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Boise Film Festival host filmmakers while some ask for state to offer more incentives

Posted at 10:19 PM, Sep 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-24 14:39:17-04

At the Boise Film Festival, more than forty independent filmmakers from around the world are showing off their art. Bonnie Bruckheimer, known for her work on Hocus Pocus and The Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood, announced she plans to make the story of Trevor's Law into a movie titled The Boy On The Lake. Trevor's Law is a bill that started with an Idaho boy that strengthens protections for children and communities from cancer clusters. Bonnie plans to make the film right here in Idaho. 

"Make it not just the story about a law, but a story about the power of deciding you want to make something happen," explained Film Producer Bonnie Bruckheimer.  

Unlike many other states, Idaho doesn't offer tax incentives for filmmakers so they can save money while they shoot. While state legislators did pass an up to $1 million dollar rebate for filmmakers in 2008, it was never funded, but that obstacle doesn't bother Bonnie. 

"There are many other incentives that they have that make it worth your while and I also believe that because they are from Boise and it took place here I like the reality of having it in the state it should be," said Bruckheimer.  

While the state doesn't do tax breaks for filmmakers, the Idaho Department of Commerce says many places in the Gem State don't require film permits, saving filmmakers time and money. Their staff can also connect filmmakers with local crews and locations. But some filmmakers feel that more needs to be done to attract other productions.

"It's always nice to have the state help with that kind of production here and that kind of artistic generation," said Melinda Quick of the Boise Film Festival. 

The Boise Film Festival will be holding a panel on filmmaking in Idaho Saturday as well as showing more films. Bonnie say's she's still looking for funding but hopes to get The Boy On The Lake into theaters soon.