HB645 Summary

• Amends the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit under Section 235-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to expand the definition of "qualified production costs" to include post-production activities and services performed at qualified post-production facilities located in Hawaii.

• Modifies the definition of "commercial" to include advertising messages with Internet-only distribution, expanding eligibility beyond traditional television broadcast and theatrical distribution.

• Adds new definition of "qualified post-production facility" as a facility in Hawaii handling specialized aspects of post-production work, either as a standalone location or on a film studio site.

• Requires post-production costs to be performed and located in the State to qualify as "qualified production costs," with the Department of Taxation authorized to adopt rules establishing additional criteria for qualified post-production facilities.

• Expands "qualified production" categories to include over-the-top direct-to-consumer specials or series, and clarifies that post-production activities can occur during or after principal photography.