It was a wonderful evening listening to, asking questions and getting answers from the Wisconsin Film Officer Director Veronica Pope! She clearly addressed issues facing filmmakers inside and outside the state speaking on the new Film Tax Incentives.

We had quite a crowd of dedicated filmmakers who braved another big storm and tornado threats common during a very warm spring and pending summer. Dan Brezgel stated, ”

What impressed me most was the energy in the room. The questions weren’t just about what Film Wisconsin can do today. They were about what we can build together tomorrow.” Currently there about a dozen applications to qualify for the incentives as the new Film Wisconsin office continues to get everything in place. Veronica has her work cut out for her because it is a one-person office and there is so much to do.

The discussion revolved around the  new film tax incentives and the development of actor and crew databases, location resources, and the necessary work utilizing current resources and building a solid foundation or infrastructure. ns
When asked how to be a qualified recipient Veronica described the qualifying elements and said, “Fill out the application and do it.”

 

She’s pointed out that our purpose and mission: “We want to put Wisconsin on the map. Maybe we’ve been overlooked for production because we’ve been one of the few states that didn’t have a film office or tax credits. We really want to show the national stage that we’re ready.”

“There’s a lot of really talented people here who have already done really great productions,” she continues. “It’s really an opportunity to grow that [and add] the economic impact of bringing production here, and then having those productions promote and show and celebrate Wisconsin to the rest of the country.”

Many new possibilities are exciting because Wisconsin has taken an important step in becoming a source for filmmakers already here and worldwide.
“We really want to be able to administer these tax credits and get people going on their projects,” Veronica says. “We want to support and enrich the creative community here and make sure that we’re attracting productions to Wisconsin, either through people who hadn’t considered the state before, or by getting some production here that maybe otherwise wouldn’t have happened without these tax credits.”
We discussed ways the Mission One Billion Creator Network may be able to support Film Wisconsin as the office grows. Dan offer this food for thought, “Imagine a network of Wisconsin creators collaborating on multiple short films, pooling resources, creating opportunities for actors and crew, and helping build a stronger filmmaking ecosystem right here in Wisconsin.” Let’s add, feature film and television and streaming projects too.
We all want to give a GREAT BIG  thank you to Veronica Pope for joining us and answering questions, and for shouldering the responsibility of adding Wisconsin to the other states already benefiting from tax incentive programs. We would also like to thank those people who helped bring them back to the state and those in office who agreed this was a worthy pursuit and voted to make it happen. PLUS, thanks to all who attended, spread the word to others through various means AND contributed to the conversation. It was a great night for us all. Bad weather kept some away but for those who attended and for our speaker who came in spite of weather warnings THANKS – you are outstanding.
OUR NEXT MEETING COMING UP we have an exciting program on July 22, @ 7pm at Schmidty’s Bar & Grill

Our very own member Peter Galante, producer, professor, Festival Director is producing another film overseas and will talk to us on the development and preproduction processes: From research, story concept, script treatment, script breakdown, one sheet, pitch deck budget and more.

Peter Galante is an internationally published, award‑winning designer, photographer, filmmaker, and educator. He is currently developing a medieval thriller rooted in magic realism, inspired by folklore exempla and planned for production in Europe. As a producer with California‑based Hysteria Pictures, he created the production design for The Yellow Wallpaper, a 19th‑century psychological thriller filmed in Ireland. His filmOppure received Best Experimental Film at the Solaris Film Festival in Vienna, Austria. He currently serves as Director of the Red Cedar Film Festival and is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin.

This promises to be another great evening meeting you don’t want to miss. Share this news with your filmmaker friends and colleagues!

MISSION 1 BILLION is here to help you!
MISSION 1 BILLION IS A PRIVATE GROUP – you can use the QR code in the photo below to request an invite. Take a picture of the QR code with your phone to get an invite to join Mission 1 Billion.
IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE!
When applying for membership (it’s free to join) PLEASE answer the questions and agree to follow the rules. You will not be accepted to join until you do. We open many meetings to the public and they are free. You can also invite and bring along your filmmaker and actor friends.

Mission 1 Billion Speaker Meeting July 22 7pm SHARP! Shcmidty’s Bar & Grill 16755 W, Lisbon, Brookfield, WI 53005

PLEASE be on time so we can start on time. In fact come early and stay later networking. ALSO it is pizza night! Order a large pizza and get a free pitcher of beer or soda. OR order off the menu. The food is great!

Enter through door UNDER THE WHITE CLAW SIGN!

Free and open to public. Please help spread the word. Share this with your friends and colleagues.

 

We’ll have more Mission 1 Billion (official website > https://www.missiononebillion.org) project discussions, film events, speakers and class sessions coming up live and in person and will report on it here.

People connecting on projects and helping each other out is what we are all about! We can be a useful resource to you.

Want to join Mission 1 Billion on Facebook OR SHARE IT WITH FRIENDS?

Use the QR code below on your phone OR USE THIS LINK https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18cUQaFSXL/

Request to join. BE SURE TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS if you want to be approved for membership.

SHARE QR & LINK WITH OTHERS SO THEY TOO CAN JOIN US.  Follow the sign in instructions and rules and become one of us.

 

Subscribe free to Rex Sikes Movie’ Beat blog (https://rexsikesmoviebeat.me) and Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2zoiOvG8US1aiu5efAxNv6) at spotify for free. Podcast has over 600 hours of professional filmmakers sharing their expertise with you. It’s an education – learn what to do AND what not to do to be more successful!

Enjoy the shows.

LINK TO ARTICLE from Los Angeles Tribune (https://rexsikesmoviebeat.me/2025/08/02/how-heartspire-and-mission-1-billion-are-turning-creative-media-into-real-world-miracles-for-families-in-crisis/) about Dan & Rex Heartspire & Mission 1 Billion vision, mission and action. What will we do and what can you do to help! Become a part of something wonderful and helpful to filmmakers and others.

See ya there AND in the next blog!

Rex