Lights, Camera, Income: O'Malley Touts Financial Impact Of Shows Filmed In Md.

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Hollywood make-believe continues to make money for Maryland.

Alex DeMetrick reports the governor stopped by a working film set to say thanks--even at the risk of being upstaged by the show's star.

Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays a fictional vice president in the HBO comedy series "Veep."

She stayed in her frequently awkward character to say how much she likes Maryland.

"Particularly the crabs we got down at the harbor . . . to eat. On the heels of that classy joke, I'd like to welcome the governor," Louis-Dreyfus said.

Gov. Martin O'Malley came to say thanks to the cast and crew of the show currently shooting their third season in Maryland.

A tax break for film production has brought an increase in shows and movies shot here.

In return, "'Veep' actually generated $32 million in economic development here in the state of Maryland," O'Malley said.

It comes in the form of goods, services and close to 1,000 jobs from painting sets to feeding crews.

"When the movies are in Baltimore, it often makes the difference of a profit or not having a profit," said Leroy Dixon, Party Plus.

"It gives us important funding so we can reinvest that into our business and into our employees," said Bryan Koerber.

"Veep" isn't the only show in production in Maryland. So is the Netflix series, "House of Cards."

"Within the industry we are developing a reputation for having the sort of skilled workers that can produce the shows on time and on budget," O'Malley said.

That reputation can help point the way for more productions to come.

Maryland might also be something of a lucky state to work in. Both "Veep" and "House of Cards" were heavy Emmy winners.

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