|
DGA hosts reception for Congressman David Dreier
|
|
|
 |
|
|
DGA President Martha Coolidge, Rep. David Dreier and DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth - click image for larger view |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On April 2, the DGA hosted a reception for Congressman David Dreier (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Rules Committee and author of the runaway production legislation in the House — H.R. 3131 (The United States Independent Film and Television Production Incentive Act of 2001). In attendance were members of the DGA-PAC and Leadership Council, along with members of the Runaway Alliance.
DGA President Martha Coolidge introduced Dreier saying, "He is our great friend and ally in Washington. Thanks to his efforts this legislation now has 60 co-sponsors and support is growing."
Dreier said, "I don't want to keep the entertainment industry in Southern California simply for the sake of keeping it here. I believe in comparative advantage — people should do what they do best. But the fact is, the BEST IS RIGHT HERE. Right here in Southern California and here in the United States. And that's why, when people try to lure our industry away through economic incentives, we're determined to do everything we can to counter that."
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Coolidge receives a tapestry from David - click image for larger view |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dreier said misperception is the biggest hurdle to overcome. "There are a lot of people who [think] the entertainment industry consists simply of those who make $20 million a picture," he said. "That's why education is so important — to try and convince people that this 25% tax credit is on the first $25,000 in income. People need to understand it's not for those earning $20 million."
Before the reception, Dreier also met with members of the PAC Leadership Council — Andy Cadiff, Martha Coolidge, Wes Craven, Taylor Hackford, Rod Holcomb, John Rich, Michael Robin, Jay D. Roth and Penelope Spheeris — where there was an in-depth discussion about the implications of runaway production, the importance of a legislative and not trade approach, and the impact not only in the Los Angeles community, but also in the country as a whole.
Related Items:
|
