In this subtitle, “Office” means the Maryland Film Office.

There is a Maryland Film Office in the Department.

The Office may: ask any State or local governmental unit for assistance and information to carry out this subtitle; accept a gift, bequest, or grant from a public or private source for any of the purposes of this subtitle; spend money made available in accordance with the State budget for any of the purposes of this subtitle; and do any other act necessary to carry out this subtitle.

The Office shall implement a program to promote the production of motion pictures and television programs in the State. The Office shall: prepare and distribute promotional and informational materials that address: desirable locations in the State to produce motion pictures and television programs; the benefits and advantages of producing motion pictures and television programs in the State; and the services and assistance available from State government, local government, and the motion picture and television industry; assist motion picture and television companies to secure location permits and other services in connection with motion picture and television production; and facilitate cooperation from federal, State, and local governmental units and the private sector in locating and producing motion pictures and television programs.

The Office shall coordinate its activities with activities of similar local governmental units in the State for any of the purposes of this subtitle.