On April 20th, a group of Massachusetts leading producers, production companies, suppliers, independent practitioners, media arts organizations and talent and crew unions announced the formation of a coalition to promote and develop film, video, and multimedia production in Massachusetts called the Massachusetts Production Coalition (MPC).

John Rule, Chairman of the Membership Committee explains the rules and dues structure for membership inthe MPC. Photo courtesy of the MPC.

In order to introduce the coalition's initiatives and invite participation from members of the production community at large, The MPC conducted a "General Meeting" on May 3rd from 6:30 - 9:00 PM at the American Repertory's new "Zero Arrow" Theatre in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.

Over 300 members of the Massachusetts production community attended eagerly packing the theater to learn more about the newly formed Massachusetts Production Coalition and the group's most prominent initiatives. After hearing about MPC's mission and position on production incentive tax legislation, they came away overwhelmingly in support of the coalition and for the “O'Brien Bill” (H 3823) that includes a comprehensive set of incentives aimed at attracting and retaining film and commercial production in Massachusetts. There is a competing bill filed by Senator Brian Lees (R).

The first president of the Massachusetts Production Coalition, Joe Maiella, introduces the new organization to members of the industry at ART’s Zero Arrow Theatre, Cambridge, MA. Photo courtesy of the MPC.

ART’s new Zero Arrow Theatre filled to capacity with Massachusetts cast and crew members eagerly learning about the new organization. Photo courtesy of the MPC.

Chris O’Donnell, member of the Legislative Committee and Business Manager for IATSE Local 481, compares the two competing Film Incentives Bills showing the preference for H 3823. Photo courtesy of the MPC.

"We polled the group at the end of our meeting,” remarked John Rule, President of Rule Broadcast and presenter for the MPC Membership Committee. "We asked two questions: How many of you will support the MPC, and how many of you will support the O'Brien legislation? In each instance, the response was amazing. Virtually everyone in the audience raised their hands in a tremendous sign of unity and commitment to the future of our production community." This first general meeting of the MPC was designed to present the coalition to the production community at large, gauge interest, support, and identify needs or issues. "The attendance and energy was unprecedented," remarked Don Packer, COO of Finish Editorial. "Our community has anxiously awaited this opportunity to meet and have their voice heard."

In a side-by-side comparison, MPC Legislation Committee member Chris O'Donnell, IATSE Local 481, clearly outlined the key components of the two production incentive bills currently filed, and left no doubt about why MPC supports the O'Brien Bill (H 3823). "The MPC has already had a significant, positive impact on this proposed legislation", remarked O'Donnell, citing three proposed amendments that would make the bill more competitive with legislation proposed or adopted in other states and broaden the scope of benefits to more segments of the production community. The arguments were so compelling that many audience members asked how they could help the lobbying efforts, and still more vowed to attend the bill's hearing at the State House on May 10th at 11am (read coverage in Take Two in this issue).

"After the meeting, I felt for the first time in years that we may have a future in the film business in this town," said Aileen Sovronsky, an art director for commericals. Bill Aydelot, producer of commercials and episodic television added, "This coalition is the first sign of genuine life and strength in the state's production community in a long time. We represent a tremendous diversity of talent and services. Let us compete with other states on a level playing field and we are going to bring in a huge amount of revenue to be spread throughout a wide cross section of the state's service industry." Producer/Director Rick Digregario added, "It was great to see so many people so interested in the future of our industry. The industry in this state has found its voice in the MPC."

"At last, we're focused on what's important…a coalition that truly represents the varied interests of our production community and has their support, and critical production incentive legislation, namely the O'Brien Bill, that will put Massachusetts on a par with other states for attracting features, independent film and commercial production business," remarked Joe Maiella, Sr. VP, CrewStar and MPC President. "We appreciate the work that Representative Tom O'Brien has done to file and support this bill. We look forward to getting this legislation passed, and to working with the state-appointed agency - the Massachusetts Sports & Entertainment Commission, to actively promote Massachusetts as a world-class and affordable production venue."

The Massachusetts Production Coalition is an alliance of many of the area's leading production professionals and related groups that are actively engaged in making media in Massachusetts - from independent documentary production to feature films, commercial production and new media. The volunteer-driven coalition's mission is to help maintain, promote, increase and expedite the development, creation and production of film, video and new media content in the City of Boston and the State of Massachusetts.