ‘Two Strings,’) is soon to release ‘Wildwood,’ based on the young adult fantasy series by Colin Meloy.

pinocchio new.jpg
'Pinocchio' (2022) / Netflix

Storytelling is rooted in Oregon’s history as Williams explains, “If you look at the films that come here to Oregon, you’ll notice they celebrate story, location, character, and a kind of quirkiness. We know what we do well, and we really want to maximize that.”

Oregon’s newly increased tax incentives

During the pandemic, Governor Kate Brown saw the film industry thrive in Oregon as more and more productions came in from out of state; even long-running reality cooking competition ‘Top Chef’ filmed their 18th season there. Brown, recognizing filmmaking as one of the leading pathways to economic recovery, worked with Williams to increase funding and push forward legislation to invest in the future of Oregon’s filmmaking culture.

Like Oregon, many states and jurisdictions across the globe have and will benefit from growth in the entertainment sector, as shown in the Olsberg S.P. I economic report, Global Screen Production – The Impact of Film and Television Production on Economic Recovery from COVID-19. To learn more about this impact study, you can also watch our recent Master Series episode featuring Jonathan Olsberg, Leon Forde, and report contributors producer, Steve Clark-Hall (‘Sherlock Holmes’; ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’), and former AFCI President, Jess Conoplia.

Solidifying the commitment to grow the film business in Oregon, newly increased tax incentives will go into effect this month, through two main programs: 

  • The Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF): Productions receive a rebate of 20% for in-state labor and 25% for goods and services bought or rented from Oregon registered companies.
  • Greenlight Oregon Labor Rebate program (GOLR): Productions received a 6.2% rebate on payroll labor costs.

Both programs are available to projects spending more than $1M in the state of Oregon (no minimum number of episodes or shoot days required).

OPIF, combined with the GOLR fund, offers productions non-transferable cash rebates totaling 26.2% on payroll labor, including the 25% cash rebate on goods and services bought or rented from Oregon registered companies.

Within the OPIF program, two additional incentive programs are available for smaller projects: the “local” OPIF (or L-OPIF) and the “regional” OPIF (or R-OPIF).

  • L-OPIF can be utilized by projects spending less than $1M (with a minimum spend of $75k) in the state. To qualify, projects must be produced by a local producer or production company and utilize at least 80% Oregon residents among crew members and actors.  
  • R-OPIF is available to any OPIF or L-OPIF participating project that is shooting some or all its production outside of the Portland Metro Area.

The OPIF program is capped each year at $20M. Williams encourages all interested parties to contact the Oregon Film Office about the application process early, and send a budget estimate so they can get a projection of rebates to weigh against the project’s schedule and the available funds in the OPIF program. Out-of-state productions have access to this funding if they register their company with the secretary of state, and physically shoot the entire production within Oregon.

Film, TV, Interactive games, documentaries, and animation all qualify for OPIF incentives, except for commercials, which only GOLR covers.

Participating projects that film outside of Portland may receive additional financial boosts through the Regional Oregon Investment Fund (R-OPIF) and the Oregon Made Creative Foundation, a grant, incubator, and job placement program.

Building Oregon’s workforce

Packed with production resources, new funding avenues, and adaptability to the changing entertainment industry, Oregon is giving new storytellers the opportunity to enter the Hollywood scene without the pressure to move to bigger production hubs.

“You don't have to hire locally through our programs, but everybody does,” explains Williams, “I would say every project over the last ten years has hired between 85-96% local crews, because not only is it cheaper to hire locally, but their skills are on par with the crew on the coasts.”

Williams, who worked as a producer for 25 years in LA, New York, and London, knows that it takes a team to get things done. He’s a proponent of working in partnership. Much like departments on a film set, he and the small team at Oregon Film partner with other organizations throughout the state to propel ideas forward, including Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA), IATSE 488, Portland Film Office, Oregon Made, and Outside the Frame.

monster in the woods-GRIMM-NBC.jpg
'Grimm' (2011) / NBC

And diversifying and educating a new workforce are leading to unique perspectives that Hollywood is lacking. Oregon Media Pathways aims to train and place future filmmakers from historically underrepresented communities, and Outside the Frame trains and places homeless and at-risk youth from Portland to jumpstart their careers in film, giving them a sense of purpose through the craft of storytelling.

After training through Outside the Frame, “Production companies interview these graduates,” explains Williams. “Once the company hires someone from the program, we [Oregon Film] subsidize that placement so the production doesn’t have to add on to their budget to include them. So, these youth become part of their call sheet, they become part of their payroll, and they become insured by that company.”

These young filmmakers, with a unique worldview, receive paid placement in an entry level position they might never have had access to without the financial support, training, and mentorship to help them get there.

The future of filmmaking in Oregon

One of Oregon’s popular production hubs, Vision Stages, located in Troutdale, opened just before the pandemic started in 2020. It is a locally operated 36,000 square foot space where HBO’s, ‘The Rehearsal’ by Nathan Fielding filmed. Its popularity continued to grow as producers sought larger spaces outside of the usual coastal hubs, ensuring crews and actors could stay healthy. Today, the stage continues to be a go-to space for studios and indie producers alike, and is just another example of how Oregon is expanding filmmaking resources to accommodate industry growth in the state.

Leave-No-Trace.jpg
Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie in 'Leave No Trace' (2018) / Bleeker Street

When it comes to filming in Oregon, William notes that the productions which tend to do well are, “$8-$15 million feature films and medium-to-small budget episodic features that are character-driven pieces.” Indie projects like ‘Leave No Trace’ by Academy Award-Winning writer/director Deb Granik (‘Winter’s Bone’), and episodic television like ‘Grimm’ (NBC), ‘Portlandia’ (IFC/AMC), and the recent ‘Trinkets’ (Netflix) have also capitalized on the resources and terrain that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

To experience the full impact of Oregon’s film history, guests can tour 32 iconic film locations around the state though the Oregon Film Trail, and see where classics like ‘The Goonies,’ ‘Stand by Me,’ and ‘Animal House’ rolled their cameras.

According to Williams, “The Oregon Film Trail is driving tourism around the state and reminding everyone that storytelling and filmmaking has been part of Oregon culture for a very long time. We're supporting an industry that was born here, and we need to claim that.”

To find out if Oregon is the best location for your next project, and to connect with Tim Williams, visit EP’s Oregon Production Incentives page for a comprehensive overview of all this gorgeous state has to offer.

Related Content

Los Angeles Times logo-sq

Hollywood production in U.K. soars to record levels as crews complain of burnout

8/22/2022
Spending on film and high-end television shoots reach record-breaking amounts as production activity...
More

Illinois’ Historic Film Scene Grows to New Heights with Expanded Tax Incentives

2/15/2023
For over 100 years Illinois has supported the film industry and thanks to recently passed legislation, the...

Meet the Unit Production Manager

2/8/2023
Carrie Holt de Lama ('The Bear') and James McAlister ('Power Book IV:Force') on how the UPM guides the...

Behind the Boom: Why the UK is a Hotspot for Production

11/17/2022
Explore the generous industry incentives, talent, and infrastructure available to productions filming in...

Production Incentives Update: November 2022

11/1/2022
Don't miss these US incentive programs, accepting applications now!

Film Community and Industry Jobs Grow in Washington State

10/25/2022
Thanks to new funding and a continuous effort by Amy Lillard, Executive Director of Washington Filmworks,...
Western Canada

Production Tax Incentives in Western Canada Every Producer Should Know About

10/4/2022
Alberta and Manitoba offer film and TV productions competitive tax incentive programs and versatile...

Film Industry Booms in Buffalo

9/20/2022
Western New York draws top filmmakers with expanded tax incentives, new soundstages, and architectural...
EP Blog_SQUARE_New US Incentives 2022

New US Film Incentives Introduced in Arizona, Indiana, Florida, and West Virginia

8/23/2022
As production continues to boom, new tax credits and other programs welcome industry to new locations...
EP Webinar Panelists - US Production Incentives Update

US Production Incentives Update: New and Expanded Programs in 2022

8/19/2022
Film commissioners Colleen Bell and Sandy Lighterman, and production executives Jay Roewe and Ashley Rice,...

The Future of Streaming and Production Growth in Africa

3/8/2023
Streaming services lead a promising wave of African productions set to entertain local and global...
INDUSTRY NEWS_EP at Sundance Film Festival 2023

Entertainment Partners Hosted Incentives Panel at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival

3/3/2023
EP's Joe Chianese led an expert panel of film commissioners from across the globe discussing incentives,...
INDUSTRY NEWS_SQUARE_uk flag_big ben

Update on UK Film and TV Tax Relief Consultation

2/20/2023
A look at how the UK government aims to modernise existing tax reliefs to better serve film industry...
Topic: UK
More

Production Incentives Update: February 2023

2/8/2023
A look at changing film incentive programs across Illinois, New York, Puerto Rico, and Spain.

New York Gov. Aims to Boost Film Tax Credits to $700M As New Jersey Rivalry Heats Up

2/4/2023
Since 2020, at least 10 productions chose to film in New Jersey or other jurisdictions instead of the...
EP Newsroom-Netflix logo-Thumbnail

Netflix and Entertainment Partners to Train Next Generation of Production Accountants

1/26/2023
Netflix, in partnership with Entertainment Partners, is calling for applicants to participate in a...

Entertainment Partners and Netflix Pledge £500K ($608K) to New PGGB Talent Development Fund

1/25/2023
Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB) Talent Development Fund will support the development and...
Virtual Production

The UK Invests in Virtual Production as Content Boom Continues

1/10/2023
The UK is doubling down on Virtual Production infrastructure; learn how and why they’re leading the charge...
Topic: UK
More

Hawaii 2023 Loan-Out GET Tax Rule FAQs

1/5/2023
Productions seeking a Hawaii tax credit must withhold and report general excise tax (GET) on loan-outs in...

Meet the Music Supervisor

1/4/2023
Kasey Truman ('Grey’s Anatomy,' 'The Sandman,' 'Fire Country') on the art of creating cinematic...
tax

Hawaii Production Tax Incentives Notice

12/22/2022
Hawaii announces new rules and procedures for reporting and paying loan-out HI General Excise Tax (GET)...
Master Series Budgeting 2023

Budgeting for 2023: Federal, State, and Incentive Considerations

12/9/2022
Learn what Federal and State payroll tax changes are coming in 2023, plus tips for setting up your...

UK Production Incentives All Producers Should Know About

11/17/2022
Don't miss out on the UK's tax incentives, special programs, and national and regional funding...

US Production Incentives Special Alert: Hawaii

11/1/2022
Hawaii amends Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit

Preparing for Year End: Focus, Find, and Fix!

10/28/2022
EP's payroll tax experts share best practices to identify and resolve payroll tax errors for a smooth year...

Special Report: Entertainment – A Hollywood Education

10/24/2022
It’s the best of times and the worst of times for employment in the entertainment/streaming industry.
EP Blog_SQUARE_Streaming service

Streaming Services Expand to Latin America and New Audiences

10/11/2022
SVOD providers look to Latin America as a gateway to global stories and new subscribers
Changes to UK right to work checks

Important Changes to UK Right to Work Checks

9/20/2022
On September 30, 2022 the UK rules around right to work checks will change. Here’s what productions need...
Topic: UK
More
EP Blog_SQUARE_New York

NY Convenience Rule Impacts Remote Production Workers and Film Incentives

9/13/2022
How remote employee payroll taxes apply to New York-based productions and if an employee’s physical...
EP Blog_SQUARE_US Expanded Incentives 2022-2

A Record Number of US States Expand Filmmaking Incentives in 2022

8/25/2022
Your guide to the latest news in production incentives and film programs to come from the 2022 legislative...
EP Blog_SQUARE-Atlantic Canada Expands Incentives

Atlantic Canada Expands Film Incentives in 2022

8/16/2022
Enhanced production incentive programs attract industry to Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and...
Woman looking at working schedule on laptop

Types of Working Days in the UK HETV Industry – And What They Mean

3/14/2023
Key types of working days to be aware of if you’re producing scripted TV in the UK.
Topic: UK
More

UK Employment Law Changes Production Companies Should Be Aware Of

2/17/2023
The UK government is considering a suite of legal changes which – if passed into law – will affect your...
Topic: UK
More
EP Blog_SQUARE_London Background Actors

London Productions: Key Things to Consider When Working with Background Actors

2/16/2023
Is your production filming in or around London? Don't overlook the special rules that may apply to your...
Topic: UK
More
Master Series: SB 1162 Panelists

SB 1162: What Studios Need to Know about the New California Pay Data Reporting Law

2/15/2023
Learn about California’s new expanded pay data reporting law, SB 1162, and how it applies to the...
Topic: Legal
Watch

Allowable Mileage Changes in 2023

2/8/2023
Driving to and from set? Here's what production workers need to know to maximize allowable mileage...
Joe Francis-EP International-Lyndsay Duthie-PGGB-Alison Small-Netflix

UK Film and TV Industry Gathers at Inaugural PGGB Talent Showcase

2/2/2023
More than 250 film and TV industry figureheads, newcomers, students, educators and skills bodies gathered...
EP Newsroom-Thumbnail-PGGB

Entertainment Partners and Netflix pledge £500K ($616K) to new PGGB Talent Development Fund

1/26/2023
Entertainment Partners and Netflix have each pledged £250k ($308k) to form a new £500k ($616k) Production...

7 Things Production Finance Teams Need to Know for Budgeting in 2023

1/25/2023
Mark Hammond, VP of International Finance & Ops, shares some of the key factors production finance teams...
EP Newsroom-Thumbnail-PGGB

6FT From The Spotlight Wins Inaugural Earl of Wessex Award at PGGB Talent Showcase

1/25/2023
Film and TV industry charity 6ft From the Spotlight were awarded The Production Guild of Great Britain’s...

New Union Agreement for Engaging Crew on UK HETV Takes Effect

1/20/2023
Pact/Bectu 2023 agreement makes a number of key changes to the terms and conditions for engaging crew.
Topic: UK
More
Master Series square Thumbnail Pact Bectu Agreement

Understanding the New Pact/Bectu TV Drama Agreement 2023

1/12/2023
Your comprehensive overview of the new Pact/Bectu TV Drama Agreement and how key changes will impact...
Topic: UK
Watch

Production Tax Incentives Notice: Hawaii

1/10/2023
Hawaii Department of Tax (DoTax) issues Tax Advisory notice on tax obligations of persons working in the...
Topic: Alerts
More

Production Incentives Update: December 2022

12/27/2022
A look at changing film incentive programs across the US, Canada, and Czech Republic.

Budgeting and Forecasting Film and Television Residuals

12/13/2022
What production accountants need to know to confidently budget and forecast for residuals.

Meet the Script Supervisor

11/15/2022
A conversation with Rachel Connors Phillippe (‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,’ ‘Only Murders in the Building’)

Entertainment Partners at 2022 Institute on Entertainment Law and Business

11/7/2022
EP's Production Incentives Practice Leader, Joe Chianese, joins panel to educate producers on the wide...

The Production Accountant’s Guide to Year-End Payroll

11/1/2022
A step-by-step breakdown of how to navigate pitfalls and fix production payroll errors for a smooth year...

Special Report: Entertainment – Soundstage Gold Rush

10/24/2022
Hollywood is experiencing an ongoing boom that fills its Los Angeles production hub to overflow levels.
EP Blog_SQUARE_Creating a development budget

The Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Development Budget

10/18/2022
Before you start the filmmaking process, learn what basics you need to budget for to get your idea off the...
Changes to UK Pensions Act

Proposed Changes to the UK Pensions Act Could Impact Production Budgets

10/12/2022
Reintroduced bill seeks to give UK government the power to extend pensions auto-enrollment to young and...
Topic: UK
More
UK Gov Growth Plan

Mini Budget; Big Changes: What the UK Government’s Growth Plan Means for Production 

10/12/2022
UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announces new Growth Plan (aka the “mini budget”) and a big shake up of the...
Topic: UK
More
Master Series Square Thumbnail-Film Financing-Crowdfunding

Film Financing Explained: Crowdfunding

9/8/2022
Emily Best (Seed&Spark), Stacy Bradford (Indiegogo), and producer Zach Fineblum join us to discuss the ins...
EP Blog_SQUARE_1st AC Matt Sanderson

Meet the First Assistant Camera

9/7/2022
A conversation with 1st AC Matt Sanderson ('Everything Everywhere All At Once')
EP-Newsroom-Below the Line-Thumbnail-480

Union Roundup: Production Incentives Experts Gather, Hoping Hollywood Can Bring Economic Recovery As We Learn to Live With Covid

9/6/2022
Entertainment Partners offered an update on U.S. Production Incentives for 2022. The seminar focused on...
Streaming platform on tablet device

The Evolution of Residuals: How Streaming Changed the Model

8/11/2022
Understanding how residuals payments are calculated for new content on streaming platforms.
EP Blog_SQUARE_Penka Kouneva-2

Meet the Composer

8/2/2022
A conversation with award-winning orchestrator and composer Penka Kouneva (‘Revenge,’ ‘Pirates of the...

Payroll & Finances

PayrollResidualsSmartStartNew SmartTimeProduction PortalEP On LocationSmartAccountingEP LiveSmartPOCASHétPayPaymaster Rate GuideEP Residency

Manage Multiple Productions

AssetHubSmartHubSmartHub Vault
Subscribe now

Be an industry insider with EP's
newsletters and alerts

LegalPrivacy NoticeSecurity
© 2023 Entertainment Partners. All rights reserved.