Tax credits and stupid Hollywood movies

M. Knight Shyamalan came to Harrisburg yesterday to promote the state’s film tax credit. He basically said, “more money for me is good for you.”

The Tax Foundation has more on why tax credits for Hollywood are lousy public policy.

As for lousy movies, Shyamalan’s Lady in the Water – which received a $6.2 million taxpayer grant (before the creation of the tax credit) – is truly rank. I was thinking of seeing Shyamalan’s newest film, but probably won’t now. That Ebert loves it and audiences hate it is disouraging, and John Lott offered disappointing spoilers. But mostly, I don’t want to give more of my money to filmakers (tickets) who will lobby for more of my money (taxes).