Courtesy of the Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist, who wants tax credits to lure film production to Florida, hung out with movies stars on a Jacksonville film set Wednesday before addressing a film advisory council at the Capitol.

Crist wants $75 million a year in tax credits over the next three years for filmmakers who produce movies, television shows and music videos in Florida - a proposal he highlighted during his State of the State speech earlier this month.

Crist flew to Jacksonville to visit the “Rocket” film set and met stars Sharon Stone, Jimmy Fallon and Tom Arnold during a day largely spent promoting the Florida film industry.

“It was way cool. Really, it was neat,” Crist had said about the set tour. “This is an industry that can do so much for our state, frankly. It really can. The actors couldn’t have been nicer and more receptive. They enjoy filming in Florida. Jimmy Fallon couldn’t have been funnier.”

When he arrived back at the Capitol, he told the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council that he is committed to attracting more film production to the state.

“It’s a clean industry, it produces high paying jobs and it promotes a state that I love,” Crist said. “It’s very important and Louisiana and some other states have been extremely aggressive, as you know, about this industry and I think Florida needs to lead the way.”

He also scheduled a governor’s mansion reception for the council, lawmakers and members of the industry.

Bills (SB 96 and HB 1325) are moving through the House and Senate that would provide film industry tax credits. The Senate version, sponsored by Sen. Burt Saunders, R-Naples, calls for $75 million in credits for each of the next three years.

The House version, sponsored by Rep. Don Davis, R-Jacksonville, calls for a total of $75 million in credits over three years.

The tax credits would replace an $20 million incentive program that provides reimbursements to film producers, but which was approved for one year only. Saunders said guaranteeing three years of incentives and increasing the amount will go a long way toward expanding filming in Florida.

“I don’t believe that there’s any doubt at all this industry will continue to grow and flourish in this state if we continue to provide the incentives,” Saunders said.