Boost in MA filmmaking not paying off

BOSTON (AP) - A new report says Massachusetts taxpayers are not getting their money's worth from an incentive program to boost filmmaking in the state.

The Boston Globe reports that according to the state Revenue Department, Massachusetts is getting only 16 cents for every dollar it gives up in incentives and much of the benefits from the program go to out-of-state companies and workers.

The program was enacted in 2005, and effectively underwrites a fourth of filmmakers< production costs.

From 2006 through 2008, the state granted about $166 million worth of tax credits to 267 projects from 2006 through 2008. The department report says the state is set to spend nearly $100 million more on 30 projects in the works.