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Texas Motion Picture Alliance
TXMPA Annual Meeting Election Report
On Saturday, June 27, members of Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA) convened at Texas State University in San Marcos for their Annual Meeting. Presiding over the meeting was Don Stokes, the third president to lead the young organization. Stokes recognized and celebrated TXMPA’s role, and industry-wide cooperation, in attaining the passage House Bill 873, a measure improving upon Texas’ Moving Image Industry Incentive Program.
“This bill was the result of a collaborative effort between our cohesive, statewide alliance, our lobbyists HillCo Partners, and key allies like Representative Dawna Dukes, Senator Bob Deuell, Governor Rick Perry, Comptroller Susan Combs, and the staff at the Texas Film Commission,” said Stokes. “This meeting allows us a moment to reflect on our achievement and to prepare for growth our industry will experience as a result of our successes at the Capitol.”
The meeting included the announcement of election results to replace board members with expiring terms, creating the 2009-2010 Board of Directors. Additionally, the membership voted to create a new seat recognizing the Video Games, Animation, and Visual Effects disciplines in the industry.
It is my extreme pleasure to report a very successful legislative session for the moving image industry. TXMPA has played an integral roll in the passage of HB 873 which created our enhanced and flexible incentive program as well as HB 2521 which creates guidelines for preferred vendor status for Texas based companies in producing media-related services for the State and SB 1929 which creates media production development zones which encourages the creation and development of production infrastructure like sound stages. Of equal importance, our full funding request of $62 million dollars for HB 873 was passed by both the House and Senate.
The NEW Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program offers qualifying feature films, television programs, commercials, video games, and stand-alone post-production/finishing projects the opportunity to receive a payment of 5-15% of eligible Texas spending upon completion of a review of their Texas expenditures. Both live-action and animated projects are eligible. This incentive program is in addition to Texas's Sales Tax Exemptions.
Gov. Rick Perry today signed House Bill (HB) 873 by Rep. Dawnna Dukes and Sen. Robert Deuell, which promotes the entertainment industry in Texas by providing incentives for the film, television, video and digital interactive media production industries.
"The passage of House Bill 873 is an important step in helping Texas regain its footing in the moving image business," Gov. Perry said. "With this legislation, we are strengthening our state's investment in a vital industry that not only shows off our state to the rest of the world, but also draws investment and creates jobs for Texans."
The governor was joined by lawmakers, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, members of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, and representatives of the film, television, commercial and video game industries from across the state at Rodriguez's Troublemaker Studios for the signing.
Texas has lost approximately 7,000 crew positions and $500 million in production spending to states with more competitive film incentives, such as New Mexico, whose feature film and television productions contributed $242 million to its state economy in 2008, and Louisiana, which earned $350 million in production in 2007. Currently, about 25 percent of Texas-based film professionals are working in these states, some starting to relocate permanently.
The moving image industry has brought more than $1.2 billion dollars to the state in the past 10 years. Gov. Perry noted that these investments would not only boost the entertainment industry in Texas, but would also indirectly affect other industries and businesses that support these productions.
Hundreds of supporters gathered on the capitol steps for TXMPA Lobby Day to ask for continued support of the Texas Moving Image Industry.
Our mission to bring Texas industry voices, equipment and passion to the State Capitol in Austin was overwhelming. On March 4 TXMPA showed their support of House Bill 873 and the matching Senate Bill 605 with the type of zest and enthusiasm only industry and creative folks can bring. TXMPA made the case in Austin and we made it well.
An estimated 600 people from all around the state arrived for the 7:30 a.m. call at the Capitol. The crowd was warmed up by an acting ensemble led by member Marco Perella who helped script a humorous ode to the films made in Texas. Greeted by Governor Rick Perry, Prison Break Producer Garry Brown; Producer/Director Richard Linklater; Film Commissioner Bob Hudgins; TXMPA President Don Stokes; and Senator Bob Deuell, author of Senate Bill 605 addressed the throng. This set the stage for the real purpose of the day, discussing the needs of our industry with the legislators.
Once inside the Capitol, we were omnipresent. Sporting red shirts and TXMPA buttons and signs, several hundred of us made the rounds until all 181 legislators had been visited at least once. They were impressed with our efforts and message. Meetings resulted in additional sponsors for our bills and verbalized intent to support us when it is time for passage. TXMPA was recognized from the Floor by the House and Senate and Representative Dawnna Dukes, our champion in the House, conveyed our interests passionately as part of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.
It was a proud moment for TXMPA. Members shared their personal experiences which translate to action because legislators want and need to hear how a less competitive incentive program impacts you as the workforce of our industry.
We encourage you to write your state representatives at www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us and share your story. Though we still have a long road ahead to accomplish our mission. HB873 and SB605 set the legislation in place to improve our existing law, but House Bill 1, the Governor’s budget package, will determine the bills funding. As committees meet, further testimonial may be needed and we may call on you to help again. If you are not already a member of TXMPA, please join, or sign up for e-news. Lobby Day 2009 proved amazing things can happen when we turn our collective interests into collaborative action.
