A legislative study released Wednesday finds that Pennsylvania’s film production tax credit produced a fiscal gain of $4.5 million between 2007 and 2008, and supported nearly 4,000 jobs.

Economics Research Associates conducted the study for the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to review the economic impact of the $75 million incentive program. The Film Production Tax Credit offers state tax incentives to film companies that spend at least 60 percent of production expenses in Pennsylvania.

The study found that the “total industry produces fiscal benefits to the Commonwealth of $62.7 million.” Without the tax credit, “a significant proportion of this activity would be at risk.”

The film tax credit faces annual opposition in the state Legislature. Senate Bill 850 would eliminate the tax credit altogether.

A public hearing on the film production tax credit is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, chairman of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee, will host the hearing.

To download a copy of the report: http://lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/reports/2009/35.pdf