July 25, 2018
Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Judy Chu and Doug Collins Tout Jobs and Economic Growth Contributions of Film and TV Productions
WASHINGTON—Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Judy Chu (CA-27) and Representative Doug Collins (GA-9) hosted a first-of-its-kind interactive event on Capitol Hill yesterday, featuring a working set with production crew members and professional actors, along with demonstrations that showcased a variety of production-related jobs.
The On Location: A Film and Television Interactive Experience event also included creators, artists, technicians, and other experts from AMC Networks, Copyright Alliance, CreativeFuture, Directors Guild of America, Independent Film & Television Alliance, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Motion Picture Association of America, National Association of Theatre Owners, and Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chair Representative Judy Chu (CA-27): “By bringing a production set to the Hill, we hope to raise awareness of what it takes to produce television shows and movies. Most importantly, this event helps Members of Congress understand the contributions of all workers whether they are in front of or behind the camera. I’m privileged to represent many of these hard workers and I know that copyright infringement is a direct assault on their livelihoods. The Creative Rights Caucus is proud to raise awareness on these issues in Washington and we are committed to helping them protect their copyrighted works.”
Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chair Representative Doug Collins (GA-9): “Intellectual property rights have been a priority for our democracy since its inception, and they’ve never been more crucial to our economic success than they are today. Strong copyright protections allow the film and television industry to continue creating jobs and business opportunities in my home of Georgia and across the country, and I hope this collaboration reminds all of us how protecting creative rights helps drive the 21st-century economy.”
The working set included a green screen background from AMC Networks’ hit series, The Walking Dead; professional actors; a production crew, including audio, lighting, and camera experts; and a meet and greet area where participants could meet a Director of Photography, Director, and Producer. Attendees also visited booths that highlighted exhibition industry jobs and how effective copyright policies underpin all creative industry jobs.
Directors Guild of America National Executive Director Russell Hollander: “Copyright is the engine fueling our nation’s world-renowned film and television productions, and countless American jobs. ‘On Location’ brought the action of a set to Capitol Hill, providing lawmakers with a first-hand look at the work performed by so many talented women and men on film and television productions -- jobs that are dependent upon the enforcement of our nation's copyright laws.”
Copyright Alliance CEO Keith Kupferschmid: “We’re thrilled to be a part of the ‘On Location’ event, which showcased the jobs that creators fill throughout the TV and film ecosystems, and how copyright helps to protect the myriad of cast/crew roles and the vibrant projects they work diligently to bring to life.”
CreativeFuture CEO Ruth Vitale: On Location is an important event because it demonstrates to policymakers the difficult work that goes into making films. 2.1 million Americans work in film and television and many of their jobs often go unnoticed by the public. It is imperative that our leaders in Washington, D.C. protect the very laws that make a career in the creative arts a possibility.”
Independent Film & Television Alliance President and CEO Jean Prewitt: “The Independent film sector accounts for over 70% of feature films produced in the U.S. and in 2017 generated $15 billion+ in employment earnings for workers. We thank the Creative Rights Caucus for giving our industry this opportunity to spotlight the complex world of film and TV production, the incredible talent and creativity at work, and the vital role copyright plays in bringing stories to life and protecting U.S. jobs.”
MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin: “A production set is the beating heart of the American film and television industry. Bringing this one-of-a-kind experience to Capitol Hill provides Congressional policymakers and staff with a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the more than 2.1 million jobs supported by films and television shows in all 50 states.”
NATO President & CEO John Fithian: “From the on-set workers and craftspeople to the incredible diversity of the 150,000 employees – many first-time jobholders - who take your tickets, run the projectors and prepare your food orders at your local movie theater, this event showcases the unsung workers who bring movie magic to people across the United States.”
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris: “We applaud the Creative Rights Caucus, and Co-Chairs Rep. Judy Chu and Rep. Doug Collins, for continuing to highlight the work of our members, and all those who make the business of entertainment come to life. The entertainment and media industry is a robust part of this country’s cultural and economic life and should be celebrated by all.”
Event photos by Jessica Kourkounis