Fast forward to last Tuesday — Governor Holcomb signed Senate Bill 361 into law, which bolsters the state’s economic development through a series of tax credits. On the surface, tax credits aren’t a very sexy subject, but when a 30% tax credit for media production is involved, we see potential.

The higher the state tax credit percentages are — the more a filmmaker is incentivized to produce their project in that state. Before this new law, the incentive Indiana offered was a 15% credit on qualifying expenses. How did that compare with surrounding states? We’ll be honest — not well. At the time, Michigan was offering up 42%, which is a tough sum to pass up.

Did you know that “Stranger Things” + “Parks and Rec” are set in fictional + real places in Indiana? You can probably see where I’m going with this, but guess what? They weren’t filmed here. Maybe with this new incentive, we’ll be able to stake a claim in the next big series.

Did all this talk of media production make you want to celebrate? Well, you can this Sun., March 27 when the Academy Awards show airs at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Although none of the nominated pictures were made in Indiana, several were featured by Indy’s largest film festival organization — Heartland. Three short films from Indy Shorts + six feature films from the Heartland Film Festival have been nominated for various awards, totaling 33 nominations altogether.

Just think: Maybe the next time Oscar season rolls around, you’ll be able to watch some Hoosier filmmakers make their acceptance speeches.

EVENTS

Today

Build Your Own Movie Machine | Mon., March 21 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library, Haughville Branch, 2121 W. Michigan St. | Free | School-age artists + storytellers will learn to make their own zoetrope, a motion picture machine. 🎞️
Acoustic Open Mic | Every Monday night | 7-10 p.m. | Irving Theater, 5505 Washington St. | Free | Perform your original acoustic music at this all-ages open mic. 🎤
Gaming for Adults | Mon., March 21 | 3-5 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library, East 38th Street Branch, 5420 E. 38th St. | Free | A night for adults ages 50+ to play games like cards, chess, dominoes, and Clue. 🎲

Tuesday

Eagles | Tues., March 22 | 8 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $64+ | See the iconic rock group as they hit Indy on their “Hotel California” tour. 🎸

Wednesday

Indiana Pacers vs. Sacramento Kings | Wed., March 23 | 7 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $14+ | 🏀

Thursday

March Happy Hour | Thurs., March 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Sundry & Vice, 850 Mass Ave. | $15 | Join the Young Professionals of Central Indiana for a monthly happy hour where area young professionals can unwind, connect, get to know each other + check out some of Indy’s best venues. Drinks included with ticket. 🍸

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MARCH PLANS THIS WAY

NEWS NOTES

Weather

71º | Partly cloudy | 5% chance of rain

Coming Soon

The empty space left by the old Wine Market in Fountain Square is being filled by Harmony Tea Shoppe. The spot will serve smoothies, milkshakes + boba teas but doesn't have an exact open date yet. We’ll spill the tea as soon as we know more. 🧋

Opening

Let the good times roll. This week, Happy Days Family Pancake House will open in the old Edwards Drive-In location at 2126 S. Sherman Dr. — and it’s keeping the 50s theme alive. The diner will serve traditional breakfast food, with a signature of coconut almond French toast from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. 🥞 (IndyStar)

Sports

The Fighting Irish + Hoosiers advance. Both Notre Dame and IU women’s basketball teams won their first rounds of the NCAA tournament this weekend. The teams will face off against Oklahoma and Princeton in the second round tonight at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., consecutively. IUPUI lost against Oklahoma by a score of 78-72. 🏀
Notre Dame’s men’s basketball team lost by a score of 53-59 in round two of the NCAA Tournament to Texas Tech last night. Purdue is off to the Sweet Sixteen with a win over Texas (71-81). The team will play against Saint Peter's on Fri., March 25 at 7:09 p.m.

Development

The Department of Metropolitan Development is requesting an additional $2 million in its budget to purchase several properties, including the historic Drake building — which was a luxury living complex built in 1929. It hopes to use 27 units in the building as affordable housing along the Red Line. 🏢 (IndyStar)

Traffic

This week, work to widen the Monon Trail from 10th Street to 56th Street will begin. Indy is spending $1.6 million to undertake this project, taking the trail from 10 ft to 14 ft wide. Starting today, three segments of the trail will close for construction between 16th Street + Fall Creek Parkway. 🚧 (WIBC)

Hoosier

Greenwood native Josh Kimbowa — aka UG skywalkin — will be taking the stage on a new reality TV competition “American Song Contest.” He was a star athlete at Center Grove High School 20 years ago + will be performing against multi-platinum performers like Macy Gray. The first episode premieres tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC. 🎤 (IndyStar)

Civic

After some delay, the Marion County courts will officially move over to the Community Justice Campus in the Twin Aire neighborhood next month. Over 200 employees will be transitioning to the new spot + full operations will start Mon., May 9. Until then, jury trials will continue to be carried out in the City-County building. (IBJ)

Number

$25-30 million. That’s the estimated impact on Indy’s economy due to the number of sporting events taking place here in the last three weeks. Bars, restaurants, shops + hotels have seen a flood of basketball fans, in addition to a healthy dose of St. Patrick’s Day celebrants. 💰 (WRTV)

Arts

Newfields is springing ahead with its annual exhibit, “Art in Bloom,” starting on Thurs., March 31 until Sun., April 3. It involves 27 floral displays designed by local florists scattered throughout the galleries. Advance tickets are required but access to the exhibit is included with general admission. 🌷

Learn

When purchasing a homeowners insurance policy, it’s all about purchasing the right amount of insurance. That means picking enough coverage in each category of your policy, including dwelling and personal property coverage. Lemonade’s policies start as low as $25/month. Explore what coverage amounts + add-ons might work for you. 🏡*

📸 @cooperwebb2

Recently, three motocross legends took over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway + used it as their own personal playground. This was the third year Red Bull has given the Yard of Bricks’ keys to the pro-athletes so they could explore the legendary track.

We loved seeing our turf used for such a different sport + we’re wondering, what other events would you like to see take place at the Speedway?

Pro tip: You can enter to win an experience with motocross pro Cooper Webb by playing a mobile game.

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THE WRAP

Editor's pick: Speaking of Indiana movies, Nicole + I will be attending the premiere of So Cold the River — which was filmed in French Lick, IN. After watching the slightly spooky trailer, let us know if you have any questions you’d like us to ask the stars. 🌟

Missed yesterday's newsletter? Indy’s teams in the NCAA Tournaments