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The DotCommentary: Election Season

4 Oct , 2012  

Written by Chuck Slavin | Posted by:

Massachusetts is getting her close-up, people... and making it count. How can we keep business coming our way, New England?

Thank you for the overwhelming readership of my last article. You’ve persuaded the editors of NewEnglandFilm.com to keep me around for another month. Let me first state, I am a member of – but do not speak for – the elected local board of SAG-AFTRA New England. I also do not speak on behalf of those responsible for this site. My opinions and views are strictly my own. I have here merely a platform to express myself, offer my opinion and perspective, and for that I am grateful. It is my hope to spark interest, inspiration and debate about the industry we all hold so dear.

My articles will discuss issues and current events effecting our local film industry, in particular Massachusetts. As I write today, I am keenly cognizant of the coming election. I am reminded how hard we have fought to continue to live this dream of ours. I can’t over-emphasize the importance of the security of the tax credit that allowed us to grow as a community.

Reality shows like ‘Boston Metal’ have hit the TV screen appearing on National Geographic. TNT has signed on to pick up ‘Boston’s Finest’ a show about the Boston Police Department. The Teamsters filmed for A&E and movies such as ‘Clear History’ with Larry David, and Hallmark’s ‘Makeover’ are prominently featuring Boston and our talent. Massachusetts is getting her close-up, people… and making it count.

We have fought hard for that close-up. We fought our biggest fight to date, and by standing together and focused, we won! These victories have made a difference, films are on the rise and we made great strides, but these are victories in many short battles… this is a war that wages on. Film credits are always being tested. All we have to do is see the recent caps put on credits in Rhode Island to understand the potential frailty of our livelihood and passion-driven dreams.

In high school a friend told me that he loved taking tests, and I asked, ‘why?’ His response changed me. He said, ‘Tests let us prove how great we are.’ This relates directly to us. We, as New England film supporters and workers, are proving our greatness. We are being tested and are passing! Producers are seeing it, project by project, as we increasingly continue to be their destination for productions, talent, crew and backdrops. Staying true to our calling, presenting ourselves as the competent dedicated professionals we are, we are making a mark in being not just a budget-line choice, but a quality choice.

We still have issues like LA & NY cast and crew swarming in. With tough economic times, it’s getting harder for us local filmmakers to survive. Right now, it seems pretty easy to lose focus and momentum, just when we need it the most. It is critical that we stay a cohesive, unrelenting force for the advancement of film in our area.

We’ve been getting better and growing stronger. That is a direct result of withstanding the test of time and persevering. We know our industry and our business, but we cannot turn an apathetic blind-eye to the other factors involved in the ultimate choice to film here, because I assure you, they are absolutely within our sphere of influence. We need these film tax credits and we film-friendly legislators to show continued support.

Simply stated, film tax credits bring opportunities and jobs. Think of them as rebates on money that would never come to the New England states otherwise. All boats rise with the tide. Times are tough for everyone, producers and film executives included, and we all need economic incentives. New England states need to entice productions to bring the work here and keep it here. To accomplish this, we need the right guardians on the political front to ensure that the plan works, so we can work.

Make no mistake, there are few issues more personal than the ability to fulfill your dreams in a validated, consistent, supported and secure environment. Next year we will face another battle. There is no time to take action like the present. We need to stand together. We need to have a film community that embraces one another and our collective mission focused on nurturing a sustainable market and industry. We can keep our film community strong by gaining allies and encourage their support for the arts. We will need them in our on-going battle and in the fight against the nay-sayers who don’t respect our craft or understand the value and contribution it brings to the communities it touches. I’m asking you to consider your votes carefully in November. This is not a partisan issue. We have friends on both sides of the aisle and they need to know we are paying attention. Ask if your legislator is a supporter of the local film industry – just the mere question will have a resounding effect. If you can volunteer for a film-friendly legislator, please do! If you can make a donation to a campaign of a film-friendly candidate, show your support and donate what you can afford. Every little bit makes a difference.

Follow Chuck Slavin on twitter @thedotcom or @chuckslavin

Related Article: The DotCommentary: A New Column on the Local Film Industry and Film Tax Credits


Follow Chuck Slavin on twitter @thedotcom or @chuckslavin

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