|
DGA PAC Reception for Senator Lincoln
 |
Congressman Howard Berman and Senator Blanche Lincoln.
(Photo: Joe Coomber) |
On October 14 the DGA PAC hosted a reception for Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) in the National Headquarters Boardroom. Attending were more than 100 DGA PAC members and VIPs from member organizations of the Industry Alliance in support of the U.S. Independent Film and Television Production Incentive Act of 2001 (S.B. 1278) which Sen. Lambert introduced in July.
S.B. 1278 would provide a wage-based tax credit enabling the United States to compete with foreign governments luring productions abroad with economic incentives.
DGA President Jack Shea opened the reception saying, "There are issues of great concern to the DGA and to our entire industry being debated in the halls of Congress. Right now, the issue that is front and center is runaway production.
"I can assure you, our Guild does not take our DGA friendships lightly. The DGA PAC has been very active in lending our support to those who have worked so hard on our behalf," he added. "I'm sure all of you agree that one of our greatest supporters is Senator Lincoln."
Shea then introduced Congressman Howard Berman (D-Calif.), one of the three members of the House who introduced the United States Independent Film and Television Production Incentive Act of 2001, H.R. 3131, a companion bill to Lincoln's S.B. 1278. (See previous story for details of House bill).
"From the start, Congressman Berman has been a leader and advocate on the issue of runaway production," Shea said. "It was in large part due to his commitment that the U.S. Department of Commerce this year released its study calling attention to the magnitude of runaway production. This report has been the starting point for constructive dialogue and legislative action."
After thanking Shea and the DGA, Berman explained why it was very significant that Lincoln introduced S.B. 1278. "She's from Arkansas. She's not from Los Angeles or New York," Berman said. "We have always contended that production for movies, television, documentaries, for all the different outlets, is not just a local issue. It's a national issue. [Runaway production] has major impacts on the economy of all parts of America. The fact that a Senator from Arkansas took the time and commitment needed to be the lead author on a piece of legislation like this, demonstrates to the rest of the Congress that what we have been saying is true."
After thanking Berman and the Guild, Lincoln spoke to the guests about S.B. 1278. "After the terrible evil acts we saw on September 11, we have seen our government stop and think about who we are and where we are going," Lincoln said.
"We are beginning to recognize that there are many things we can do to make this nation stronger and greater," she said. "S.B. 1278 is one of the bills that is going to make our nation better. The reason it does is because you have a good, clean industry, an industry that should be kept in America. You have an industry that brings an enormous amount of pride to the American people.
"Arkansas was used in one of the opening scenes in Gone With the Wind," she added. "I cannot begin to tell you how many Arkansans are so proud of that fact. They came in, cast local people as extras. [Having productions shoot in local communities] brings an enormous amount of pride to people in communities all over America. You all know this. It's not just the actors, it's also the people you're working with in the localities.
 |
DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth and DGA President Jack Shea with Senator Lincoln.
(Photo: Joe Coomber) |
"For us in rural America, when we are looking for a way to create an economic stimulus for this country, for an industry that's good, clean, and one that brings a sense of pride to the people you work with in these small communities, you better believe [S.B. 1278] is something that we can do for this country. We want to make sure that you are on a level playing field so that you can do the kind of work you do, on your own soil, as opposed to being lured away by tax incentives offered to you by every other country on the globe," she said.
|
