LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Kaua'i has seen a burst of new film activity and could host a big-budget movie this summer, county film commissioner Art Umezu said yesterday.

Umezu said he would not identify the major movie that is considering Kaua'i as a location, but that the production company has been on the island since December looking for filming locations.

"They've already spent a considerable amount of money on pre-production costs, including numerous chartered helicopter flights, hotel accommodations, car rentals, meals and incidentals," he said.

USA Today reported this week that it's a war movie called "Tropic Thunder," to be directed by Ben Stiller, who owns a home in north Kaua'i, and starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black.

Umezu would not confirm that: "We're being diligent and respectful until their publicist makes it official."

Umezu said the island's 2006 film production income was $1.64 million, a 46 percent hike over 2005. And so far this year, producers have spent more than $500,000 on film projects, he said. Those have included commercials for Nike, REI, Hyatt hotels, Sanjo Corp. and Sony HD cameras; television and cable programming for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," and a number of other projects. Two of them are travel shows: "Not Your Average Travel Guide" and "Travel Guy."

The state's tax credit for movie production, which became effective last July, has increased interest in filming statewide, he said. The program provides 15 percent tax credits for filming on O'ahu and 20 percent on Neighbor Islands.

"Word is getting out that Hawai'i is once again a viable film location," he said.

Among other projects under discussion is a movie about surfer Bethany Hamilton, based on her book, "Soul Surfer." Hamilton, a teen surfing champion, gained fame when a shark attack cost her an arm. She continues to surf.

Umezu said the Chicago-based firm Critical Mass Production is on the island filming a promotional spot for a television program to be shot in June.

Also, a Japan television company in May will film a special based on the Japanese movie "Hula Girl."

And in June, a Japanese company will film a television commercial here.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.