With the recent implementation of the Wisconsin Film Tax Credit legislation, a volunteer-based “film commission” has organized Film Green Bay in hopes of bringing film productions to the community.

Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Green Bay, City of Green Bay and local film and arts groups, want to be prepared for what could be the next big “industry” in Wisconsin. “We have film-savvy people right here in Green Bay. In addition, we have a good crew base and many locations throughout the area that would look great on film,” says Brad Toll, president of the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Our community assets are already paying off,” adds Toll. He’s referring to the October filming of Nephilim, a sci-fi thriller. Local production company, Pulse Studios has built a 20,000 square foot sound stage for filming. And this isn’t the only film on tap. Next year, “Project Solitude” will start filming, as well as three other films, yet to be officially announced.

That’s why the organization of a Film Green Bay is so important. “The state incentives are starting to work, so being prepared show Hollywood what we have, will hopefully open more doors and bring bigger projects,” Toll says. “Just look at films like ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ and ‘Field of Dreams.’ The success of a movie invites tourism right to your door. Tourists flock to places where movies have been made. Filming a popular movie could have an economic effect for years to come.”

A new website, www.filmgreenbay.com has been launched to help support the local efforts. The website includes information needed by film companies considering Green Bay as a film location.

Community members can help the Film Green Bay group populate two specific areas of the site. One is the vendor list. This is a list of area companies that are interested in working with film producers. In some cases, film industry experience is preferred, like sound specialists and videographers, but others, like catering or electricians do not need industry knowledge.

Another major section of the website is a photo gallery. Photography of possible set locations throughout Brown County will be accepted from the public. “Photos of warehouse districts to waterfront beauty shots and metropolitan architecture to a farm landscapes, can show the diversity of the product we have to offer,” says Toll.

Categories of photos, as well as submission criteria are listed on the website. Companies interested in becoming a vendor should also visit the site for information.