Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D-AR)
"Over the past decade, production of American film projects has fled our borders for foreign locations, a migration that results in a massive loss for the United States economy. My legislation will encourage producers to bring feature film and television production projects back to cities and towns across the United States.
"The benefits of hosting such productions do not flow only to the film and television industry. These productions create ripple effects, with revenues and jobs generated in a variety of other local businesses. We need to level this playing field, and this bill will assist in that effort.
"Arkansas has been proud to host the production of many feature and television films, with a history that includes the opening scenes of Gone With the Wind, civil war epics like Blue and the Gray, North and South, Soldiers Story, Biloxi Blues, Legend of Boggy Creek, and most recently Sling Blade.
"There is a lot of local interest and support for the film industry in Arkansas. My bill will make it possible for us to continue this tradition and we hope to encourage more of these projects to come to Arkansas."
Senator John Breaux (D-LA):
"I am pleased to be part of this new, national effort to curb 'runaway productions' of American television and films. Louisiana is a culturally rich and scenic state with a long history in the film industry. Our state economy is being threatened by other countries luring our production crews overseas with the promise of a cheap imitation.
"Just last year, Canadian cities were substituted for New Orleans in four different productions. This is a problem not just for the movie industry, but also for the small businesses across our country that provide services to the film industry.
"I believe the wage credit I have sponsored with Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas will provide an important incentive for the movie industry to go back to making American movies in America."
Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL):
"Chicago and Illinois have a long history of film production, and movie production means jobs and business for our state. It's time the Canadians faced real competition for the movie business."
Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA):
"Louisiana and the film industry have shared a rich history since the early 1900's, when many producers and directors chose Louisiana settings for all or part of their productions. Our state's diversely different locations have contributed to such American classics as A Streetcar Named Desire. And in recent years there have been several films that were set in Louisiana such as Steel Magnolias, JFK, Dead Man Walking and the John Grisham adaptations The Pelican Brief and The Client. There are also smaller budget films and television productions that use Louisiana locales. Most were critical and financial successes.
"But many film executives are leaving the U.S. to film on foreign locations because they are wooed by tax incentives that impact their profit margins. Instead of filming on our bayous, they recreate their own in British Columbia, complete with cypress trees and Spanish moss. This translates into a loss of jobs and revenues for local businesses, such as hotels, caterers, rental equipment facilities, transportation vendors and graphic artists, whether or not they are directly related to the production. I am proud of Louisiana's picture perfect settings and want to encourage the film industry to shoot the real thing. The U.S. must engage in competitive practices to keep this industry at home.
Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA):
This bill provides incentives for American film companies to invest in towns and communities in Pennsylvania and across our great nation. Films have played a critical role in America's heritage, helping our nation celebrate during times of triumph, grieve during times of loss, and choose the right path during times of moral crisis. We should do everything possible to enable American film companies to continue to invest in America as they carry on our nation's great film tradition."
