A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: 2010
In 2006, the Tennessee General Assembly voted into law the Visual Content Act which paved the way for a fund that would be used to provide film and television incentives to productions that meet the criteria set forth by the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission and the Department of Revenue.
As we move into 2010, Tennessee faces, yet again, the possibility of an entertainment industry which cannot compete in the recruitment of film and television projects. The funds which were appropriated by the General Assembly in 2006 will be depleted by the end of this year. We have no reassurance that funding for incentives will continue.
The Association for the Future of Film & Television (AFFT) has spent the last year carrying this message across the state and encouraging those who work in film, television and music to join with us to advocate for laws and policies in Tennessee that will benefit our industry. In 2010 we are working to meet with candidates for Governor, one of whom will be elected this fall. We hope to be instrumental in electing a candidate who will support and sustain the growth of the business of entertainment in our state. We appreciate that the automotive industry and "green" industries are worthy of Tennessee's recruitment efforts by use of various tax credits and other incentives. We must, however, make it clear that it would be a grave mistake for our lawmakers to allow the entertainment industry for which the state is recognized internationally to slip away to neighboring states who are actively pursuing production work from music videos to feature films.
We invite you to join us in the journey for the betterment of our entertainment industry. It is incumbent upon all of us to stand up and be heard. It is vital that we shake off the apathy that has gripped too many who make their living in film, television or music. We can accomplish great things if we stand together and insist that the state of Tennessee include the entertainment industry as an important part of the state's economy.
To those of you who have supported AFFT through its first year, I thank you. In 2010, I call on you again to educate those who work with you about our efforts. Be a contributing factor in bringing one more member aboard. Contribute to the AFFT Political Action Committee. Through the AFFT-PAC, we can contribute to the campaigns of lawmakers who support our efforts.
The elections of 2010 in Tennessee are critical to the health of our industry. We must elect those who are knowledgeable about what we do and are willing to help us. Unless we can accomplish, we will watch another four years of work for Tennessee's cast and crew go to other states who have established robust incentive packages.
Are you willing to wait another four years?
AFFT is an organization about which we can all be proud for years to come. I invite you, once again, to come along with us now.
Roger Hodges, President
Association for the Future of Film & Television
In 2006, the Tennessee General Assembly voted into law the Visual Content Act which paved the way for a fund that would be used to provide film and television incentives to productions that meet the criteria set forth by the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission and the Department of Revenue.
As we move into 2010, Tennessee faces, yet again, the possibility of an entertainment industry which cannot compete in the recruitment of film and television projects. The funds which were appropriated by the General Assembly in 2006 will be depleted by the end of this year. We have no reassurance that funding for incentives will continue.
The Association for the Future of Film & Television (AFFT) has spent the last year carrying this message across the state and encouraging those who work in film, television and music to join with us to advocate for laws and policies in Tennessee that will benefit our industry. In 2010 we are working to meet with candidates for Governor, one of whom will be elected this fall. We hope to be instrumental in electing a candidate who will support and sustain the growth of the business of entertainment in our state. We appreciate that the automotive industry and "green" industries are worthy of Tennessee's recruitment efforts by use of various tax credits and other incentives. We must, however, make it clear that it would be a grave mistake for our lawmakers to allow the entertainment industry for which the state is recognized internationally to slip away to neighboring states who are actively pursuing production work from music videos to feature films.
We invite you to join us in the journey for the betterment of our entertainment industry. It is incumbent upon all of us to stand up and be heard. It is vital that we shake off the apathy that has gripped too many who make their living in film, television or music. We can accomplish great things if we stand together and insist that the state of Tennessee include the entertainment industry as an important part of the state's economy.
To those of you who have supported AFFT through its first year, I thank you. In 2010, I call on you again to educate those who work with you about our efforts. Be a contributing factor in bringing one more member aboard. Contribute to the AFFT Political Action Committee. Through the AFFT-PAC, we can contribute to the campaigns of lawmakers who support our efforts.
The elections of 2010 in Tennessee are critical to the health of our industry. We must elect those who are knowledgeable about what we do and are willing to help us. Unless we can accomplish, we will watch another four years of work for Tennessee's cast and crew go to other states who have established robust incentive packages.
Are you willing to wait another four years?
AFFT is an organization about which we can all be proud for years to come. I invite you, once again, to come along with us now.
Roger Hodges, President
Association for the Future of Film & Television
