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District Owes Movie-Maker $1.4 Million

December 15, 2009
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By Meymo Lyons

Six months after filming ended for a major movie set in the District of Columbia, a $2 million filming incentive agreement remains largely unpaid.

An agreement between Columbia Pictures and the district government was signed in April to lure filming of the James Brooks production "How Do You Know?" to the nation's capital. Stars Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson were in Washington last June for filming. Now, the city still owes Columbia $1.4 million.

Film office director Kathy Hollinger says the city needs to keep its agreement. The problem is the deal with Columbia was signed as the city was phasing out old film incentive rules and had not approved its new program. The D.C. Council is expected to consider emergency legislation Tuesday to authorize the payment.

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