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In response to the 06/30/09 article
Governor's veto effectively kills incentives:

I think the governor of Wisconsin wants to encourage a home grown film industry and not just imported productions. He wants the people who work to be from here. —Philip Wissbeck, Freestyle Productions-Madison

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This is sad, given that craft and crew rely on incentives. On the other hand, once again, the focus should be more on building a "internal" film industry that can generate jobs within the state.

This is why programs to develop and support indie producers, and production companies, are critical to any state film industry's welfare.

My guess is that we will continue to see states pull back from tax incentives that primariy focus on attracting out-of-state productions. —Drew Turner, Chicago Film Producers Alliance

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My heart goes out to Scott Robbe and all the people of Wisconsin, who I know work very very hard to fulfill a vision for something extraordinary in Wisconsin.

With the veto, I know it is easy to say 'F-it', but you made history - and that is more than most people do in a lifetime.

I congratulate you on what you accomplished and send condolences to your shattered spirit (if that is the case -and not likely given your accomplishments). I wish you all the best. —John Patterson, Pixel Brothers

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The IATSE Local #470 membership, which is based in the Oshkosh/Green Bay area, saw their revenues rise over 30% last year because of the additional film work in the state. On "Public Enemies" alone our members earned over $750,000 in wages and benefits. We supplied labor for set carpentry, wardrobe, FX, rigging grips, painters, props, makeup etc.

The cap that Doyle set has effectively destroyed any real potential to grow this industry into a vibrant opportunity for the area entertainment community. Business Representative IATSE #470 —Stephen Dedow, IATSE #470

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I think what the governor wants is a home grown film industry not just giving financial breaks to imported productions. There is in Milwaukee at least one such facility. In Madison we have a unique social chemistry and many talented people. We need our own film studio. Blue Sky is gone and we need encouragment to build a new, this time fully sound proof, studio. —Philip Wissbeck, Freestyle Productions-Madison

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Who cares. really. The tax incentive didn't do a thing for the 95% of production work done in the state. All it ever did was add a few large productions in that brought all their key crew from L.A. So they hired some local PAs, who cares.

If they hired most of their crew locally, that would be another story, but it isn't. Yes, some local businesses did benefit, and that was good, but not that much to matter.

If they want a REAL tax incentive, it has to include : all productions with NO BUDGET exclusions. Having a $100k minimum pretty much means most local work doesn't qualify.

Include local / regional TV spots, with at least a $1k budget. Include all corporate work. Include all web video work.

AND FORBID LOCAL TV STATIONS FROM GIVING PRODUCTION WORK AWAY FOR FREE -- SO BELOW MARKET COST ITS EMBARRASSING.

Then maybe you have a bill worth signing.

That said, it would not have hurt Doyle to sign it, but since it would not have made me any money one way or the other, or most production folks in the state, who really cares. —Steve Oakley, Practical Illusions

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In response to the 06/30/09 article
Chicago celeb show starts talking July 3:

Congratulations to all of you! —John Patterson, Pixel Brothers

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In response to the 06/30/09 article
CopyMaster racks up a quarter-century :

My family has utilized CopyMaster many times over the past years to consolidate and organize home videos on different media.

They have always done a great job! —Mrogan McDonnell, United Business Solutions

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In response to the 06/09/09 article
Burrell wins Lottery's minority business:

Live Here Give Here!!! —Roberta, Songs2Share.com

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In response to the 06/05/09 article
Top creatives give ad students book reviews:

I'm reading this site!!! —Russell Michniak, Internetruss.com

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In response to the 06/04/09 article
Why not Chicago?:

So many voice actors use ISDN digital phones lines to "phone" in their sessions. It's a broadcast quality and the amount of ISDN sessions would astound you. This is not new. —Anon

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From my understanding, the Wisconsin film board is hosting the events in Wisconson. So why isn't the Illinois film board doing the same? There's a TON of extras (myself included) who would LOVE to attend a premiere for the film here!! —Maureen S.

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Let's focus on the positive. Chicago provided great talent, locations and crew for this film. The local economy received a healthy boost. When are we going to quit whining? Madison is a mere 90 miles away. If you simply must see this film at an advance screening, take a train. Why should we expect Hollywood to serve us on silver platters? —Mia Wicklund, Wicklund Enterprises

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Could it be because it was filmed here and that we did get the most exposure anyway? OR,could it be the parking meter fiasco? Ha! Ha! —Christopher Kopoulos Actor

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