Film Incentive Bill Based on Letter From Nigeria

MADISON, WI - Recent criticism of the film Public Enemies revealed a startling admission from the Department of Commerce.
    "The idea came from a letter we received from Nigeria," said Zach Braniff, Executive Assistant with Wisconsin's Department of Commerce. "It sounded so real."

    The letter began by asking that it be kept confidential. "I must solicit your strictest confidence in this transaction," the letter began. "We are top official of the Federal Government."

    The letter promised the amount of $20 million would be sent directly to Wisconsin, but the money could not be acquired in the names of the letter writers. Instead, the money would have to be promised to an intermediary in the form of a company from another state. "If 25% of the total could be supplied by the State, then the $20 million can be delivered by our associates."

    Two men named Vercotti arrived soon after the state responded to the letter. "It's a nice state you got here. It would be a shame if nothing were to happen here." One of the brothers reportedly broke items in Braniff's office. "My brother's clumsy, that's all, he's clumsy," said Vercotti.

   "By the time it was all over they had over $4.6 million of state tax money and we only had a fraction of the $20 million," said Braniff. "Boy-oh-boy, did we feel like suckers."

    Film Commission Gordon referred to the program as a plant that just needed time to grow. "You're not taking into account all the money that will come from unrelated businesses, like coffee shops." He referred to a study done by an accountant that was "absolute poof" that the Nigerian letter was a sure money maker. He pointed out other letters from Ghana, The Ivory Coast, and Ukraine.

Letters like this have been found in other State's Film Commissions.
   "I have only written to seek your indulgence and assistance." One letter stated. "I wish to make a transfer involving a huge amount of £20,000,000.00. I am proposing to make this transfer to a designated bank account of your choice. Thus, for your indulgence and support, I propose an offer of 30% of the total amount to be yours, after the transfer has been successfully concluded."

   ""This one offers thirty percent," said Gordon. "Something of nothing is more than nothing of something."