Non-profit brings blockbusters to Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin isn't exactly synonymous with the silver screen, but one Wisconsin based film office hopes to amend that fact.

Responsible for the state's features in "Public Enemies," where Johnny Depp menacingly traipsed the streets of Oshkosh as a 1930s gangster, as well as the footage of the Milwaukee Art Museum in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," the nonprofit film office, Film Wisconsin, facilitates the development of films in Wisconsin.

A film office is a sort of consulting firm that promotes filming in its particular state and helps filmmakers find locations to shoot at, as well as make contact with companies around the area that provide equipment or anything else they need.

"Any time a film is going to be produced in a state, you see an economic impact both directly and indirectly," Shelly Allness, program manager and UW Oshkosh alumna at the Department of Tourism in Wisconsin, said.

When a film production company decides to go through a film office to shoot in a state, there's usually a win-win scenario: the production company gets a tax incentive from the state, and the state gains money just by the filmmakers using the state's facilities (hotels, restaurants, etc.).

Depending on the size of the film, tourism rates could also go up for the state. This has been proven to work. You can still buy John Dillinger T-shirts at local shops in Oshkosh because of "Public Enemies."

"When you see a film, and you see something beautiful or interesting, if during your vacation plans you're going to hit up that spot, you want to go see that thing," Janine Sijan Rozina, president of the board of directors at Film Wisconsin and UW Oshkosh alumni said.

Usually a film office is a government organization financed by the state, but Film Wisconsin is unusual for being an independent film office funded by donations. It's the only film office in Wisconsin.

"Film Wisconsin really works hard at developing the film industry in Wisconsin," Allness said. "They're kind of like the cheerleader for the state. It's an industry that helps us with economic development and jobs."

Rozina's mutual belief with the board of directors at Film Wisconsin is to help the Wisconsin community grow artistically as well as economically. She's well aware of the ripple effect filming in the state generates and is enthusiastic about being a part of that.

"We are in the business of making business," Rozina said.            

Film Wisconsin has helped films such as "Mr. 3000," "American Movie," "Public Enemies" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," as well as the hit TV show "American Idol."