Researcher ORCID Identifier
0009-0007-0361-439X
Graduation Year
2026
Date of Submission
4-2026
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Government
Reader 1
Shanna Rose
Terms of Use & License Information
Abstract
This thesis argues that movie production incentives (MPIs) are high-risk policies that result in limited, and often short-lived, benefits to the state. Using case studies of Georgia and New Jersey, this research evaluates the extent to which MPIs improve film industry employment, tourism, and local economic spending. This thesis also examines the intangible consequences of film industry activity, such as road closures, traffic, and negative portrayals of the jurisdiction on film. Drawing on game theory frameworks, particularly negative-sum and Stackelberg games, the analysis shows how interjurisdictional competition for a highly mobile industry transfers resources to the film industry without delivering the promised benefits to taxpayers. I find that MPIs are expensive and fail to create permanent, high-paying jobs, nor do they substantially increase in-state tourism spending.
Recommended Citation
Reyes, Daniella, "Roll the End Credits: Evaluating Georgia and New Jersey’s Movie Production Incentives" (2026). CMC Senior Theses. 4115.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/4115
