The Team Behind the Sheboygan Film Festival Congratulates Filmmakers on State’s New Budget

A state film office and incentives will make a difference for everyone.

SHEBOYGAN, WI — July 28, 2025 — When Wisconsin Legislators passed the 2025-2027 biennial state budget and Governor Evers signed it, things got brighter for everyone working in the film industry, according to members of the committee organizing the first annual Sheboygan Film Festival. The budget includes an investment to establish a state film office and offer film and TV production tax credits.   

“So many have been working for so long all across the state to make this happen,” said Beah Travis, Chair of the Committee, and Executive Director of Belladonna Film Project, the non-profit organization behind the event. “We want to thank and congratulate Katie Heil and the members of Action! Wisconsin, who have advocated so diligently for state investment and infrastructure for the sector. This is a win for the entire state.”

According to information from Action! Wisconsin, the new budget establishes a State Film Office within the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, provides funding for a position in the new office, and offers up to $5 million in film production and investment tax credits during each fiscal year. 

As Heil pointed out in a recent Action! Wisconsin press release, these incentives are the cornerstone considered by production companies when deciding where to film. Spending and documentation requirements will guarantee that a certain portion of a project’s production budget will be invested in the state and will benefit local businesses across a variety of sectors, including hospitality, transportation, construction, catering, and retail.

“It’s a great day for Wisconsin. We are thrilled that the State Legislature and Governor recognized this enormous economic development opportunity that will attract additional private investment in the film and production sector,” Heil said in the release. “This has been a truly bipartisan effort that would not have been possible without the leadership and support of Senator Julian Bradley from New Berlin, Representative David Armstrong from Rice Lake, Governor Tony Evers, and 40 other state legislators who co-sponsored bills with these initiatives.”  

Sheboygan Film Festival (SFF) is a new annual event dedicated to sharing the joys of film and furthering Sheboygan's position as a creative hub in the Midwest. For more information about the event, including sponsorship opportunities, submission requirements, or volunteer opportunities, visit the Sheboygan Film Festival website at www.sheboyganfilmfest.com.

About The Sheboygan Film Festival