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With their state neighbors Rhode Island and Contecticut, along with all but about 10 states, offering film incentive packages to Hollywood producers, the Massachusetts Governor and lawmakers are looking at increasing their incentives to attempt to draw the industry to within its borders.

Governor Deval Patrick said, "Massachusetts has an awful lot going for it. Wonderful locations, a gifted and experienced crew base and a long tradition of great movies. But the creative economy is extremely mobile. We can't stand still in the face of stiff challenges from other states."

The state did institute a law in 2005 that offered tax credits to the industry, but the credit didn't activate until the first $250,000 was spent. That was a hindrance to the independent film industry.

One thing then new bill will do is start the credit after the first $50,000 is spent to attract the independent film industry, and will also redefine what a movie is considered so it will expand to include digital media.

Even with the original legislation the tax credits have paid off as in the seven years prior to the law there were only four films shot in the state, with investment reaching only $27 million. Since that time, says Film Office Executive Director Nicholas Paleologos, "the state saw three films shot here, pumping $80 million into the local economy."

Some of the movies that have shot in Massachusetts are last year's best picture winner "The Departed," "Good Will Hunting," "21," "Game Plan" and "A Civil Action."