Film Industry And Location Marketing​ Task Force Created

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A 13-member committee has been assembled to help position Howard County as a film-ready region in Maryland the Mid-Atlantic.

Called the Film Industry and Location Marketing (FILM) Task Force, its members will evaluate current capabilities, propose operational improvements and design a comprehensive framework of recommendations for incentives, logistics, permitting, workforce and location marketing.

“Home to a robust and thriving arts and cultural community, historic towns, scenic landscapes and distinctive neighborhoods, Howard County is no stranger to film and television industry. Over the years, many film projects have featured Howard County in their productions, supporting our local economy,” said Howard County Calvin Ball at a news conference. “Through this Task Force, we aim to grow our efforts to access this untapped sector of our arts economy by positioning Howard County as a film-ready, competitive destination for film, television and media production. Through this work, we will further expand economic opportunity, support our local workers and creatives, drive tourism and local spending, and showcase the unique assets that make our county so special and great.”

Comprised of industry and local leaders, as well as creatives, task force members include:

• Amanda Hof, Co-Chair and Executive Director, Visit Howard Count
• Robert Neal Marshall, Co-Chair and Actor, Director, Producer, and Playwright
• Jennifer Jones, CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority
• Theresa Colvin, Board of Directors, Community Liaison, Howard County Arts Council
• Director or designee, Maryland Film Office
• Mary Kane, President & CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
• Dewan Clayborn, President and CEO, Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce
• Kristi Simon, President and CEO, Howard County Chamber of Commerce
• Chester Stacy, Production Design Professional
• Julie Miller, Director of Communications, Columbia Association
• Demitian Gilbert, Managing Partner, The Collective
• Nicholas Mooneyhan, Director, Department of Recreation & Parks
• Bob Frances, Director, Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits

“The work of this Task Force is a natural fit for Visit Howard County. Our role is to showcase what makes Howard County special — our arts, history, parks, small businesses and hospitality community”, said Amanda Hof, task force co-chair and executive director, Visit Howard County. “Film and television production is a powerful way to tell that story and bring meaningful economic impact to our local businesses and residents.”

Now through the summer, the task force will meet monthly to review, discuss and advance the key deliverables identified in the executive order. At its conclusion, the task force will produce a Film-Ready Community Action Plan for Howard County, which will be a comprehensive strategic plan detailing short-, medium- and long-term recommendations for building a sustainable local film economy.

Since its inception in 2012, the Maryland Film Production Activity Tax Credit has generated a total economic impact of nearly $1.5 billion, driven by 21 major productions, including House of Cards, Veep, Lady in the Lake and Special Ops: Lioness. These projects have directly spent $827 million in the state, often hiring more than 1,000 Marylanders and utilizing thousands of local businesses per production. In Fiscal Year 2026, the tax credit issued $12 million in funding.