The need for the industry to have its voice heard on local, state and national levels of government has become vital—arguably more so than ever with issues like runaway production coming to a head. Last week, in the context of Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan’s attempt to help avert writers’ and actors’ strikes against the TV/feature studios, we made our case for the commercialmaking business gaining the ear of legislators and elected officials through lobbying efforts and/or political action committees (PACs). As earlier reported (SHOOT, 1/5, p. 1), the Association of Independent Commercial Producers adopted a key initiative during its national board meeting last December, deciding to form a national PAC, as well as PACs in New York and California.
This week, we cite a case study that eloquently underscores the importance of the industry being able to engage in meaningful dialogue with the body politic. In early April, majority members of the New York Assembly called for the creation of a $10 million Motion Picture Investment Fund, $3 million of which is earmarked for the coming fiscal year. Designed to help the state keep and attract filming, the fund would help pay for a marketing/promotions campaign, would provide partial financing for qualifying independent films, and would institute training programs for established, New York-based industry workers, as well as for talented newcomers.
Assemblyman Joseph Morelle (D-Rochester), who chairs the Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Sports Development, described the anti-runaway fund as being an important step "to help lure the film industry back to New York."
SHOOT reported that prospects for the proposal’s passage are good (4/13, p. 1). Playing an integral role in developing the Motion Picture Investment Fund concept was the New York Production Alliance (NYPA), a two-year-old organization chaired by industry vet Morty Dubin, principal in New York-based Iris Films. The NYPA was formed to help maintain, promote, increase and expedite film and video production in New York City and State. The NYPA currently has some 65 members, consisting of industry companies and professional organizations spanning production, postproduction, talent and craft unions, support and service businesses, and industry-related educational institutions. The NYPA represents such disciplines as commercialmaking, TV, features, music videos and documentaries.
According to Chris Delgiudice, legislative director for Assemblyman Morelle, the NYPA has proven to be a valuable resource for legislators who want to get a sense of industry needs and priorities.
Dubin noted that the NYPA "not only has the ear of lawmakers, but has captured their attention to help New York attract more filming, and to strengthen the state’s talent pool." Dubin said that the NYPA "finds it gratifying that the state and the city will benefit from the influx of money to develop creative and technical talent—a primary reason to work in New York."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-NYC) stated, "The establishment of this fund will help New York State compete with film locations around the world." Silver cited the success of Canada in drawing production from the U.S. through an effective marketing plan and a series of financial incentives—not to mention a favorable exchange rate. "We must be competitive and do a better job marketing this state to attract potential filmmakers," said Silver.
NYPA board member Alan Suna, CEO of Silvercup Studios, observed, "This funding will enable us to get the word out to others about how great it is to work in New York—both Upstate and Downstate. With this innovative new program, we in the film industry expect many great things."
