March 3, 2009 Film version of King novel may be shot in Maine Play video

(NECN: Amy Sinclair, Augusta, Maine) - Fans of "Fright Master" Stephen King know that both the author and most of his books are based in Maine. But, only a few of the film adaptations have actually been shot there. Now, filmmakers are leading an effort to bring more lights, cameras and action to the Pine Tree State.

Movie fans will remember "Empire Falls" as one of the last films actor Paul Newman starred in, but Mainers in the movie industry remember the HBO production for another reason -- it was the last big movie shot in Maine -- almost six years ago. And that, says local film advocate Cameron Bonsey, is a shame.

Bonsey is now leading a lobbying effort to bring more filmmaking to Maine. His star attractions, Hollywood director Mick Garris and producer Mark Sennet, who hope to film Maine native Stephen King's "Bag of Bones" in Maine next summer and leave $10 million in their wake.

Maine does offer some tax breaks for filmmakers under the Maine Attraction Film Incentive Program, but Bonsey says they add up to only about a 6% price break. That, he says, pales in comparison to what other states are offering the film industry.

In their meetings with lawmakers and the governor, they're making a united pitch for a 25% credit on what filmmakers spend while shooting in Maine.