'House of Cards' Delays Production on Season 3

Netflix’s House Of Cards is enjoying wild success with last week's premiere of the complete second season. But Season 3 has already hit a snag.

The third season of House of Cards, which was scheduled to begin production in early spring, is being delayed until mid-June due to -- what else? -- politics. The outcome of two separate bills in the Maryland Legislature that would ensure another season of lucrative state tax breaks for the series hang in the balance. Media Rights Capital, which produces the hit political drama, received over $11 million in Maryland tax credits for Season 1 and Season 2. Should the separate bills pass, incentives could reach as high as $15 million, which is more in line with the numbers Season 2 pulled. However, in the current Maryland political climate, $15 million of tax credits would be impossible, since the current cap is $7.5 million. The two bills would raise the ceiling to either $11 million or $18.5 million.

Credit: Netflix

Further details via Deadline:

Deadline has confirmed that MRC has sent a letter to several politicians, including Gov. Martin O’Malley, regarding the bills. The letter pulls no punches in saying that the incentives must be approved if the production were to stay in the state. “In the event sufficient incentives do not become available, we will have to break down our stage, sets and offices and set up in another state,” said the letter, signed by Charlie Goldstein, MRC’s SVP Television Production. The issue has been stirring a heated debate in the Maryland Legislature. “Is it possible that they would just leave after we gave them $31 million?” Del. C. William Frick, D-Montgomery, said during a contentious hearing last week, according to WSJ.

According to the Maryland Film Office, the 130 days of production on Season 1 and Season 2 of House Of Cards helped contribute to film and TV’s estimated $197.2 million in economic impact in fiscal year 2013. Season 1 “resulted in the local hiring of 2,193 Maryland crew, cast and extras, and the production purchased or rented goods or services from 1,814 Maryland vendors,” the office says on its website. Maryland also hosts the production of HBO’s White House comedy Veep.

Here's hoping the monetary issues are sorted out so the show can continue filming in the heart of the nation's political scene. But I think House of Cards will be fine regardless. Setting is a huge factor in the show, but really, it's the double-dealings and behind-the-scenes shadiness of American politics that is the real star. Well, and Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. Of course.

Via: Deadline