A lot has been written about state tax credit programs on this site and many others. I’ve produced and/or directed seven feature films that have used state tax credits as part of their financing structure. I feel it necessary to impart a little wisdom and clear up some misconceptions.

As a businessman, libertarian, and someone who understands economics let me flatly state that I am against excessive taxes. That’s a pretty simple and popular position. Lowering and eliminating onerous taxes would be ideal. My first choice would be to cut taxes across the board. Put more money into the hands of the private sector.

Film tax incentive programs are not the same as “corporate welfare.” They are, in fact, a sneaky conservative or libertarian style way to circumvent the excessive taxes that government loves to heap on us.

Let me explain how they work and why they are a good thing.

Let’s say my film has a $15 million dollar budget. Now, the critics would lead you to believe that the state (in my current situation, Connecticut) would simply cut me a check for $5 million out of the state treasury. Not so. Not so by a long shot. (more…)

Here it comes again.  As a service disabled, Iraq War vet, I was – and still am – pissed about the idea that the government was trying to make Veterans have their insurance companies pay for VA health-care.  The bill was dropped but the fact that they tried to pull that crap is unforgivable.  I want to know whose bright idea that was in the first place so I can punch him, or her, in the face.  Add this to President Obama’s comments on “responsible spending” for the military and his non-attendance at the Medal of Honor Ball after the inauguration, and I am not feeling to good about things.  No president in 50 years has missed the chance to attend the Medal of Honor Ball in order to thank these heroes!  Commander in Chief? (more…)

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’ – Ronald Reagan.

My ancestor Francis Lightfoot Lee, signed his name on the Declaration of Independence. Let me tell you what – I pay a lot more in taxes than Uncle Francis ever did. If he’s up there in Heaven looking down on all of us American taxpaying citizens, he’s probably thinking, “What the hell are you guys doing? This kind of taxation without representation is not what we intended. This is not why we made America. This isn’t the legacy that we wanted to leave for our children.” 

On my Dad’s side, Great Grandpa Frank was a farmer who lived in an enclave of Germans and Jews in Odessa, Russia. He fled Russia and came to America in order to escape the Communists. I know Grandpa Frank is up there watching us even now….and he’s probably thinking: “Gott in Himmel. Vas es los?” (more…)