Frustrated and angered by a lone, but powerful state legislator’s refusal to push up the Film Wisconsin incentives start date, Film Wisconsin has called for filmmakers to voice their support for the bill.
The rally will be held March 20 at the University of Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Student Union at 10:30 a.m.
The bill, SB24, to move up the incentives state date to July, 2007, instead of January, 2008, is being blocked by state senator Russ Decker (D) who won’t place SB24 on the agenda of the Joint Finance Committee agenda. As Committee co-chair, he may choose when bills may be addressed.
Purpose of the March 20 rally is to educate Sen. Decker and his staff about what the millions of potential film dollars being considered will mean to the economy, said Scott Robbe, a Film Wisconsin founder.
“The filmmaking community of Wisconsin was never consulted in making the effective date 2008. Let’s make our voices heard,” he urged.
Carrie Lynch, a spokesperson for Decker, said the senator doesn’t consider it an emergency, sees no rush for approval when there are more important issues to consider, like health care, she said.
Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, who has spoken with Decker and his staff several times, said the bill has widespread bipartisan support because it is all about economic development, noting that it has already passed committees in both the Senate and the Assembly.
“Tens of millions of dollars worth of projects?films that want to happen here, studios that want to open?are circling like airplanes waiting to land and they won’t land until those tax credits are effective,” said Lawton.
One such feature that should be made in Madison is the $10 million “The Poker Kid,” from L.A.-based Beacon Pictures. It’s the story of World Series of Poker champion Phil Hellmuth, a former University of Wisconsin student.
Instead, the movie could be headed for Winnipeg and Canada’s generous benefits, noted Fantle, VP/public relations for Visit Milwaukee.
“We’re not going to waste their time if we’re still at an impasse,” Fantle said. “We are bleeding the longer we delay this.”
Lynch said critics of Decker’s decision are trying to create an emergency situation when, in fact, the tax credits will still be available next year.
The relatively small number of opponents called the bill corporate welfare and said it would cost the state and taxpayers too much money.
“This is new money, and we are rebating new money that comes into the state,” Fantle said. “This has so many arms and legs?so much economic impact after production is completed.”
Film Wisconsin a non-profit, voluntary group of filmmakers and arts executives, formed two years ago after the state killed its 19-year old film office. Since then, they have worked on crafting an incentives package considered one of the best in the U.S.
Scott Robbe can be reached at 608/266-3582, 608/338-6665; Email scottrltd1@earthlink.net.
