The third season of Netflix's ‘House of Cards' is delayed waiting on the out come of two Maryland tax breaks.
Season 3 of ‘House of Cards' is being held off on production until mid-June depending upon the outcome of two Maryland Legislature.
The two bills would ensure another season of hefty tax breaks for the political drama.
The Emmy-nominated series set in Washington D.C., was officially renewed for a third season earlier this month. Series producer planned to start filming for the third season in early spring, previously recieved over 10 million dollars in Maryland tax credits for Season 1 and Season 2 could amount to $15 million dollars in tax benefits. According to the Maryland Film Office, the 130 days of production on Season 1 and Season 2 of House of Cards helped contribute more to film and TV's estimated $197.2 million in economic impact in fiscal year of 2013. Season 1 “resulted in the local hiring of 2,193 Maryland crew, cast and extras, and the production purchased or rented goods or services from 1,814 Maryland vendors,” the office says on its website.
According to Deadline, Media Rights Capital the production company for ‘House of Cards' has sent letters to several politicians including Gov. Martin O'Malley, regarding the upcoming bills.
Essentially, the letters point out that if the bills do not pass, ‘House of Cards' will film elsewhere.
“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”
The issue has become a heated debate in Maryland Legislature. According to the Wall Street Journal, during a hearing Del. C. William Frick, D-Montgomery rhetorically asked, “Is it possible that they would just leave after we gave them $31 million?” and by the looks of the latest letter from MRC's president, the answer is yes.
