News From:

Rep. Mark Foley
Rep. Howard Berman
Rep. Jerry Weller
Rep. Robert Matsui
Rep. Xavier Becerra

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeffrey Solsby

202 226 4970

Bipartisan Statements on Runaway Production Report

From The Department of Commerce

WASHINGTON -- In anticipation of tommorow's release of a report from the Department of Commerce outlining the effects of "runaway production" on the nation's entertainment industry, a bipartisan coalition of representatives today released the following statements:

Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL) Chairman of the House Entertainment Industry Task Force said, "Domestic production is the lifeblood of our entertainment industry. Hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country depend on domestic production. This report outlines the severity of the problem and underscores our need to work proactively to stem this growing tide."

"This is a substantive report that documents the problems we face in keeping our entertainment industry jobs here in America," said Congressman Berman. "The below-the-line employees are really hurting in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities."

"Our goal is to help American film production companies compete on an even playing field with foreign companies. This report points to specific factors that may make American companies less competitive and will help lawmakers and industry representatives make the right reforms," added Congressman Matsui (D-CA).

"The Commerce report affirms what we already knew -- that runaway production dramatically impacts the lives of Angelenos in a very real way." Congressman Becerra (D-CA) continued, "The stakes are high when we are talking about people losing jobs. This is why protecting the vitality of Los Angeles' entertainment community will be one of my top priorities this Congress."

Download this document in PDF format.