RICHMOND — A bill backed by Gov. Bob McDonnell to lure movie makers to Virginia is finally acceptable to legislators.
A conference committee agreed the bill should give film producers a tax credit after they have hired Virginians to work on their project and bought supplies and services in the state.
The negotiators dropped a plan by some senators who wanted the state to attract movies to the state by offering grants to the film companies before they do any work in the state.
One key amendment survived in the bill, sponsored by Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge. That amendment makes the tax credit available to producers of digital interactive media, in addition to those making movies or filming TV series.
Cline said digital interactive media, which can include video games as well as media in which an audience can influence the outcome of stories it is watching, is a developing trend.
Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, said she sponsored the digital media amendment because colleges are beginning to develop curricula and products that use the concept.
In particular, people at Tidewater Community College wanted her to include the digital aspect of movie making, Lucas said.
The House of Delegates adopted the bill 79-17 Monday, and the Senate accepted the conference amendments 40-0.
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