Iowa is ready for its spotlight—but we need our legislators to help us roll camera.

House File 2662 is a bipartisan bill that would establish a 30% rebate for film productions that shoot in Iowa and hire Iowa-based cast, crew, and businesses. It passed overwhelmingly in the House in 2024—but to take effect, it must be reintroduced and passed again.

This bill isn’t just about movies. It’s about building a long-overdue creative economy that benefits everyone.

🎬 Creating high-paying jobs for Iowa workers—on set, behind the scenes, and across our towns
🏨 Boosting small businesses—hotels, restaurants, rental services, tradespeople
🎓 Providing real career paths for students in film, media, and communication
🛠️ Utilizing the deep talent pool we already have—both above and below the line
🏡 Reversing the talent drain by giving artists and professionals a reason to stay and thrive in Iowa
 
My Story
I’m an actor, producer, and professor at Clarke University in Dubuque. I’ve worked on stage and screen for over 25 years—and like so many creatives in Iowa, I’ve had to leave the state over and over just to keep working.

I see my students struggle with the same reality. They’re smart, passionate, and talented—and most of them assume they’ll have to move away to have a future in film or media. That breaks my heart. Because the truth is: we have everything we need right here. We just need the infrastructure—and the political will—to make it happen.

I’m currently working with Emmy-winning producers who are ready to bring projects to Iowa. We have scripts, we have interest, we have experienced crews and eager students. The only thing missing is a clear signal from the state that says: yes—we want this.
 
Iowa has the foundation—we just need the structure:

🌟 Award-winning festivals like Julien Dubuque, Interrobang, and Snake Alley
🏆 Emmy- and Oscar-affiliated talent already living, teaching, and working here
🏫 Strong university programs training students in media, storytelling, and production
💼 A professional workforce with experience and that unmatched Midwestern grit
HF 2662 would bring money into our communities, spotlight Iowa’s stories, and empower a generation of creatives to stay, work, and grow right here at home.

Sign this petition to show Iowa lawmakers that our state is ready.
We don’t want a handout—we want a shot. A shot to compete. A shot to grow. A shot to lead.

🎬 Let’s make “Filmed in Iowa” mean something again.