Monday, September 15, 2008

FILMMAKERS' ROUNDTABLE

FILMMAKERS' ROUNDTABLE TO
DISCUSS FILM TAX INCENTIVES


WHAT: Filmmakers' Roundtable to Discuss Maine Film Tax Incentives Legislation

WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:30AM

WHERE: Farnsworth Art Museum Auditorium,
16 Museum St.
Rockland, Maine

WHO : All interested parties are invited to attend. Free admission.
WHY: Tax breaks to attract film productions have created an economic boom for the media industry as well as other industries in those states which pass such incentives. In 2006 the Maine legislature passed the Maine Attraction Film Incentives bill which called for the return of 10% of a production's budget to the company. Maine is now competing with other states which return up to 40% -- a prime reason why Maine hasn't seen a major production since Empire Falls in 2003. This group is meeting to find ways to support a stronger film tax incentives bill that will benefit Maine's media industry as well as the Maine economy as a whole.

SPONSORS : The Maine Film & Video Association, the Portland Media Artists, and the Camden International Film Festival are co-sponsoring this event


Rockland, ME The Filmmakers Roundtable meeting will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 10:30-11:30 at the Farnsworth Art Museum auditorium as part of the Camden International Film Festival. Maine's media industry leaders will be in attendance to work towards a solution to how Maine can become more competitive against other New England states which are profiting from stronger tax incentives. Louise Rosen, board member of the Maine Film & Video Association, will moderate. The discussion will continue over lunch at the Black Bull on 420 Main Street, Rockland.

www.mainefilm.com
www.camdenfilmfest.org

"There is abundant economic research that suggests that a production can dramatically benefit tourism for many years after its initial release." Economic Impact study on Maine's film industry conducted by EcoNorthwest, June 2008

"With total production costs of $28.5 million, Empire Falls was a major project. Spending in Maine accounted for nearly half of the total cost." Economic Impact study on Maine's film industry conducted by EcoNorthwest, June 2008