A bill that would let Nebraska cities entice filmmakers with state economic development dollars has won support from a prominent, native-born filmmaker.

Omaha native Alexander Payne, who directed "About Schmidt," "Sideways," and "The Descendants," told the Legislature's Urban Affairs Committee Tuesday that the measure (LB863) would help Nebraska compete with other Plains states for the attention of movie, television and commercial producers.

Several states, including Nebraska, already have state-based programs in place. The bill by Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash focuses instead on the 55 Nebraska cities that qualify for local option economic development money, under a state program established in 1991.

The bill would add film, television and commercial productions to the list of possible uses available to cities.