Association for the Future of Film and Television

Please enjoy this article from today’s Tennessean and notice the reference to the “entertainment industry.” The entertainment industry has never (in my recollection) been embraced by a Commissioner of ECD.

 This is yet another example of what AFFT has been able to accomplish in a few short years. Let me remind you of some of the things AFFT members have accomplished since 2008:

1.  For the first time, members of AFFT met with every candidate for Governor during the campaigns.
2. For the first time, our industry made contributions to the campaigns of legislators of both parties who would/could support our efforts through the AFFT-PAC.
3. For the first time, film incentives were addressed during a live gubernatorial debate as the result of a question submitted from an AFFT member.
4. For the first time, Legislators were presented with a DVD created by AFFT members  and narrated by Dolly Parton explaining the plight of our industry.
5. For the first time, AFFT members representing all areas of the state and the industry were invited to the Capitol to meet with the Governor’s Special Assistant.
6. For the first time, our industry and legislators came together at a reception held by AFFT. 

In addition, these goals have been accomplished:

1.  AFFT drafted a bill for new incentives and asked Senator Mark Norris (the Senate Majority Leader) to sponsor it. We also asked Rep Steve McManus to carry the bill for us in the House.
2. AFFT was asked by the City of Memphis and Shelby County to allow them to use our bill draft as part of their legislative agenda as well.
   
3. AFFT members  formed an Advocacy Team from all areas of the state to work with legislators on the bill.
4. AFFT officially signed up our lobbyist to work at the Legislature as well as hiring an additional lobbyist to keep us notified of any actions pertaining to our industry during the session. 

We’re not finished yet. Incentives must still be addressed and we are working as quickly as we can to bring the right parties together to make that happen.

Last week I met with our bill sponsors to discuss our next steps and asked Senator Norris what message we should give to our industry folks across the state. His reply: “Have faith.”

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110424/OPINION/304240028/2071/OPINION03/Haslam-plan-assist-businesses-job-creation