Thursday, January 27, 2011

Committee tables anti-film incentive bill

by Megan Kamerick, New Mexico Business Weekly.

The Labor and Human Resources Committee in the New Mexico House of Representatives has tabled House Bill 19, which proposed to kill the state’s film incentive program.

That effectively means it’s dead in the water. The vote was 5 to 4 along party lines, according to the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber had opposed the bill, but does support greater transparency in the film incentive program.

Sen. Tim Keller, D-Albuquerque, has introduced a bill that would require the Economic Development Department to collect and track statistical information in order to assess the effectiveness of the film production tax credit. According to the fiscal impact report, the bill would formalize reporting and tracking requirements and allow for greater transparency.

About 60 people testified in opposition to HB19, introduced by Rep. Dennis Kintigh, R-Roswell, including Sandy Levinson, owner of Aquila Travel in Albuquerque, who said she employs 10 people with full benefits and that’s mostly due to the work her firm gets from the film industry. Getting rid of the tax incentive would kill her business, she said.

“I would, without a doubt, close my doors,” Levinson said.

Under the program, productions can get a 25 percent rebate on qualified expenditures in New Mexico after they submit their paperwork to the Taxation and Revenue Department following completion of filming.

Committee Chairman Miguel Garcia, D-Bernalillo, said he sees the impact of the industry every week in his South Valley district where film crews are often working. They eat in local restaurants and shop locally, he said. And his son has picked up jobs in the industry, after being laid off from a call center.

To read the full article, click here!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Film Industry Debate!


WHAT: New Mexico Film Industry Policy Debate

Hosted by the Rio Grande Foundation and the Motion Picture Association of New Mexico

WHY: As we approach the 2011 Legislative Session, film policy in New Mexico is being analyzed and various proposals are on the table which would have a significant impact on the film industry in New Mexico. Therefore, the policy debate will help educate the public on both sides of this important issue.

We invite you to come and learn how the film industry significantly benefits the citizens of New Mexico, and to show your support for the incentive package. Stand up for your industry!

WHEN: Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Debate at 4:00 p.m.
Reception at 5:00 p.m.

WHO: Participants include proponents and opponents of film incentives including:
Representative Brian Egolf,
Senator Sue Wilson Beffort,
and Representative Dennis Kintigh

WHERE: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Bank of America Theater
1701 4th Street SW Albuquerque, NM 87102