GUEST COMMENTARY: Film tax credits show downside of targeted tax credits

The new Jason Reitman film, "Up in the Air," premiered at the Tivoli Theatre in University City last month. Many are using the event as an opportunity to promote film tax credits, to be used as a means of bringing more film productions to Missouri. Currently, the state offers a film production tax credit for up to 35 percent of the amount spent in Missouri for activities related to film production, up to $4.5 million. Although reducing tax burdens is generally a good idea, there are several reasons to oppose tax credits targeted to filmmakers.