Minnesota Agencies

Explore Minnesota Film is established as an office within Explore Minnesota. The director of Explore Minnesota shall appoint the director of Explore Minnesota Film. The director of Explore Minnesota Film must be qualified by experience with issues related to film and television production and economic development.

The director of Explore Minnesota Film is authorized to:

1. administer the film production jobs program and the film production credit program;
2. promote Minnesota as a location for film and television production;
3. assist in the establishment and implementation of programs related to film and television production, including but not limited to permitting and workforce development;
4. improve communication among local, state, federal, and private entities regarding film and television production logistics and best practices;
5. coordinate the development of statewide policies addressing film and television production; and
6. act as a liaison to production entities, workers, and state agencies.

By January 15, 2025, the commissioner of revenue, in consultation with the director of Explore Minnesota Film, must provide a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over economic development and taxes. The report must detail the following:

• the amount of credit certifications issued annually;
• the number of applications submitted, the number of allocation certificates issued, the amount of allocation certificates issued, the number of reports submitted upon completion of a project, and the number of credit certificates issued;
• the types of projects eligible for the credit;
• the total economic impact of the credit in Minnesota, including the calendar year over calendar year percentage changes in the number of jobs held by Minnesota residents in businesses having a primary North American Industry Classification System code of 512110 as reported to the commissioner, for calendar years 2019 through 2023;
• the number of taxpayers per tax type which are assignees of credit certificates under subdivision 3;
• annual Minnesota taxes paid by businesses having a primary North American Industry Classification System code of 512110, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2018, and before January 1, 2024; and
• any other information the commissioner of revenue, in consultation with the commissioner director, deems necessary for purposes of claiming and administering the credit.

In 2024, the film production jobs program shifted from being operated by the Minnesota Film and TV Board to the new office of Explore Minnesota Film with administrative oversight and control by the director of Explore Minnesota. 

A Transition Update was posted on the MNFILMTV website in the summer of 2024, with the following statements: "To ensure consistency, MN Film & TV will remain in operation for the coming months as Explore Minnesota Film ramps up. We anticipate a three-month transition period. After Explore Minnesota Film is fully operational, MN Film & TV will close its doors.

"As part of the transition, Melodie Bahan has resigned as Executive Director of MN Film & TV to take a temporary appointment as Director of Explore Minnesota Film. In this position, she will be responsible for getting the new state film office open for business while assisting the state to develop operational procedures, create staff positions, explore diverse and inclusive workforce development opportunities, and establish the necessary infrastructure Explore Minnesota Film needs to be successful. This temporary Director role was created in accordance with state policy, which allows such an appointment for up to 12 months."