Association for the Future of Film and Television

Last week, we met with candidate for Governor, Mike McWherter, to explain the difficulties the film, television and music industries are facing in Tennessee. With that conversation, we wrapped our initial meetings with all the candidates who now want to become your Governor in November.

McWherter is the only Democrat in the race and will run unopposed in the August primaries. The Republican candidates are Bill Haslam, Ron Ramsey and Zach Wamp and one of them will win their primary in August.

I’ve been asked repeatedly as we went through this exercise in the political process which candidate I like the best. I can tell you this.They are all very different people. I found something to like about most of them. I found most of them very willing to take the time to listen to us express our concerns. I discovered that most of them had little understanding of the entertainment industry which was not surprising.  Their careers have not brought them in close contact with our industry.

Of course, I think I have a favorite at this point, but my opinion is not relevant. It’s YOURS that matters!

AFFT leadership has made the first steps toward introducing the candidates to our industry. We will also contribute to the campaigns from our PAC as we move forward, but now it’s time for the rest of you to work for your industry as well.

Follow the candidates, choose the one you are most comfortable with and WORK for him. Volunteer to stuff envelopes, put out yard signs, knock on doors, be part of the telephone bank, host or attend events for your candidate. Introduce yourself to the candidate. Tell him what you do for a living. YOU need to be the face of our industry at your candidate’s headquarters. Bring other

film/television/music people with you to volunteer. With production at a low ebb across the state, you can use the extra time by making this investment in YOUR future! Even those who are not elected need to see that film/television &music people really do exist in this state! It will help us in the future.

If you have never volunteered in a political campaign, now is the time to sign up. It’s a wonderful experience. You have everything to gain from your involvement and a lot to lose if you choose to sit on the sidelines.