Netflix 'House of Cards' Season 3 Will Film in Maryland: Media Rights Capital Granted $11.5M in 2014 Tax Credits
The months-long battle over tax incentives between Maryland officials and "House of Cards" executives ended Friday when they announced a deal had been struck, meaning the show would continue filming in Maryland.
The Washington Post reported that Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley released a joint statement with Media Rights Capital, the company behind the Netflix original series, stating the company will get $11.5 million in tax credits in 2014.
Maryland gives tax credits to production companies that choose film in the state as a way of reimbursing a few of the crew's expenses. In the past few years, the state has allocated $7.5 million annually to movie and television companies but Media Right found that is not enough to sustain their needs.
During the filming of the show's first two seasons, the company received $26.6 million in tax credits while filming primarily in Baltimore and Harford County as well as the Maryland House of Delegates chamber in Annapolis, the Post reported.
Production on the show had brought jobs to the state, which helped generate both spending and Hollywood notoriety.
The debate began in late January when the state officials told Media Rights it could only give $4 million for season three, which prompted the company's senior vice president to write a letter to O'Malley and House Speaker Michael E. Busch.
In the letter, the Media Rights VP warned that, if they did not get more tax incentive money, production in the state would cease and production crews would "break down our stage, sets and offices and set up in another state."
The ultimatum stirred some controversy among the state's lawmakers who said they felt they were being extorted, according to the Post.
By April 7, the end of the legislative session, state officials and the show's producers hadn't reached an agreement but in the last two weeks, O'Malley's aids worked closesly with the "House of Cards" representatives to reach a deal.
"Spoiler alert: we're going to keep the 3,700 jobs and more than 100 million dollars of economic activity and investment that 'House of Cards' generates right here in Maryland," O'Malley said in the statement. "Media Rights Capital has been a great supporter of the people and entertainment community in Maryland, and we couldn't be happier to continue our partnership."
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!