LINCOLN — Apparently, Hollywood star power works in the Nebraska Legislature.
Two days after award-winning director Alexander Payne and Omaha-based actor John Beasley testified in favor of it, a legislative committee advanced a bill Thursday to allow cities to use economic development funds to lure movie-makers to town.
The unanimous vote by the Urban Affairs Committee signals that the measure, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash, is likely to be approved by the full Legislature.
Nebraska is one of only 10 states that offer no incentives for shooting of movies, television shows and commercials. Coash said the state is missing out on economic development opportunities.
Payne testified Tuesday that he wants to shoot parts of a new movie, entitled "Nebraska," in his home state but that attractive tax incentives might mean Kansas will get the project.
Beasley is involved in a $12.5 million movie project on the life of Marlin Briscoe, the NFL's first black quarterback and a native of Omaha. He is eyeing the former Dana College in Blair as a location.
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