NV Film Tax Incentive Bill

I Heard It Through the Grapevine

I first heard about the Film Tax Incentive Bill during Nevada's 2023 legislative session. At the time, I was an advocate for the Windsor Park Environmental Justice Act. Windsor Park is a historic Black neighborhood in North Las Vegas that has been sinking since the 1980s. Built on geological faults and an aquifer, the neighborhood began to sink, crack, and break after the city started pumping water from the aquifer. Justice was long withheld, and the neighborhood was neglected.

I was going door-to-door, speaking with Windsor residents, organizing events, collecting public testimonies and plugging the plight of Windsor Park at every opportunity, when I heard about Jeremy Renner and Mark Wahlberg visiting Carson City and taking pictures with state legislators. Sony Entertainment wanted to build studios in Nevada, but they needed massive tax incentives to do so. Interesting, I thought. My mind wandered to my own artistic ambitions. But I pushed those thoughts aside—justice was at hand.

The Film Bill didn’t pass that session. But the legislator leading the charge wasn’t giving up.

“I regret that the bill landed on your desks with less than four weeks remaining in the session, making it much harder to give full consideration.” Senator Roberta Lange wrote in a letter to her colleagues, “I will be bringing this legislation forward again with ample time for you to develop questions about it and revisions that I think make it an even better bill.”

The Windsor Park Environmental Justice Act, however, did pass—thanks, in part, to film. A documentary short by UNLV film students, The Sinking Streets, played a pivotal role in securing that victory. The 14-minute film captured the residents' tragedy in a powerful call to action, reverberating through the halls of the state legislature. It moved community members to tears and helped secure justice that had been long denied. Sweet victory.

However, with success came misfortune. By the end of the year, the environmental organization I worked for was defunded, and I was laid off from the advocacy role that had funded my community work. I wandered. I picked up my art again, thinking of the desires I’d long shelved—artmaking, filmmaking, writing, producing, acting. I wished I were somewhere else, somewhere with more opportunities for such things. So, I went searching. In June 2024, I discovered the Nevada Women’s Film Festival at UNLV. I jumped.

Waves of Momentum

When I arrived at the Flora-Dungan Humanities building at UNLV, I realized I was walking into the middle of a reception. Dozens of women were dressed up, red-carpet ready. I asked someone at the front desk what was going on. “Home: Mother of 3000” A Nevada-made film produced by women was having its opening night, I was informed. I looked at the red carpet and noticed women of color around my age. Interesting.

Then it came up again. At the festival’s Women of the Decade panel, a few speakers mentioned the Film Bill returning in the next legislative session. Now, not only was Sony trying to build studios here, but Warner Brothers was, too. They spoke about the importance of the community being aware and prepared. To one panelist, it wasn’t “if” the studios were coming to Vegas, but “when”—and we had to make sure we were involved.

I have this terrible tick: when I hear something important needs to be done, I don’t wonder who will do it—I assume it’s for me. But I didn’t want to do it alone.

I left the film festival with fresh inspiration and perspiration, and called my best friend, ranting.“I gotta do something about this! But I can’t do it myself. I don’t know filmmakers here, like I don’t think of Vegas as an art community, ya know. We’re so siloed. But there has to be people already doing this kind of work—”

My friend interrupted. “Have you heard of Eccentric Artists?”

An Eccentric Coalition

It’s midday at Leaf and Grounds, and half the café is reserved for an event. I order my matcha latte and sit with other young filmmakers nervously waiting for instructions. The host grabs the mic: “Okay, everyone, you have six minutes to introduce yourselves and what you do in film, then we’ll move on to the next person. Ready, go!”

It’s round six now, and my voice is cracking. I gulp some water before sitting in front of the next person. “Wow, this is a lot of talking,” I say. “It is,” replies the woman in green across from me, “I hope you’re enjoying it! This is our first time doing this.” She smiles big. I recognize her from somewhere. “Were you at the Nevada Women’s Film Festival?” I ask. “Yeah,” she says. “Our group made Home: Mother of 3000.” Sick. Her name is Megan, and she’s the new Community Engagement Coordinator at Eccentric Artists, I learn. Eccentric Artists is a collective of filmmakers and artists in Las Vegas who organize events for the community. Perfect.

A couple of meetings later, and after an impassioned speech about the need for a coalition of artists and filmmakers to be active in shaping this legislation, they agreed to help me. Eccentric Artists is led by women, and I’ve never met such an organized, talented, and passionate group. Task delegation is effortless. They have connections at UNLV and within the film community. I have political knowledge and experience. We decided on our first task: an event to educate the community. Most independent filmmakers don’t know what a Film Bill entails, or the process behind it. We decided to host a town hall. UNLV Film agreed to let us use their location. We just needed speakers.

Building Our Panel

“Well, did you look me up on IMDb?” Professor Andi Isaacs asks. I stutter a bit at the question. No, I did not look you up on IMDb. But I didn't tell Andi Isaacs that, because she makes me a little nervous.  “Yeah!” I said, “I just wanted to know more about your work with film tax incentives so I can ask better questions.” Andi Isaacs was recommended as a speaker by Dr. Heather Addison, Director of UNLV Film, for her expertise in film tax policy. And the thing is, you should look her up on IMDb because she’s done a lot of fantastic work. Andi Isaacs knows what she’s talking about, and as any good teacher, she wants you to know what you’re talking about. “Always look people up on IMDb so you’re familiar with their experiences before speaking with them.” She instructed me. I love it. She’ll be brilliant.

I met Kim Spurgeon at a Film Resource Fair at the East Las Vegas Library. Her electric blue eyes light up when she says, “Oh, you’re Mercedez!? Great to meet you!” Kim is new to the Director role at the Nevada Film Office but comes with an impressive industry resume. She knows why I’m here: to ask her to speak at our panel. “We’d love to have the Nevada Film Office’s voice at our town hall,” I say. She’s on board but needs the governor’s approval. “Only facts,” she reminds me. “No political opinions, pro or con.” Absolutely, I reply. Facts, straight up. A week later, she had confirmation from the Governor’s office.

Senator Roberta Lange is soft-spoken but exudes honesty. When I meet her, the first thing I notice is her effortless style. Her hair is chic, gray, short, and so dope. Her energy gives “cool aunt”. Auntie Lange understands you, doesn’t judge you unless you deserve it, and knows how to get things done. When I first called her to ask if she’d speak at our town hall, the conversation lasted less than a minute. She said “yes” right away and offered to get Warner Brothers involved.

That’s how I met Sweet Caroline. Caroline Lett is the Executive Director of Business Development and Special Events at Warner Bros. Discovery. Caroline hops on Zoom like we’re old college girlfriends catching up. I was protective of the event and made it clear: “This is by and for the community. It’s not a UNLV event, and it’s not about promoting Warner Brothers. Local artists and filmmakers must be heard.” You know that feeling when someone just gets it? Yeah, I get that warm oozing synchronistic feeling all over this call. Caroline was perfect for the panel. As I looked at my list, I realized something: the event, organically, had become one run by all women. 

Lights, Camera, Action—Hopefully

“Warner Bros and Sony Entertainment want to build sound studios in Southern Nevada, proposing billions in investment, thousands of jobs, and the infrastructure to support productions. But before they come, they need a massive increase in Nevada’s current Film Tax Incentives. What does this mean for Nevada filmmakers and artists? And for all of Southern Nevada? Eccentric Artists want to make sure your voices are heard.”

The Film Bill Town Hall took place at UNLV on October 30th, marking the first time the Las Vegas filmmaker and artist community gathered to learn about film tax incentives, the potential for studios in Southern Nevada, and what this could mean for Nevadans. Speakers shared their perspectives, and the audience had the opportunity to voice questions, concerns, and support.

Since the October event, Warner Brothers has been active in the film community, meeting with filmmakers and legislators, hosting mixers, and pushing for the passing of Senator Lange’s Film Bill.

The holiday season was quiet, but now it’s January. The state legislative session starts next month, and the pressure is on. The filmmaker community can’t just brace for impact—they must act in advance.