Finance

Stimulating Snooki – NJ Taxpayers Out $420k For MTV‘s ’Jersey Shore’

NJ Governor Chris Christie can‘t be happy about the fact that his state must reimburse the producers of MTV’s reality show “Jersey Shore” $420,000 thanks to a now-suspended tax credit program. In 2010 Christie pulled the plug on the Economic Development Authority, but deals made before that must be honored.

Snookis Tan Bought By NJ Taxpayers

The Star-Ledger of NJ reported on the story and talked with Michael Drewniak, Governor Christie’s spokesman:

“The Governor’s opinions about Jersey Shore and its New Yorker cast are well-known. They are phonies and the show is a false portrayal of New Jersey and our shore communities. He has also been clear about his belief that film tax credit programs are not the most effective way to spur economic growth throughout the State.”

The $420,000 was awarded to the production company, but that has not prevented one state senator from asking the Governor to block it from being distributed. Democrat Joe Vitale has joined with an Italian American group calling for Christie to veto the payment.

“It is disparaging to Italian Americans. He should veto it.”

Vitale actually supports the tax credit in most cases, he is just not a fan of “Jersey Shore.”

Snookis Tan Bought By NJ Taxpayers

Christie may have put the breaks on the program, but the website for the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission is still promoting a strong menu of tax breaks and incentives including;
  • 20% tax credit for filmmakers
  • 20% tax credit for production of digital media
  • Exemption from NJ’s Sales Tax

Less than a decade ago, only five states offered financial incentives to movie makers, but by 2010, almost every state in the union had a film commission and a package to offer producers. These generous tax breaks for movies and TV seemed to have gone under the radar until recently. A combination of budget problems and abuses discovered within some of the systems slowed the amount of money being offered by states to filmmakers. However, the Screen Actors Guild website lists all of the state film commission offices which contains offers of rebates/tax credits from 10% to 40%. (Puerto Rico has the most generous package.)

What do you think?  Should states use tax breaks to lure movies and TV production crews?


Incentives

Comments (55)

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  • jessieH
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:20pm

    There is no reality in this reality show. It’s Hollywood hype. I don’t see any reality on tv.

    Report Post »  
    • JGraham III
      Posted on September 17, 2011 at 10:48am

      My kids watch this “show” but as a dutiful father I make sure I make a disparaging comment about it. I never run out of different criticisms of Jersey Shore. I truly believe that in its case PT Barnum was right when he said “there is a sucker born every minute”. Reality shows are as boring as someone else’s home movies or the average post on Facebook. “today I had oatmeal for breakfast; it was bland and watery. It reminded me of my mother. I cried” to borrow from Potter Puppet Pals.
      To pass Jersey Shore off as talent or art or whatever MTV wants to pretend it is, is on the same plane as selling “Dogs Playing Poker” as ‘fine’ art. Caveat emptor…let the buyer beware.

      Report Post »  
    • gbo
      Posted on September 17, 2011 at 2:41pm

      Reality is not a prerequisite for marketing ideas or products.

      Report Post »  
  • mjhillalabama
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:15pm

    I heard or read somewhere that they’ve been taping this program in Italy. If this is the case, why should New Jersey be liable to them. Have they not taken jobs overseas?

    Report Post »  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:54am

    I could only read the title for this article and I feel dirty even commenting. Was there an increase in torism that offset this cost? If not, Jersey got screwed by a bunch of idiots.

    Report Post » JLGunner  
  • motherof18
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:53am

    Gov. Christie was out in the water splashing around and a crowd gathered with calls of “Thar she blows” and ” look honey one of natures most amazing creatures, the white whale”.

     
    • nannyatnannydotgov
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:43pm

      How shallow! You must be one of the ones laughing at fat kids in schoool, making them feel like something is wrong with them! So shallow! You need to do some inner searching to discover why you look at the “fat” part of someone! Please post a pic so we can make fun of your outer self! Or do you just want us to know your inner self? Oh, that’s right, you just showed us your inner self!

      Report Post » nannyatnannydotgov  
    • Nuclear Rabbit
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:45pm

      That was just ignorant, and I honestly feel sorry for you. You must be a real low-life.

      Report Post » Nuclear Rabbit  
    • bmw5gs
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 6:11pm

      Mother of 18? What 18 rug heads on welfare?

      Report Post »  
  • compatriotshonor
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:32am

    First of all, anyone that watches this pathetic show, is an alike minded moron to begin with.

    Secondly, the extended rule of law before it was ratified, under the previous provisions, yes it must be honored, but put into better hands, other then in the hands of someone or many people with a maturity problems.

    Thirdly, maybe someone in the producers side of the network should consider, to have snooki go and take ediquet course, because anyone that acts like her, should be shot on sight, for humane reasons!

    Report Post »  
    • Mr-T
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:43am

      @ compatriotshonor
      Hey now. Just because I watch the show every now and then doesn’t mean a thing.
      It’s just a bunch of fun and you should respect those taking place in having fun watching dumb people make dumb choices.
      Isn’t that why people still watch MSNBC?

      Report Post »  
    • junkmaninohio
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:59am

      Never underestimate the stupidity of the American viewing public and their addiction to reality TV. Jersey Shore is one horrific piece of reality dung doing a disservice to that state and it’s population.

      Report Post »  
  • TEIN
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:31am

    Also, wonder if Viacom and Viacom employee’s are the “millionaires and billionaires” Pres. O is talking about??? When I see Viacom CEO,CIO, or what ever along with CBS, MTV, Nick,..etc start paying “fair share” money, then I might believe the sincerity of the Libby/Progressives..

    Report Post »  
  • TEIN
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:25am

    I am not a “Jersey Shore” or any load of trash MTV fan…but give them the money, Then the Tea Party should run with the idea of tax incentives given by state, showing that when tax breaks are given, the industry given the tax break booms….The Libby/Progressive movie industry enjoys a good tax break like anyone else..Wonder if the “fair share” tax issue will come up for movie makers???…just wondering

    Report Post »  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:51am

      Tax incentives for particular industries–whether “green” jobs, TV production, or anything else–are a fool’s game. Keep taxes low for everybody and let the chips fall where they may.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • Cavy2see
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:08pm

      they won’t tax them for makings a movie…but I am sure if it were a Christain/Jewish movie it would be boycotted…remember the Passion of Christ??? that was not a trashy movie/show…I hated the Sopranos that was discusting also…at first it was funny….then it got really dark…I watched it the first year…and a few of the other ones…Italians why did you watch it??? it lumps you all into the Italians are gangsters once more…the same with this show…we are not all dumb and swearing all over the place either…

      Report Post » Cavy2see  
  • Canyonman5555
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:20am

    Since the movie industry world brings no societal value , such as doctors, firemen, nurses do, etc then that industry should be tax at 90% and then the actors, actresses, film producers would not have too much money as they state. Let’s see how much they scream if this ever came to pass.

    Report Post »  
  • SaleenDriver
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:09am

    If the show is so damned wonderful, Christie should ask the cast to pony up the money. After all, those talentless, worthless steriod monkeys and silicone-enhanced bimbos are now world-famous and rich off the backs of the state they smear and bismerch whenever any episode airs.

    Pathetic, mindless twerps.

    Report Post »  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:08am

    Hyphenated Americans are not Americans at all. That being said, she does not represent those of us who have Italian ancestry, any more than I do. By the way, why do the citizens of New Jersey have to pay for this?

    Report Post »  
  • stloocardsfan
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:02am

    What is a snookie anyway?

    Report Post » stloocardsfan  
  • crossdraw
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:59am

    Little Snookie could fund the whole series by selling the meat off her “fat ass.“ And ”The Situation.” Has there ever been a human with a mind simpler then this clowns. WHAT A FREAKIN DORK. Hey Jersey Shore cast; You are a flash in the pan and will be forgotten just like every other loser in this world. And while you are on this journey to oblivion why don’t you stop by and KISS MY ASS.

    Report Post »  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:47am

    Same here, never watched it for obvious reasons…

    Sick and tired of it all.

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • SREGN
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:40am

    The fact that our governor is trying to bring business and jobs back to our state is a wonderful thing. The fact that these incentives are being used on this muphcabbage makes me want to drop snooki et al like a bag of dirt.

    Report Post »  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:25am

    I felt obligated to make a joke about ‘Snooki’, ‘taxes’, and ‘loopholes”… but it’s just too gross to think about.

    Report Post » Constructionist  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:19am

    That headline just grosses me out!

    Report Post » Rational Man  
    • tgillotte
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:28am

      Exactly what I was thinking! Please… DO NOT stimulate the Snooki…. step away from the Snooki.

      Report Post »  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:12am

    Democrats always decry the ‘rich’.
    Democrats hate the idea of tax credits.
    Democrats love sales taxes and are dying for a VAT to be imposed.
    Democrats have been running NJ since almost forever.

    What part of giving taxpayer dollars to a private for-profit media corporation seems a good idea to NJ Democrats?

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • JRook
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:26am

      Not sure all the tax subsidies to businesses are promoted by just Democrats. As far as this show, it is a sad statement about our society and TV watchers in general. Total garbage. The cast is beyond ignorant and has less than no talent. Having said that, production companies as businesses are no less deserving of tax breaks and tax subsidies than any other business. Its all a matter of who donates how much to who’s campaign. Check out some of the pay to play deals Rick Perry has been involved in. But I guess that is capitalism at its best Right.

      Report Post »  
    • lacabeza
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:11am

      UPSTATENYCONSERVATIVE

      Well said.
      I don’t care if states compete for business but the crony capitalists/socialist (same thing) that want the rich to pay their fair share (hollywood idiots) should take an opportunity to do so by not taking the tax credits. hypocrites

      Report Post » lacabeza  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:23am

      @JRook

      Fair enough; it’s not just Democrats. Pubs do it, too, but to me they’re so RINO they might as well be Democrats.

      It’s not capitalism if government is giving out money; as a Conservative I have a serious problem with ‘corporate welfare’. That’s cronyism. I’m okay with tax breaks to entice businesses to set up shop, and hire local people. Then again, if we can get government under control to be fiscally responsible enough to where taxes can be lowered across the board, then incentives and breaks can go away since it’ll be worthwhile to set up shop pretty much anywhere in the country.

      But politics is run by politicians, so I won’t be holding my breath.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 11:33am

      One thing I forgot to add: For any tax breaks, there should be a sunset clause, so that after a period of time the tax rate for the new business matches what everyone else pays. That of itself, I believe, goes a way toward easing potential corruption. Corruption will never end, but anything working against is a boon for We the People.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • GeorgeWashingtonslept here
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:11am

    Well if it’s on the books then let them have their tax breaks. Did they create jobs for NJ folks? I don‘t see anything wrong with it as long as it’s law………………..Let the lawmakers change the damn tax incentives if they don’t like it. End of story.

    Report Post »  
  • brntout
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:01am

    Guess you could say they got snookered.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:01am

    Proud to say I’ve never watched it.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:11am

      Same here. I don’t understand the attraction that young people have to the drama in these types of shows. These shows are like a no holds barred race to see who can deplete the most brain cells in a specific time frame.

      And Snooki is FAT.

      Report Post »  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:00am

    Sounds like more of the same to me.

    Report Post » Darla_K  
  • CatB
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 9:59am

    I would slow down the payment sooooo much that they wouldn’t get it until Snooki is in the retirement home!

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 9:54am

    Michigan has the same thing for movies .. it is costing taxpayers big bucks to subsidize MILLIONAIRES .. this is sooo stupid!

    Report Post »  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 9:52am

    “Stimulating Snooki”??? I just threw up a little. No wait….. Make that A LOT……

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 9:47am

    .
    ’Jersey Shore’ = Clap Trap

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
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