March means the boys of summer are trotting onto the field, St. Patrick's Day for killing all the snakes in Ireland, the Oscar parties that I can't possibly quantify, rather weird weather, war, weariness, some color of vigilance, and hope. Hope for a young industry that hasn't been around much more than 100 years, but burgeoning none-the-less. Hope for a new, cooperative, bipartisan spirit on Beacon Hill that will put Massachusetts back in competition for new production mega-dollars in 2003. Hope for House Bill 303, a House Bill to restore the Mass Film Office.

There is much to focus on if we as an industry want to unite to reconstitute the Mass Film Office. If we want NOT to be the only major state in the United States and world that doesn't have a State supported film office, we've got to take action now! Wisconsin is the only other State that doesn't have an active film office or commission. That State is right on the border with our competitive neighbor Canada (in this instance for Film/TV production).

Massachusetts with its mysterious coastlines, sparkling seafront villages and towns, beautiful Berkshires, evocative Freedom Trail for its architecture and history, institutions of higher learning, technology and inventiveness the whole world would die to possess, as many seasons as any location could hope for, an International Airport in its hub city. Yet, this great State from a Hollywood point of view has literally crawled up to the curb and said, "no thank you, we don't want millions of dollars for our economy from a non-polluting cash cow of an industry that could make us popular, famous and attractive to more people and dollars for our State Treasury. We don't want revenues to balance the budget, nor do we want a tax based economic development initiative, putting talented and creative citizens (writers, directors, producers, technical and creative artists) to work rather than their moving to New York or California to find opportunity to pay their taxes.

I have to ask, where is the vision? I've got to ask, who will come to a place with such few marketing and outreach skills? And, who will stay here to create, invent, work and export when we have no "device" to accommodate them? Who do they call? There has been no answer for over six months. The pipeline is almost empty.

It's imperative to connect with the people that can make House Bill 303 a reality. Look it up on the Internet (it hasn't been printed yet), let your Senator and Representative know that you expect their support, send them an email, letter, or fax. Let Governor Romney know that this is a tax-based economic development issue that he cannot afford to overlook or ignore. We want the work. And, if Governor Romney wants the revenue for the Commonwealth, he has a legion of the best educated, most talented, savvy, creative, highly technical, productive human beings on the planet at his service.

It is not possible to provide all the services a major studio, producer, independent production or commercial production requires without a State supported agency or office. While these visitors to our region are the apogees of tourism, they are not the typical tourists because they are not vacationing, they are working, producing entertainment product that is a part of the number one export of the United States. They are also spending more money than the average tourist and usually staying longer, sometimes months at a time. They are paying us while they're here and their efforts contribute to our future tourism requirements. What's wrong with that?

Is there anything undesirable about what I've mentioned so far? Is there anybody who doesn't "get" what "a good deal" Movie, Film, & TV/Commercial production is for the State? The argument that we can't afford it doesn't sell. How can we afford not to collect these millions for the Commonwealth?

Does everyone understand that the State must be involved on an integral basis? Otherwise, how do you compete with all the other States for fee free location incentives, permitting, police/fire/security protection, union and other local production resource connections?

Could 48 other States in the U.S., 300 Countries and Cities in the World who have government supported film offices and commissions that vie daily for the business, be wrong? I believe not.

The industry as a whole in Massachusetts has never been effectively organized, there are scores of groups, organizations, institutions, businesses, and individuals that make us up and we can come together on this important and vital issue. We can work for House Bill 303 and we can work to get our State Film Office reconstituted.

This month the Farrelly Brothers are on location in Rockport, MA (doubling for Martha's Vineyard where a second unit will pick up shots). Our favorite son, Matt Damon stars in STUCK ON YOU along with Greg Kinnear who was in Boston in the not so distant past for Lynne Adam's wonderful independent film, MADE-UP, a directorial debut for Tony Shaloub. This location has been supported by the Mass Film Bureau, Robin Dawson's effort to fill in for the Mass Film Office that was closed in July of 2002. Since then she has helped to support MYSTIC RIVER, MONA LISA SMILE, STUCK ON YOU, and is currently working on other films and TV series. A fundraiser last October netted $50,000 for the MFB continuing efforts.

The Big Fat Awards Gala coming up on March 23 is for the express purpose of benefiting the MFB as well as Women in Film/Video in New England. Tickets are $150. Go if you can, it supports two important pillars of our community. Imagine has continued to support the non-profit Mass Film Bureau, an effort that has continued our vital connection to Hollywood, New York, the studios, producers and the rest of the industry.

The three movies mentioned above represent almost $100 million spent by the industry in Massachusetts. The question is: How much have we missed because the State doesn't have a phone number or a web site for studios and producers to call or visit?

I've been busy this month taking in the Robb Moss screening at the Harvard Film Archives of his now well-traveled documentary SAME RIVER TWICE (Imagine cover story last month). There was not an empty seat in the house, not one! The film was well received on the home turf, as well as at Sundance, Berlin and The Kennedy Center.

EVERYONE'S GOT ONE had a fun premiere at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. Garth Donovan's somewhat autobiographical, slapstick comedy film was introduced with high marks by host Gerald Perry. Cast and crew, including producers Dave Lewis and John Paul Ouellette, were all delighted by the turnout and participated in an absorbing Q & A.
Afterwards, many of us went up the street to Lucy's to talk it over. Everyone paid $25 in support of the Woods Hole Film Festival where the film first screened as a work in progress and gained considerable support.

And finally, "You talkin' to me?" might have flown in New York or Hollywood, but not at Hah-vad. Pudding Pot is always a great time, especially when legendary director Martin Scorsese comes to town to receive the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year Award. Asked to jump through a battery of silly drag hoops before club producers made good on their promise of the Pudding Pot, some traditional roasting went on. It began when club members took the stage wearing hairy prosthetic blinders, lampooning the "Gangs of New York" director's distinctive brow. This gag brought sustained belly laughs.
Amidst applause Scorsese learned he would have to pass a Harvard re-education program before getting his brass pot. A cross-dressed "Harvard schoolmarm," then administered a remedial "English grammar lesson" to Scorsese. A backdrop lifted to reveal a chalkboard, which read: "YOU TALKIN' TO ME?" -
"Can you tell me what's wrong with this sentence?" inquired the tutor. "Repeat after me: 'To whom are you speaking?'
There were more tests, however, the good sport Scorsese danced, acted, carried a "Scooby Doo" lunch box, settled a street conflict "Yale style: with a dance-off." And ultimately carried off the Pudding Pot. Whew! It isn't easy living in Harvard Square.
And finally, nice tie Karl! Don't miss "Driving the DVD Train" our cover story this month.
The best of everything for March, the Luck of the Irish (I have kissed the Blarney stone), and please call or email me personally if you want to make the trip with IMAGINE to Bermuda for the Bermuda International Film Festival April 11-17! I hope you can join us.