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Play a part in your own stimulus package.

Keep film jobs here in Texas

There would be no argument by anyone in the world of film production that Texas, and especially Austin, is a precious gem when it comes to securing a wide diversity of breathtaking locations and the very best in cast, crew, and post production technicians. So how is it possible that we have been experiencing the greatest drainage of production jobs since before we first enjoyed the distinction years ago, as the country's Third Coast? One word: incentives. These are the cash-back most states in the country pay production houses to come to their state, hire their residents, spend money at their local businesses, and feature their state's landscapes and architecture to all who see their films and TV shows. Whether you agree with the practice or not, the fact is clear: the production of  films, commercials, and video games create immediate jobs, and Texas lags way behind our neighbors in motivating companies to do their business here.

Your responsibility in this matter? Well, the legislators have already been voted into place and are now in session. So the next step is to represent yourself and sound off at the Capitol on March 4. In short: Be seen, be heard, be employed.

A jib on the job

The good work of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA) and its donaters has already hired the best lobby company for this space, HillCo Partners. Their job is to make our case to the right policy makers who will be voting during the current session. However, our paid representatives up on the Hill tend to respond best to numbers. Big numbers. Numbers of people that is. It shows them that this is a big issue and one that deserves their attention. More importantly, one that represents to them a large voting constituency that will help them keep their job once their term is up.

To that, here are a couple of obligations that will make a significant impact in passing the new film and video game incentive bills labeled House Bill 873 and Senate Bill 605.

1. Get educated on March 3rd and present directly to your legislator on March 4:
Groups of concerned citizens (that's you) will be paired up and scheduled to go and talk face to face with their legislators on why they need to pass this bill. If you are a good communicator and are ready to be loaded up with some great facts to help make your case, please get on the list of volunteers at the TXMPA web site.

2. Stand in and be counted on March 4:
Regardless of whether you are confident in your lobbying skills or not, you should still just show up at 7:30am on March 4 on the south steps of the Capitol building. Also join with the other members of TXMPA and wear red to represent how dire a situation we are facing here. Big numbers will help to illustrate a big problem.

Not convinced? Here are a few items that should really tick you off:

◊  You probably already know about the new film in production with Drew Barrymore, called Whip It. This is a movie that is based here in Austin, but because of the weak Texas incentives, it is being shot in Michigan! Hello!? That was an easy batch of jobs and income that we just let slide right past us. While we are at it, why don't we just tell President Obama that we are doing just fine here in Texas and don't need any of that stimulus package either?

An Austin film set

◊  In one single year, Austin slipped from being the number one place to live and make a film, from the annual Moviemaker magazine rating, down to number ten. Do you think that is because we suddenly lost our great filming locations, talented cast and crew, and top notch facilities? I doubt it. 

◊  Austin Studios just completed its awesome new $5 million renovation that Austinites voted on, elevating the existing facilities to a true professional soundstage that we can be proud of. However, there aren't a lot of projects beating down the doors over there to book space. You can help to get Austin Studios and all of the other great soundstages in the state booked and shooting.

Whether or not you are part of the video game, film, TV, or commercial industries, this issue deserves your attention. When projects happen in each and every one of these areas, new jobs immediately materialize, a lot of money is spent on all types of local businesses, and the world gets to see once again, why Texas is such a great place to produce projects.

Please try to be present, speak loudly, and help yourself.

Steve Muccini is president of SpotEdge Media, an award winning video production company producing content for TV and the web, and also HomeSaleVideo.com . He is a writer, producer and actor in Austin, Texas.

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