COLUMBUS, Wis. -- Wisconsin communities like Madison, Columbus and Oshkosh enjoyed a brush with Hollywood glamour after serving as the backdrop for several scenes for the new Johnny Depp-starring movie "Public Enemies."

As the movie receives a nationwide release on Wednesday, the dollars that brought that film production to the Badger State last year continue to be up for debate.

When Gov. Jim Doyle signed off on the budget legislation on Tuesday, he cut film tax incentives from $1.5 million to just $500,000 a year, saying $1.5 million is just excessive in this belt-tightening time.

However, Columbus residents said that they're still feeling the benefits from "Public Enemies" and they fear without the incentives, Hollywood won't come back.

In the West James Gallery in Columbus, a display highlights pieces of the "Public Enemies" set, designs and articles of the Depression-era movie.

Even before the film's release, it's attracting attention, according to Kate Bates, the gallery owner.

"People like to see where movies are made so it really does help the tourism aspect immensely," Bates said.

The exposure and buzz created by the film is putting the small city on the map and making it a destination, she said.

"They've read an article in a paper or a magazine. Maybe seen a little clip on TV somewhere, especially right now. It's been happening ever since the movie started over a year ago," said Bates.

Already, Columbus officials estimate the movie brought an additional $1.5 million to the community during filming alone. The movie was filmed in the town of 4,500 in March 2008.

Former Columbus Mayor Nancy Osterhaus said she feels without the state's tax incentives, "Public Enemies" never would have come.

"If you really take a look at it, you're kind of throwing away the goose that lays the golden egg and saying, 'Oh, I want more eggs.' This was good for the state of Wisconsin and we've killed the goose right now," said Osterhaus.

Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton said that she also feels Doyle's veto is hurting potential film opportunities in the future. In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Lawton said that she was disappointed by the move.

"This veto must be categorized as a false economy, a lamentable decision that adds to the list of lost opportunities for economic growth here," she was quoted as saying.

Osterhaus said that she agrees Lawton's idea.

"We are now kind of putting ourselves out of the game as far as movies. (Director) Michael Mann has said no, he probably would have filmed in Wisconsin without the movie tax credits," said Osterhaus.

Lawton said as chair of the Wisconsin Arts Board, she'll continue trying to develop similar opportunities in Wisconsin in the future.

Doyle made the change to award grants of up to $500,000 a year for projects that create permanent jobs in the state.