DECATUR – Lights. Camera. Action.
Strike up the band.
That’s entertainment – Alabama style!
In a major move to grow Alabama’s creative economy, Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation to expand the 2009 Entertainment Industry Incentive Act to include music albums as qualified productions, increases the annual cap on incentives, renames the Alabama Film Office to the Alabama Entertainment Office and allows for the carryover of unspent incentives.
This landmark legislation signals Alabama’s commitment to becoming a competitive destination for film, television and music production.
Filed by Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City) Alabama Senate Bill 177, as enacted, makes several changes to the state’s Entertainment Industry Incentive Act of 2009. It renames the Alabama Film Office to the Alabama Entertainment Office, increases the annual cap on incentives from $20 million to $30 million and unused incentives can now be carried over to the next fiscal year, giving the state more flexibility to support future productions.
The bill also includes music albums as qualified productions, meaning albums with production costs exceeding $30,000 and up to $200,000 may be eligible for rebates, further supporting Alabama’s music legacy. The bill passed unanimously in the House (101-0) and the Senate (34-0).
“This is a great day for Alabama,” said North Alabama Film Services Coordinator Thereasa Hulgan. “Governor Ivey and our legislators have given us stronger negotiating power to attract more productions to our state. The increase to $30 million in annual incentives shows that Alabama is serious about growing its film industry and staying competitive with other states.
“We’re also thrilled about the renaming of the Alabama Film Office to the Alabama Entertainment Office; it’s a clear recognition of our thriving music industry, especially here in North Alabama. With Meghann Bridgeman leading the newly renamed office, we believe we’re moving in a very promising direction.”
The legislation is expected to energize the state’s creative economy and generate new jobs across multiple sectors — from camera crews and costume designers to local hotels and restaurants.
“This legislation is about economic development, workforce growth and showcasing the unique stories and landscapes of our great state,” said Tami Reist, president/CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. “As Alabama raises its profile in the entertainment world, SB177 ensures the state is not just participating in the industry but competing to lead it.”
The new law arrives at a critical moment as other states adjust their incentive programs. While Louisiana recently decreased its cap from $150 million to $125 million, Alabama is seizing the opportunity to grow.
“This momentum will also benefit the music and broader entertainment industries especially in the Shoals,” Hulgan said. “This opens new doors for recording artists, producers and sound engineers to bring their work to North Alabama.”
Muscle Shoals, long known for its legendary musical roots, stands to gain from increased attention and activity in the entertainment sector. Tourism leaders in North Alabama believe the bill will help build stronger infrastructure to support both film and music, making North Alabama a creative and economic powerhouse.
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