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Bill could bring more film production to Tucson

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Posted 10:35 PM 4/19/2012 : Bill could bring more film production to Tucson

TUCSON - The Arizona Legislature is working on a bill that might attract more film producers to work in Southern Arizona.

House Bill 2127 would create tax breaks for films that shoot in Arizona.

A similar law expired in 2010, and film crews started doing more work in New Mexico and Louisiana, according to Shelli Hall with the Tucson Film Office.

"It's about jobs, jobs and more jobs," Hall said, "and you know we need them."

Paul Stapleton-Smith makes his money off media production, including films. He hopes the bill passes and draws in more work.

"It means that I'm getting a terrific wage with terrific benefits," Stapleton-Smith said. "HB 2127 is an economic engine for creating jobs, good paying jobs."

The bill passed the Senate by a 16-13 vote.

Opponents believe the government should not play favorites when it comes to tax breaks.

A pair of Southern Arizona Senators voted against the measure, including Frank Antenori of Vail and Gail Griffin of Cochise County.

Neither were available for comment Thursday evening.

Many popular movies have been filmed in Southern Arizona in the past 15 years, including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Traffic, Three Kings and many others, according to the Tucson Film Office.

The bill will go back to the House after the Senate made minor changes.

Pornographic films are not covered by the law.

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