TAKE TWO SEPTEMBER 2003

By Carol Patton

The Goal: An official state entity that directly represents the full support of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for new Film, TV and Commercial Production.

It begins in the Legislature as that is how new entities are born. They are legislated. In the interest of the industry and generating hundreds of millions of badly needed dollars for the Commonwealth, Representatives Brian P. Wallace, Martin J. Walsh, Charles A. Murphy, Stephen P. LeDuc, and Robert K. Coughlin filed House Bill 303 in January of this year. It simply cannot be that Massachusetts is one of only two states in the United States without a state supported film office.

House Bill 303 requests the timely reintroduction of official state support from all three branches of government to capture new business and revenues as soon as possible. Its purpose is to provide the critical imprimatur of the State essential to assuage fears in the non-domestic production community about counterproductive behavior associated with Massachusetts in the past.

It’s important to start with a clean slate and look to the overall well being of the industry and not revisit old issues. We can do that by creating an industry savvy and politically sensitive office offering “one-stop” shopping for advance teams and production companies, one that opens doors to relevant state and local authorities as needed. Necessary and simple things should come first: an office, a website, an answered phone, and a knowledgeable and courteous staff. Next would be competitive outreach and marketing of locations and resources. This industry center would also strive to keep local corporations work in Massachusetts (not NYC) and keep Massachusetts individuals and companies in the loop for work as it is forecast and developed.

We’ve been down this road before, reinstated support for the industry is now paying off in Connecticut thanks to Governor Rowland and other elected officials (see Imagine Cover Story November 2000). You only need to visit their website at Ctfilm.com to see how far their Office of Film, Television, and Media has come in this short time under the leadership of Director Guy Ortoleva.

Since this is basically about Commerce, we’re talking big business, a hearing will be held this month in front of the Joint Committee of Commerce and Labor. Here business leaders and members of the production community will present information. The Committee consists of six Senators and 11 Representatives. Leadership will be present.

This is an excellent opportunity for stakeholders, businessmen and women who will testify to explain why the support of the State is not only desirable, but required. Often people who are not in the industry look at how much money a “Tom Cruise” makes, for example, and don’t see that there is any need for supporting a seemingly successful industry. We, however, know that this is about local jobs (grips, gaffers, actors, carpenters, taxi drivers, casting directors, caterers, etc.); it’s about an innovative tax based initiative, it’s about a clean air industry that pays dividends when the work is attracted and again when the work is broadcast or screened driving tourism and other production interest in the State.

One additional Film, TV series, or Commercial campaign could mean tens of millions of dollars to the Commonwealth! We need to kick start this economic engine!

This is news for the business pages, not just the entertainment pages! Of course, we’ll take that too, but I would be most happy to see more of our industry news in the business sections and journals. Gossip rarely adds anything to the bottom line.

It is important to get a favorable output from this hearing. With a favorable output from the Joint Committee of Commerce and Labor, the attention of the leadership in the House and Senate, support from Governor Romney (the Governor is in two of our stories this issue) and the vital Department of Commerce, the successful reintroduction of a Film Office in some form will be the result.

This could mean hundreds of millions of dollars for the Commonwealth and opportunity and reward for the creative and talented artists and technicians that live and work in Massachusetts.

Much work paid off for regional film festivals this last month. Congratulations are in order for the many volunteers and talented people who make them happen, especially to Judy Laster, Executive Director of the Woods Hole Film Festival and to George T. Marshall the Festival Executive Director for the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

The Woods Hole Film Festival reports another successful eight day showcase of independent film featuring daily screenings, workshops, panel discussions, staged readings, special events, parties, awards ceremony and more. Now in its 12th year, it is the oldest independent film festival on Cape Cod and the Islands. I so enjoyed the Stage Reading of REVERSE THE CURSE. A Yankee fan and a Red Sox fan fall in love while making a documentary about "The Curse of the Bambino.” They learn the importance of teamwork and realize they have the potential to break their own curses while changing baseball history. I have my fingers crossed for this script to make it to the big screen. Laura Bernieri directed the Stage Reading. An Awards ceremony was hosted on the beach by Christy Scott Cashman at her summer home, our photographer was there and we have a couple of photos.

The Rhode Island International Film Festival took place at locations throughout Providence and the state of Rhode Island. The Festival RIIFF is a juried competition and showcase for independent filmmakers from all over the world. Kenneth Branagh’s short film LISTENING won First Prize for Best Director. Although expected, Branagh did not attend due to a work commitment. The exciting opening night gala was held on the stage of the beautiful Columbus Theatre with many sponsors and filmmakers attending. After the gala, a short film program followed, and the night was capped with desert at the State House.

The Wang Center for the Performing Arts has announced its schedule for the 2003-2004 Classic Film Series, presented by MonsterÒ, the leading global online careers website. Entering its 14th season, the Classic Film Series will be free for the second year in a row. Bravo!

“The Wang Center is all about investment in the community,” said Josiah A. Spaulding Jr., President and CEO of The Wang Center. “The Classic Film Series is one of the many ways that we open our doors to the public, allowing them to experience the history and culture of our theaters and programs. We are so grateful to our sponsors, especially Monster, for allowing us to give this gift to our city.”

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S will launch the series on September 29th. Doors open at 6:15.

You can be a Friend of the Film Series: Each year, the Classic Film Series loses money as a result of the expenses associated with theater operations, marketing and studio fees. To help defray those costs, The Wang Center has introduced a special membership program. Those who become Wang Center Members as Friends of the Film Series will not only help keep the Series alive, but will also receive advance seating at films, pre-film wine and cheese receptions, discounts to area restaurants, advance notice of all Wang Center performances and other benefits. Friends of the Film Series memberships are available for $50 per year. If you can afford it, join!

Summer is soon past as I noticed the leaves have begun to fall around the Charles River. My continued thanks and appreciation to everyone who reads and supports IMAGINE!

Carol Patton

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