Lynette O’ Connor, the O-Agency: “FIPA was organized by group of professionals in film industry, as a pro active voice to keep incentives in place. Goal is to get all professions involved.
FIPA = Film Industry Promotion Association
Tom Rutherford introduced Lisa Strout of the New Mexico film office and Ann Lerner of the ABQ film office, and host Beverly Hadley NBC Universal.
ABQ Journal (Dan Mayfield) and ABQ Business Weekly (Megan Kamerick) in attendance
Quick round of introductions from all in the audience. (Check sign in sheet for list.)
Welcome, we are here to talk about the state of the industry in New Mexico, promote a study, now underway, about industry in NM and to foster cooperation among various elements of the industry. Lisa and Ann are not present to advocate any political position but to answer questions and provide information.
Lisa:
-Filmmaker Production Services Company (event location) is proof of where the industry is going
-it’s the state’s perspective that the next session is extremely important
-bad economy has equaled a 10% budget cut in nm film office, 5% across all state agencies
-Film Industry is among the only good news in state right now
-NM faces stiff competition from other states: ILL. passed 30% incentives
-NM is different, when dust settles there will be fewer competing states
-for now: we stay steady, companies are coming to NM, we are mature, steady, reliable. CA is in a terrible state
-economic impact study is crucial: we need proof of the benefit to NM
-hired Ernst and Young of Washington DC to do study on financial impact. These are people who work specifically with film
-can’t judge this industry the same way you judge Intel or other manufacturing companies. Film industry is unique, you can’t do a study in the same way
-if you haven’t been surveyed call the office! We need everyone’s input
-it’s the tail end of the survey
-problem: need data from across the board, looking for 50% response from each type of job
-looking to prove that it isn’t just film people that benefit, but also rental companies, real estates hotels, and many other industries that benefit in NM
-we affect everything; exam: education, what happens if students get out of school and there’s no industry, job market needs to remain
-some legislators don’t believe in value of continued incentives
-office has been working tirelessly on the survey, while assisting film companies
with their needs
-confidentiality in the survey is a must, so that people are comfortable responding
-please do the survey, film office needs help to represent the entire industry fairly
and accurately.
Ann:
-city of Albuquerque offers no financial incentives of its own, only the state provides those incentives
-keeping ABQ film friendly is #1 goal
-if anyone is complaining give Ann a call
-In Plain Sight is 90% NM crew
-130 mil direct spending last year?
Question: Will it be the same fight this session as it was last session?
Lisa: I hope not. End of the day we are together, we’re a state. We have a $500 million deficit, but the reality is if you cut back we’re getting rid of an industry that is economically beneficial for NM. We can’t go backward to stay solid. We have the luxury of having been the 2nd state to have film incentive, so we’ve had the ability to grow and learn. Studios want to know there’s longevity and reliability, we can offer that.
TR: FIPA is reaching out to others touched by the industry. Other communities who have seen money come through… Deming, Alamogordo, etc… We’re encouraging other communities to fight to preserve the film industry. We’ll be hosting a reception for ABQ legislators here, to let them see the progress we’ve made. It is important to MAKE IT PERSONAL, let legislators see how their constituents benefit.
Lisa: ABQ studio hosted the legislative finance committee during Terminator … succeeded in driving it home that this is a labor based industry.
Megan of ABQ Business Weekly: Will study be out before the legislative session?
Lisa: Yes! The week before.
Question: What’s going on with the Louisiana problem? How is it being received, the debacle, the bribery, inconsistency, etc.?
Lisa: In the end, they will be worried about money they’re spending compared to what their communities need. In NM 100 mil gone out in tax incentives(not spending, because it comes back to us) over 5 years. In La. That much went out in first year alone.
Comment: Could you make a list of FAQ addressing how incentives work, etc., so that we are not afraid to talk to our legislators with confidence? She thinks it will be a difficult session because they’ll be looking for money wherever they can.
Lisa: Go on the website, www.nmfilm.com . It’s been broken down into simple terms, and people can always call. It’s a pretty complex law, but basics are good to know and how it affects your business. Will work to make it more user friendly.
Question: Is there a solution to Lodges tax law issue regarding no lodgers tax on rooms rented for more than 30 days?
Lisa: That’s a tricky one, it was in place before incentives? Worth a discussion w/ city and tax experts.
Question: How can the audience help?
Lisa: All the different committees, guilds, industry groups should talk to each other, communicate.
Comment: Write a check to FIPA!!
Lisa: Ann and I are advocates for lobbyists.
Question: How can we help industry down in southern NM?
Lisa: Film industry is present in south NM, Transformers 1 & 2, Indiana Jones … It takes time, but it’s happening. A lot of constituents don’t know enough, educate yourself, talk about benefits.
TR: South needs to showcase what’s come to them.
Comment: What to do w/ money? Perhaps a PR image ad, to highlight how industry has affected all over the state … send material to homes with info and benefits.
Lisa: We give the visual out all the time (used to be 1 page, now 4 pages).
Comment: Perhaps give out post–work surveys, how films enjoyed working in NM, exit interviews.
Lisa: We’re mostly focused on how the industry is affecting US right now, (not our visitors). Exit thing is statistical, better when its organic so it doesn’t feel like an agenda.
Marie Kohl: In term of getting more support, the average New Mexican doesn’t understand the effect on the local community, how do we inform the non-film people?
Lisa: These questions are all different angles on the same thing. The important fact is that there hasn’t been anyone who hasn’t been touched by the presence of the film industry … efforts are underway to get this word out.
Question: We (the B&B people) have no clue how the film industry works. Is there a way to help non-industry people network with industry people? Can there be a resource list put out? Also how will education happen … wants to understand movie creation process.
Ann: www.filmabq.com has a section for b&bs, its free! Download application. And there is quarterly magazine. ABQ film guide called Boom: lifestyle and vendors.
Luce: What happens if Gov. Bill Richardson becomes Sec. of Commerce? Do we have enough momentum?
Lisa: I think it’s really solid. There is tremendous support from the potential incoming government. I’ve never seen the community more united. Everyone is really coming together in a new way. We’ll be fine! There’s a lotta support in the Lieutenant Governor. I recommend that non-film businesses get together. Perhaps we will do a Film 101 with them.
TR: It took Gov. Richardson pushing as hard as he did at the beginning, but infrastructure is now in place and the results of the film incentives are well
documented.
Megan: NMSU study, how seriously are Legislators taking it?
Lisa: Those people didn’t have access to the whole film community; their mission was to look at it with a narrow scope. We’re using the same software, but how its used is different for us.
TR: The study followed a traditional model, but perhaps didn’t take a broad enough view
Ernie: Who’s the point person in the legislature?
TR: There are a lot of people who will take Sen. Shannon Robinson’s place. They all have a duty to look closely at this industry as well as all other programs
to judge the costs and benefits of each.
Q: FIPA goal is $56,000? How will that be used?
TR: The biggest chunk pays for lobbying expenses, fees, materials, marketing and as a result of today’s meeting, we’ll look to hold more industry seminars.
Question: As an owner of a local production company, how can we access rebates … we’re in competition w/ producers with LA, how can we close loopholes when NM production companies offer same product
Lisa: We’re looking at that exact issue right now … we’re talking specifically about digital media, webcasts, post-production, etc., but this is not a good year for big change, however as we move forward, how to expand those credits to
benefit local industry more will be looked at closely.
Comment: If the infrastructure is to be strong, it must promote local film community every time there’s a press release, not just talk about
George Clooney, where they’re shopping, where they’re eating… every article should be informative.
Lisa: Articles always include estimations about numbers, but has to deal w/ confidentiality of production. I get a lot of feedback about film being in the newspaper everyday… including news of the loan program. (Info re; loans must be disclosed)
Comment: There needs to be post-production information dissemination… it’s too under the radar.
Lisa: Eric Whitmore helps with that, post-production is separate, but survey will address it.
Jon Hendry: We 100% support what FIPA is doing, we aren’t members because Tom can talk to people that we, organized labor, can’t. Be assured that we’ve got your back.
TR: Introduced Lonnie Sanchez, involved w/ disability community.
Starting a business, wants to be an agent for people with disabilities in movies, will provide education, provide opportunity that promotes respect etc.. Compiling history of people w disabilities in film, helping businesses become more disability friendly
Tom in closing
Thanks to Governor, Legislature and Lisa and NM Film Office for foresight,
hard work.
Thanks to Ann Lerner for award-winning hard work and excellence.
Thanks to all of you for your interest and support of FIPA.
|