Lights, Camera, Stimulus (Part 2)

I reprinted this from an editorial that I wrote for In Focus Magazine. I know it's cheating but I want to make sure my point gets across. It's been a busy two weeks and I will write something a bit more industry related within the next few hours. I'm just over it and welcome any other comments or questions.

"Lights, Camera Stimulus"

Banks are being bailed out, the automotive industry is being bailed out, even delinquent home owners are being assisted by the Federal financial assistance. But how about the film industry? The other day I was depressed at everything I watched or read about in the news. So, what does one do to get out of a funk? Of course, I went to a movie. You know what? The movie was crowded too. Apparently, I'm not the only one that looks to the entertainment industry for relief and escape from reality. This is why I am concerned. While other industries are being bailed out or coddled, the film industry, especially here in Florida, is being overlooked. To start with, the state has cut film incentives by a whopping eighty percent. That's not a misprint. Eighty percent! How is that supposed to help the job situation? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, schools and other programs are being cut too. However, the film industry brings in millions to the economy and at the same time creates an escape from our problems. A much needed trip into the world of horror, action and comedy where you don't have to worry about a damn thing for about two hours.

Is there really an out of control economic problem or am I seeing the makings of a conspiracy movie on the horizon? Are corporate and Governmental bodies just using some middle class hard times as an excuse to make more cuts to create more profits? Less jobs but higher profits...hmmmm...it sure does feel like it.

I run a small film festival in Ocoee, Florida (http://www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com/). We're a nonprofit, charitable organization whose mission statement is to help the film industry in Central Florida. We survive on donations, sponsorships, advertisers and entry fees. This past year alone we lost three large corporate sponsors. They all cited the economy and cutbacks as the reason for eliminating their support. The only problem was what they were giving in the first place. The Coca-Cola Company was providing us with twenty assorted cases of Coke Zero, Diet Coke, and Coke Classic. If I used a coupon in Sunday's paper this amounts to a total retail cost of $128. In turn, I had the festival provide the Coca-Cola Company with an advertising and sponsorship package worth $1500. Final Draft scriptwriting software was the exclusive sponsor of our screenwriting seminar. They provided four copies of their product in exchange for another $1500 advertising package. Finally, the Mini Movie Channel pulled out their sponsorship. However, of the three, they probably are in financial trouble but they were the only ones that had paid cash for their sponsorship!

Even filmmakers are using the economy in an attempt to get out of paying entry fees. "Because of the economy we have no more money and request a waiver," is a statement I receive once a day. However, I've been receiving them for more than four years now - when the economy was good! I never met an independent filmmaker that had any money. They usually beg for money for post and beg again for marketing and promotional funds. It certainly makes me question if they are even teaching these students how to budget their films.

So, how can the Florida filmmaking industry survive without an enticing incentive program or without the help of corporate America? There is no financial crunch. Cash flow problems, maybe. I believe some people have overextended and made bad investments on the bad advice of bad financial institutions. As sure as you're reading this, for every foreclosure there are twenty people lining up to buy the foreclosed property at a discounted price to turn a profit. This is old news. People have overextended ever since that ‘Jones guy’ moved in next door.

Michigan created a 40% incentive program that has producers from all over the United States flocking to their state at such a successful rate they don't have enough production personnel to keep up. Developers have built sound stages and schools are teaching laid-off autoworkers how to become gaffers, best boys, grips, and even production assistants. They are taking action and strengthening their economy. It's time for Florida’s Governments to wake up and take a long look at the positive economic impact the film industry makes on this state.

But for now, the only way the film industry is going to survive in Florida is by helping each other. Network, get out there and campaign. Create something, edit something, screen something and watch and learn. If you're a vendor, create packages that make sense and produce projects which generate jobs. If you're an investor, learn about funding films. Is film finance really a higher risk than the stock market? Actors need to work together by making themselves better. A better talent pool is an enticement to producers and makes for a better project. Learn the SAG contracts and how they can hurt or help your financial situation here in a 'right to work' state. Learn the difference between an Independent film and a studio film, as well as, an independent exhibitor versus a corporate exhibitor.

It all starts with us the filmmaker and film watcher. Show your support by checking out the latest movies, supporting local film festivals and producing the best film projects you can. You'll find the effort and results well worth it.