House of Card season 3 is set to begin filming soon as the show is likely to receive the millions in film tax credits from Maryland.
Despite reports of filming of the hit political series being moved to another state due to tax credit issues, it looks like the Maryland House of Delegates committee will soon decide to allow $11 million in tax credits for "House of Cards"and another $7.5 million if needed.
The hit Netflix original series received over $26 million in film tax credits when they filmed the first two series in Maryland. Choosing to film the series Maryland allowed millions to be injected into the state economy, providing hundreds of jobs.
In January, the show's producers stated that unless Maryland offers $15 million in tax credits for the production of House of Cards season 3, series production company Media Rights Capital may leave the state.
Senior Vice President Charlie Goldstein of Media Rights Capital wrote in a letter to several politicians: "In the meantime I wanted you to be aware that we are required to look at other states in which to film on the off chance that the legislation does not pass, or does not cover the amount of tax credits for which we would qualify. I am sure you can understand that we would not be responsible financiers and a successful production company if we did not have viable options available.
"We wanted you to be aware that while we had planned to begin filming in early spring, we have decided to push back the start date for filming until June to ensure there has been a positive outcome of the legislation. In the event sufficient incentives do not become available, we will have to break down our stage, sets and offices and set up in another state."
Del. William Frick (D-Montgomery), who has been touted as a real-life Frank Underwood by others in Maryland's House of Delegates, threatened last week that the state would use eminent domain to seize, purchase or even condemn the show's sets, equipment and property if the show left.
However, the state seemed to have backed off from the threat and an official agreement is set to be announced shortly.
