At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
Post is one of the most mobile and flexible phases of filmmaking. Unlike location shoots, which are often dictated by geography or subject matter, post-production can take place almost anywhere.
And because post-production doesn’t necessitate specific location, it is an ideal phase to optimize for incentives.
Many states incentivize post-production work following production conducted in the state—allowing producers to settle in and save from pre-production all the way through post.
A handful of states also offer standalone post-production incentives that can be especially attractive, as these incentives support post-production work even when production occurs elsewhere.
Standalone post-production incentives are particularly well-suited for unscripted productions like reality TV and documentary features that are post- and VFX-heavy. They can be especially valuable for projects that must follow their subjects in principal photography and shoot in states without strong production incentives.
In many cases, post-only incentives also provide a critical opportunity for independent and low-budget filmmakers to access financial support.
In this article, we are going to walk through all of the states that currently offer incentives for standalone post-production work.
We’ll also detail which states offer incentive bonuses for post-production work that accompanies in-state production, as well as states in which post-production qualifies for incentives when it follows in-state production.
But first, let’s talk about how incentives for post-production can be different from traditional production incentives.
Traditional film tax credits and rebates are usually built around principal photography. They reward productions for hiring in-state crew, using local vendors, and shooting on location.
While those incentives are valuable, they often overlook one of the most cost-intensive phases of any project: post-production.
By contrast, post-production incentives can focus exclusively on editing, sound, color correction, and VFX and allow projects shot elsewhere to qualify.
Post-production incentives can be highly valuable for:
In the sections below, we’ll break down all of the states that currently offer post-production film incentives, both for standalone post-production and for post-production that accompanies in-state photography.
Let’s start with one of the most impactful categories: states that provide incentives for standalone post-production.
Standalone post-production incentives are some of the most flexible programs available to producers.
Unlike traditional production incentives, these programs don’t require you to film in-state. That means you can shoot wherever the story takes you and still earn money back for your edit, sound mix, VFX, or finishing work in a state that supports post.
New York became the first state to introduce a dedicated post-production incentive in 2010. Since then, nearly a dozen states have followed suit, recognizing the economic impact and creative potential of post-heavy projects.
Below are some popular states that currently offer standalone post-production incentives, organized in alphabetical order.
With Arkansas’s post-production film tax credit, the Natural State is a natural fit for projects looking to find meaningful savings as they finish.
Productions that spend at least $50,000 on eligible post-production services in Arkansas can qualify for the state’s 25% to 30% transferable tax credit for standalone post-production.
Productions shooting in the state can also qualify for the Arkansas film tax credit by spending at least $100,000 on qualified production expenses in-state.
Colorado's standalone post-production incentive provides a 20% to 22% refundable tax credit to projects that spend at least $100,000 on qualified post-production expenditures in the state.
To qualify for the post-production credit in Colorado, projects must:
Colorado’s film tax credit also extends to projects shooting in the Centennial State. Eligible projects can receive a 20% to 22% refundable tax credit on qualified production expenses incurred in Colorado, provided they meet the requirements outlined above.
With flexible access and a streamlined application process, Colorado is a strong contender for post-only projects looking for a mix of affordability, infrastructure, and talent.
Connecticut offers a 10% to 30% transferable tax credit to qualifying productions that spend at least $100,000 in-state. Importantly, standalone post-production projects can qualify, even if no filming occurs in Connecticut.
The Connecticut incentive is tiered based on total local spend:
Whether you’re cutting a feature, mixing sound on a docuseries, or finishing an animated campaign, Connecticut’s infrastructure and proximity to NYC make it a practical post-production hub for East Coast teams.
Georgia has long been a top destination for production, and starting in 2026, it’s once again extending that reputation to post-production.
Beginning January 1, 2026, post-production companies that spend at least $500,000 on qualified in-state expenditures can receive a 20% transferable tax credit in Georgia.
Additional bonuses include:
To maintain eligibility, companies must report their monthly average of full-time employees—defined as those working 35 hours per week or earning above the county’s lowest average wage.
For productions already claiming Georgia’s standard film credit, post-production spend also counts as qualified production expenditure, provided the work is completed in Georgia. With this dual pathway to savings, the Peach State is doubling down on post.
Kentucky offers a 30% to 35% refundable film tax credit for both productions and standalone post-production projects that spend a certain amount of money on eligible production expenditures in the Bluegrass State. The program’s minimum spend requirements tiered based on production type:
For Kentucky-based production companies, these thresholds are even lower:
To see if your next project qualifies for Kentucky film incentives, reach out to the Kentucky Film Office.
Missouri offers a 20% to 42% transferable film tax credit on qualified in-state expenditures, including standalone post-production costs.
To qualify:
Producers can take full advantage of the Missouri’s incentive and claim the maximum amount through Missouri’s stackable bonuses, which include uplifts for hiring local crew and for projects in rural or economically targeted areas.
Standalone post-production can qualify for New Jersey’s 30% to 39% transferable tax credit under the Garden State’s Digital Media Tax Credit program.
To be eligible, at least $500,000 of total post-production expenses incurred must be performed:
A project does not need to be filmed in New Jersey to receive this credit so long as the post-production services are performed in New Jersey.
New Jersey also offers a transferable film tax credit of 30% to 40% for productions that film in the state, and post-production expenses for these projects can qualify. For more information on the New Jersey film tax credit and to see if your project can qualify, check out the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s website.
New Mexico continues to offer one of the most versatile and generous incentive programs in the U.S., made even more remarkable by the fact that it has no minimum spend requirement.
Standalone post-productions can earn a 15% to 35% refundable tax credit on qualified post-productions expenditures incurred in New Mexico. To qualify, standalone post-productions must submit all forms prior to beginning services in New Mexico.
And if you’ll be filming in The Land of Enchantment, your project can earn a refundable production tax credit of 15% to 40%. To unlock the full 40% New Mexico film tax credit, productions can stack several bonuses, including:
With no minimum spend and a flexible framework, New Mexico is particularly attractive for indie films, unscripted series, and doc projects entering post.
As we mentioned earlier, New York was the very first state to offer a standalone post-production credit back in 2010. Not only is the program still going strong today, it’s also been significantly enhanced in recent years.
Standalone post-production projects can qualify for a refundable New York film tax credit of 30% to 40% by completing either 75% of post-production in-state or spending at least $1 million on post-production within New York.
New York also recently eased access for VFX and animation projects. Projects may now qualify for the credit by spending
Along with the Empire State’s recently enhanced production incentive for in-state filming (also a 30% to 40% refundable tax credit), these generous New York post-production incentives help make the state a powerhouse for both narrative and unscripted projects.
Oklahoma's standalone post-production rebate offers a 20% base incentive to projects that perform post-production services in Oklahoma, even if the original filming took place elsewhere.
To qualify for the Oklahoma rebate, projects—both production and standalone post-production—must spend at least $25,000 in-state and have a total budget of at least $50,000.
Post-production on television projects can earn additional uplifts: eligible expenses for pilots qualify for a 2% bonus, while full seasons are eligible for an extra 5%, bringing the maximum potential rebate for standalone post-production to 25%.
The maximum rebate for production in Oklahoma is 30%, and productions that film in state can qualify post-production expenses toward their overall spend.
Oklahoma’s streamlined rebate structure and willingness to support out-of-state productions make it a smart choice for producers seeking savings in editorial, finishing, and post-intensive television.
Pennsylvania provides a 25% to 30% transferable film tax credit with no minimum spend requirement, making it highly accessible to a wide range of productions—including those focused exclusively on post-production.
Even if principal photography occurs elsewhere, post-production services performed in-state—including editing, sound design, and VFX—may qualify for incentives.
For standalone post-production, eligibility hinges on whether the work is done at a Qualified Post-Production Facility (QPPF). Projects using a QPPF can earn the full 30% credit, while those using a nonqualified facility do not qualify.
Projects that film in Pennsylvania can claim the base 25% credit for all related post-production work. If they used a Qualified Production Facility (QPF) during production, then all post-production costs are eligible for the 30% credit, regardless of where post is completed.
If you’re curious about whether your post will qualify for Pennsylvania film tax credits, you can find a very helpful breakdown with examples in the program guidelines.
For post-heavy formats like animation, reality television, and documentaries, Pennsylvania’s structure can yield substantial savings.
Along with all of the states above, which offer film incentives for standalone post-production, a few states offer incentive bonuses for post-production that accompanies in-state production.
In these states, you’ll have to spend money on principal photography and qualified production expenses in the state in order to be eligible for post-production savings. If you’re able to film in the state and meet the program’s requirements, though, you can see additional savings in post.
Here are a few popular states which offer incentive bonuses for post-production work:
California’s recently enhanced film tax credit program offers some of the most competitive benefits in the country. Projects that incur a significant portion of their post-production and VFX spending in the Golden State can see a healthy bump in their incentive award thanks to the state’s Visual Effects Bonus.
At the core of California’s new 4.0 incentive program is a 35% tax credit, which can climb to 40% for productions with high VFX spend. Productions can receive a 5% bonus on post-production and visual effects spending if:
These enhancements are part of a broader update to the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which now boasts a $750 million annual funding cap, upholding California as a top destination for both production and post.
In addition to the statewide program, productions can find regional grants available throughout California. The Sacramento Film + Media Office, for instance, awards two $5,000 post-production grants annually, specifically for qualifying projects that perform at least 75% of post work locally.
Louisiana's production incentive program, among the oldest in the nation, also offers competitive savings, especially those conducting substantial post-production work in the Pelican State.
The Louisiana Motion Picture Production Tax Credit provides a 25% to 40% partially refundable tax credit for productions that spend at least $300,000 in-state.
Qualified expenditures include post-production, and producers can earn a 5% bonus if at least 50% of the total VFX budget is spent in Louisiana.
Louisiana’s state incentive is administered by Louisiana Economic Development (LED), and is undergoing programmatic changes through the beginning of 2026, so it’s vital to consult the LED’s latest guidelines and submission timelines before applying.
In addition to the statewide credit, several regional programs—including those in Jefferson Parish, Shreveport, and St. Bernard Parish—offer stackable incentives, giving producers even more reason to consider Louisiana for editing, finishing, and visual effects work.
Tennessee provides a 25% cash rebate for production companies that spend at least $200,000 per project or per episode on qualified expenses in the Volunteer State.
Post-production costs are eligible for Tennessee’s film rebate. Additionally, projects completing a significant portion of their music scoring in Tennessee can qualify for the state’s Scoring Incentive Program.
The Scoring Incentive Program provides a 25% rebate on music scoring expenditures for projects that spend at least $50,000 in the Nashville area or at least $25,000 in other parts of Tennessee.
Eligible activities include producing original scores for films, television, animation, commercials, gaming and multi-media projects within Tennessee.
Tennessee’s overall production rebate program covers a wide scope of production activity occurring in Tennessee, from pre-production through post.
Unlike some states, however, Tennessee does not award grants on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, funding decisions are made at the discretion of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission and the Department of Economic & Community Development.
Texas recently revamped its film incentive program, and as of September 1, 2025, producers can access up to a 31% grant on qualified in-state expenditures, including post-production.
The baseline incentive currently provides a 5% to 22.5% grant, with tiers determined by how much is spent in-state.
Projects accepted to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program before September 1, 2025 may be eligible for a 2.5% bonus if they expend 10% of their total qualified in-state spending on eligible post-production expenditures.
Beginning on September 1, 2026, new stackable bonuses can help boost a production’s total Texas film grant up to the 31% mark. These include a 1% uplift for productions that allocate at least 25% of their eligible Texas spend to post-production services performed in Texas by Texas vendors.
Eligible post-production services include editing, sound design, mixing, visual effects, finishing, and more.
With its newly expanded program, Texas is poised to attract not just production—but full pre-to-post pipelines as well.
Finally, this article would be incomplete if we didn’t quickly touch upon all of the other states in which post-production expenses can qualify for an incentive when post-production follows in-state production spending.
This subset essentially comprises every other state and US territory that offers a production incentive. After all, post-production is an integral part of filmmaking. States that incentive motion picture production want to likewise incentivize economically beneficial post-production activity.
Once again in alphabetical order, here are states that incentivize post-production work as part of their overall production incentive program:
Alabama provides a 25% to 35% fully refundable tax credit on qualified production expenses, including post-production services performed in-state.
To qualify for Alabama production tax incentives, your project must spend at least $500,000 within the state. The credit applies to pre-production, production, and post-production costs that are directly tied to a certified production.
Arizona offers a 15% to 22.5% refundable film tax credit for productions that spend at least $250,000 or 10% of the estimated total budget in the state—whichever is less. Post-production expenses can qualify.
Arizona film tax credits are tiered based on how much a production spends in state. Projects that spend more in Arizona are eligible for larger credit percentages. Productions must also meet certain in-state facility requirements to qualify for Arizona film incentives, so it’s important to check the program guidelines before applying.
Delaware offers a film rebate of up to 30% to projects that spend at least $100,000 in the state, and post-production expenses qualify.
Eligibility for Delaware's incentive program is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Delaware Film Office, and the program’s overall annual funding cap is $1,000,000.
The District of Columbia offers a rebate of up to 35% on qualified production expenditures that are subject to taxation in the District—and up to 21% on expenditures that are not.
That includes post-production costs, making D.C. an appealing location for editorial, sound, and finishing work.
To qualify, projects must spend at least $250,000 on qualified expenditures within the District. While the rebate isn’t exclusive to post, eligible post services performed in D.C. can yield significant savings for productions looking to finish in the nation’s capital.
While Florida doesn’t offer a statewide tax credit, the state’s regional incentive programs fill in the gap with generous rebates and grants.
Here are a handful of the regional production incentives available in Florida:
Post-production expenditures that accompany local production can often qualify for these local rebates. To see if your project will qualify, be sure to check with the local film office.
Hawaii offers a 22% to 27% fully refundable tax credit to productions that spend at least $100,000 on qualified in-state costs—including post-production.
The exact credit rate varies based on where you work:
If you film or finish in multiple locations, credits can be prorated based on spend per county.
Covered costs include editing, visual effects, music, and other post-production services, giving producers the opportunity to capture Hawaii’s iconic backdrops and finish in paradise—all while claiming top-tier credits.
Illinois offers a 30% to 40% transferable tax credit on qualified expenses, and that includes post-production work conducted in the state.
To qualify:
Whether you’re editing a feature, finishing a docuseries, or cutting a campaign in Chicago, Illinois film tax credits can help bring your project across the finish line without draining your budget.
Indiana offers a 20% to 30% non-transferable and non-refundable tax credit, issued at the discretion of the Indiana Film Office.
Eligibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with considerations including job creation, economic impact, and local spend.
While Indiana production incentives are currently non-transferable, on January 1, 2026 the credit will become transferable, significantly increasing its value for filmmakers from outside the Hoosier State.
For now, producers seeking Indiana-specific stories can benefit from local support and a streamlined application process.
Scenic and cost-effective, Maine offers a 5% to 12% incentive through a combination of tax credits and payroll rebates for productions that spend at least $75,000 in the state.
The program provides a 10-12% payroll rebate (12% for residents, 10% for non-residents) and a 5% tax credit for non-payroll production expenses, including post-production.
That means costs related to editing, mixing, and finishing services are all eligible under Maine’s program, making the Pine Tree State a smart choice for projects with modest budgets and flexible timelines.
Maryland production incentives are designed with flexibility in mind, supporting both large-scale productions and homegrown independents.
The state offers a 28% to 30% fully refundable tax credit for productions that spend at least $250,000 in Maryland.
Smaller Maryland-based companies can access the “Maryland Small Film” designation, which lowers the spend threshold to just $25,000—as long as at least 50% of the project’s principal photography is conducted in-state.
Massachusetts offers a 25% partially refundable tax credit to productions that spend at least $50,000 in the state within a consecutive 12-month period.
Massachusetts film incentives break down into two separate credits:
Whether you're editing a film in Boston or finishing a doc in Western Mass, these credits can help stretch your post-production budget while tapping into the state's skilled workforce and deep creative resources.
Minnesota offers a 25% transferable tax credit for qualified productions that spend at least $1 million in the state—including post-production work.
Productions can also take advantage of a number of regional incentives in Minnesota, including the Iron Range Regional Production Incentive Program, St. Louis County film rebate, City of Duluth Production Incentive Program, the Incredible Austin Minnesota Film Rebate, and the Shamrock Film Rebate.
Together, these layered programs can provide a wide range of options for producers aiming to complete their post workflows in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Mississippi provides a 25% to 40% rebate to productions that spend at least $50,000 in the state and post-production costs are a qualifying expense.
For a full breakdown of the Mississippi production incentives, check out Wrapbook’s guide to the program here.
Montana offers a 25% non-transferable, non-refundable tax credit on qualified post-production payroll expenses incurred within the state.
To qualify, a project must meet two key criteria:
For feature films and television projects, the minimum in-state spend requirement is $350,000.
Important note: As of May 2025, Montana’s incentive program had paused new applications due to funding depletion, with potential resumption scheduled for 2029. Producers should consult the Montana Film Office for the most current status and application timeline.
Nebraska has both a grant program and a refundable film tax credit to incentivize motion picture production in the Cornhusker State.
The Nebraska Film Office grant provides up to 25% back to productions that spend at least $1,000,000 in the state and tell a “Nebraska Story” which must be related to the state in some way.
The Cast and Crew Nebraska Act provides a refundable tax credit of 20% to 35% for projects that spend a certain amount in the state, defined by production type as follows:
Post-productions expenditures incurred in Nebraska can be eligible for both the grant and the refundable film tax credit.
Nevada provides a 15% to 25% transferable film tax credit to productions that spend at least $500,000 in-state.
To qualify for Nevada film tax credits, productions must spend at least 60% of their total budget on direct in-state production expenditures, which includes post-production.
It’s important to note that below-the-line nonresidents are not eligible, and productions completing all post-production outside of the state may be able to exclude those costs from the 60% budget calculation.
For projects planning to finish in Nevada, the state’s favorable infrastructure, year-round availability, and scalable incentive structure make it a strong contender.
North Carolina offers a 25% rebate on qualified in-state expenses across pre-production, production, and post-production phases.
Post-production costs are eligible as long as they occur after principal photography has completed and exclude any distribution or marketing expenditures.
To qualify for North Carolina film incentives, productions must spend at least $500,000 in the state. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with special attention to the project’s financial plan—75% of total funding must be secured before applying.
With mountains, beaches, and full post-service capacity, North Carolina gives producers both aesthetic and financial reasons to consider finishing in the Tar Heel State.
Ohio offers a 30% refundable tax credit on qualified in-state spending, including post-production costs.
Eligible expenses include services like editing, sound design, visual effects, and music scoring, provided those services are conducted within Ohio. To qualify, productions must spend at least $300,000 in-state.
Ohio’s program is not first-come, first-served, but instead awards funding based on a project’s potential economic impact. Applications are reviewed by the Ohio Department of Development, with preference given to projects that bring long-term infrastructure investment or workforce development to the state.
For productions looking to build post relationships and establish lasting ties to the Midwest, Ohio offers both flexibility and scalability.
Oregon supports post-production through the Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF) and the Greenlight Oregon Labor Rebate (GOLR) program, offering a 20% to 26.2% grant depending on the type of expenditure.
OPIF offers a 25% rebate on Oregon-based goods and services and up to 26.2% on payroll for eligible in-state crew. GOLR provides a separate rebate strictly for Oregon-based payroll expenses.
To qualify, productions must meet a $1 million minimum in-state spend, which includes post work completed at Oregon facilities.
Whether you’re finishing an indie feature or cutting a streaming docuseries, Oregon’s mix of rebates and top-tier post houses provides a robust value proposition.
Puerto Rico offers a 20% to 40% transferable tax credit and qualified expenditures include preproduction, production, and postproduction costs incurred on the island.
To qualify, feature films and series must meet a $50,000 minimum spend, while documentaries and short films need to spend at least $25,000.
The program does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, credits are awarded based on each project’s economic impact.
With its vibrant local talent, tropical setting, and access to U.S. infrastructure, Puerto Rico remains a competitive choice for completing post workflows outside the continental U.S.
Rhode Island offers a 30% transferable tax credit on qualified production costs, including those tied to post-production.
Eligible expenditures must occur in-state and encompass post-production activities from editorial to color grading and sound mixing. Most productions must spend at least $100,000 locally to qualify. Documentaries must have at least 51% of total production days—including pre-production and post-production—take place in Rhode Island.
Whether you’re cutting a doc or finishing a feature, Rhode Island’s accessible entry points and consistent credit structure make it an attractive East Coast option for post teams.
South Carolina offers a rebate of up to 30% on qualifying goods and services purchased, rented, or leased from in-state vendors. To qualify, a production must spend at least $1 million within South Carolina.
While the rebate covers all phases of production, including post-production, what sets South Carolina apart is its fast turnaround time—the rebate check is issued within 30 days of the state’s final audit. This rapid payout timeline can help producers cashflow their post, a major advantage for projects with tight delivery deadlines.
In addition, South Carolina offers an income tax credit of up to 20% for the construction or equipping of a post-production facility in the state, providing a longer-term incentive for companies looking to establish a permanent footprint.
Utah offers a 20% to 25% refundable tax credit for productions that spend at least $500,000 in the state. Post-production expenses can qualify for the credit, however compensation paid to nonresidents, whether for production or post-production, does not qualify.
Projects must spend between $500,000 and $999,999 in Utah and hire at least 75% Utah cast and crew—excluding extras—to qualify for the program.
Alternatively, projects can qualify without the cast and crew requirement by spending over $1,000,000 in the Beehive State.
Smaller projects spending between $100,000 and $500,000 can also qualify for a 20% cash rebate through the Community Film Incentive Program as long as a director, writer, or producer is a Utah resident, and at least 85% of the cast and crew are Utah residents earning at least $100 per day.
Virginia offers both a film tax credit and a film rebate, each providing 15% to 35% back on qualified in-state expenses.
The tax credit requires a minimum in-state spend of $250,000, while the rebate program has no minimum, making it an accessible incentive for independent and lower-budget productions.
Qualified expenditures include post-production, editing, and processing costs, provided they’re incurred in Virginia. With dual programs and flexible requirements, Virginia supports post workflows at nearly every budget level.
Washington’s Motion Picture Competitiveness Program offers a 15% cash rebate for projects spending at least $150,000 in-state.
Qualified productions can apply the rebate to post-production expenses, as long as those expenses are part of a project that meets the program’s broader criteria.
However, there is one key limitation: post-production costs cannot exceed 30% of the qualified Washington State spend. If they do, the rebate will be prorated accordingly.
This constraint makes Washington a strong but structured option for projects with balanced production and post budgets looking to complete work in the Pacific Northwest.
West Virginia offers a 27% transferable film tax credit, with an additional 4% bonus for productions that employ 10 or more full-time West Virginia residents.
The program is notable for allowing standalone post-production projects to qualify, provided they meet the $50,000 minimum spend requirement. That flexibility allows documentaries, unscripted television, and other post-heavy formats to benefit from the incentive even if no filming occurs in-state.
With low entry barriers and an emphasis on workforce engagement, West Virginia is a post-friendly option for producers looking beyond traditional hubs.
Wisconsin is the newest player in the incentive space, with a 25% tax credit on qualified production expenditures—including post-production costs—set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Details are still emerging, but early signals point to a program that aims to revitalize Wisconsin’s standing in the national production ecosystem. For post teams willing to plan ahead, Wisconsin’s program could open the door to significant savings in the near future.
Now that we’ve explored all of the states that offer incentives for post-production, it’s time we talk about what services and expenditures fall under the post-production umbrella.
After all, even the most generous incentive will only help you save on expenses that qualify.
While post-production incentives vary by state, most programs cover a consistent range of core services. These typically include editing, sound design, ADR, Foley, color correction, VFX, scoring, and mastering.
In some jurisdictions, labor must be sourced locally to qualify, while others allow expenses to count as long as work is completed at a local facility. Even software licenses, equipment rentals, and final deliverables may be eligible in certain states—though definitions of “qualified spend” can vary significantly.
To ensure your project qualifies, you’ll need to compare your planned services, locations, and vendors with each jurisdiction’s specific guidelines. Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center is an invaluable resource when it comes to figure out what can qualify and where.
Before you jump into your post workflow, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements for the incentive you're pursuing.
Key factors include minimum in-state spend thresholds, vendor residency or facility requirements (such as Pennsylvania’s QPPF requirement), and when post-production occurs in your overall timeline.
Some states require pre-approval, project registration, or formal application before post work begins. Others offer more flexibility but still expect compliance with specific procedural requirements.
Working with a qualified local post house, or hiring in-state editors, sound mixers, or VFX artists, can increase your eligible spend—and help you meet thresholds more efficiently.
The best way to get started is by contacting the film office in the state where you plan to do your post work. Most film commissions maintain current program guidelines, lists of qualified vendors, and details on application windows or funding availability.
For more complex projects or multi-state strategies, it’s wise to loop in an incentive consultant or entertainment CPA. These professionals can help you model potential savings, confirm eligibility, and avoid costly mistakes.
As always, maintaining good documentation—including vendor contracts, timecards, and proof of delivery—is key to maximizing your return and staying compliant throughout the process.
Post-production incentives offer producers meaningful financial flexibility—often without tying them to a specific filming location. They empower states to grow their creative workforces and infrastructure while expanding access to tax savings for projects of all sizes and genres.
Best of all, they’re often underutilized. That makes them a smart, strategic opportunity for savvy producers looking to stretch their budget and support local talent in the process.
Looking to find the best post-production incentive for your next project? Explore Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center to get a state-by-state breakdown of available tax credits, rebates, and grant programs.
Whether you’re finishing the final cut of a feature, laying down sound design for a series, or stitching together hundreds of hours of unscripted footage, one thing is certain: post-production is when your project comes to life. But it can also be when your budget starts to tighten.
That’s where post-production film incentives come in.
Across the U.S., a growing number of states now offer targeted incentives that support post-production work—including several standalone post-production incentives available even if production took place elsewhere. These incentives can return real savings to your project, giving you the flexibility to finish strong without compromising on quality.
In this guide, we’ll explore why post-production incentives matter, how they differ from traditional production incentives, and where you can find the most competitive programs for editing, VFX, sound, and finishing services.
Before we get into the details, we recommend taking a moment to explore Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center. This interactive hub offers up-to-date information on incentives across all 50 states—including those specifically geared toward post-production.
With side-by-side comparisons, an intuitive state map, and a built-in AI incentives expert, the Production Incentive Center makes it easy to identify which states support your post workflow with incentives and how to access those benefits.
Whether you're planning a full post schedule or looking for a last-minute finishing house, Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center is your go-to resource for making smart, strategic, and cost-effective decisions.