FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2008
Contact:

Richard Kane, Chair, Maine Film & Video Association (207) 359-2320; e-mail:

Louise Rosen, Vice Chair, Maine Film & Video Association (207) 725- 8215; e-mail:

Film Production Key to Economic Recovery
Rep. Thomas R. Watson (D-Bath) Sponsors Stimulus Bill

Supporters of the Maine film and video industry gathered at the Maple Room in Lewiston on Wednesday, December 10, to discuss methods to create greater opportunities for feature films, documentaries and other media projects in the state.

The meeting was hosted by Cameron Bonsey and Barney Martin, both with many years of experience in the entertainment industry in Maine. Also taking part in the meeting were members of the Maine Film & Video Association, plus other interested parties including: John Jenkins, Mayor of Auburn; Charles Altschul, Executive Director of the Maine Media Workshops in Rockport; and Jim Dowe, President and CEO of Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

One of the major issues discussed was a new, more competitive Maine Film Tax Incentive Plan, being sponsored by House member Tom Watson (D - Bath). The new plan will be presented to the state for consideration in the upcoming legislative session. It was noted during the discussion that media production does not require new infrastructure investment yet can generate significant economic benefit. Also mentioned was that media production is considered sustainable and “green” and can help promote other aspects of the state’s economy, such as tourism and specialty foods, by helping extend the Maine brand.

Highlights of the proposed tax incentive plan include a rebate or transferable tax credits. Incentives could escalate depending on factors such as employment levels in a Pine Tree Zone and specific on-camera coverage of Maine in the production.

Lea Girardin, Director of the Maine Film Office also attended the meeting. Girardin said, “When out of state production companies call our office they ask about locations and our incentive programs. Since many of Maine’s neighboring states have more attractive tax incentive programs these companies go elsewhere.”

Barney Martin, performer in the comedy group Maine Hysterical Society, pointed out a commentary in the Morning Sentinel by Brenda Jepson, chairwoman of the Maine Film Commission Board. Jepson referred to the $13.6 million injected into Waterville as a result of the filming of HBO’s 2005 production “Empire Falls” starring Paul Newman. Many in the Skowhegan-Waterville area are still quoted regarding the economic boon created by the production’s presence. According to a major 2008 study commissioned by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the direct economic output of the visual media sector was $371 million and the total impact for the state from that output reached $630 million. Cameron Bonsey, previously a television producer, now Director of Marketing at Coast of Maine Organic, said he is convinced that “between an improved incentive program and a bit of guidance to help businesses and municipalities be ‘film friendly’, this industry could bring a lot to Maine. We have so much to offer.” Bonsey said he has been invited to speak at local Chambers of Commerce on the economic benefits of media production and in January will address the Maine Economic Development Council.
Mayor Jenkins said the summaries of the Maine DECD-commissioned report provided “just the kind of information I need to take to our local economic development group” as well as the statewide organization of Regional Service Centers, of which he is the Chair. He said he wants to stay in touch with the group and learn more about how media incentives could benefit Auburn.

Eric Matheson, head of Maine’s IATSE - the union of professional stagehands, motion picture technicians, and allied crafts - reported that he and his 60+ fellow Maine union members have been kept very busy for the last two years working in Massachusetts. He told the group he has worked on five feature films during that time, saying “The Massachusetts incentives program has really taken off and generated a lot of business for that state. It has also supported the growth of local Massachusetts production companies.”

Richard Kane, Chair of the Maine Film and Video Association said, “Our industry is one that can produce real results for Maine’s economy. There is already a cross-section of state legislators, business owners and municipalities who are convinced of this. We will do all we can to bring this message to more people and develop grass roots support for an improved media incentive program for the state.”

The group plans to meet again early in the new year to generate further local support for the incentive plan and discuss other ways to bring more film and video productions into the state.

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