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Newsletter
LCK Updates Vol. 1, August 2008
LCK is a 501(c)6 corporation, a not-for-profit organization. We are aoalition of motion picture professionals, students and colleges, civic groups and citizens interested in the development of film production incentives in the State of KY. Support for our legislative efforts comes solely from membership dues, and contributions and donated goods and services from the community at large.
EFFORTS HAVE BEGUN FOR 2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN FRANKFORT
Lights…Camera…KENTUCKY!, Inc. is at work with legislators to introduce a bill in the upcoming 2009 session which would offer tax incentives to build the film industry in Kentucky. In Governor Beshear’s Town Hall Series, he is seeking new revenue sources for Kentucky. We have met again with members of the Governor’s staff about our initiative, and they have reiterated his support of our efforts. In fact, Governor Beshear clearly understands the economic impact the film industry has in other states, and has committed to support incentives to build the film industry in Kentucky and make the issue a priority next general session.
Senate President, David Williams, has also expressed his commitment to renew efforts to pass a bill this coming session. If you remember, he introduced our language in a number of Senate bills last session, and they passed through the Senate with all but one vote in favor.
Our sponsor in the House is on board again, and Rep. Tommy Thompson plans to file a preliminary bill before the House convenes in January, so we can gain full support and are able to address any opposition before the session begins. Since this is a short session (30 days), preliminary work is crucial to building awareness and support among legislators.
Sounds easy, doesn’t it?!? Well, this is exactly where we were mid-way through last session, and we know what happened to our “no-brainer”!! We asked these leaders what the coalition must do to ensure the passage of the Legislation for Film Incentives in Kentucky in 2009.
The Governor, Senator Williams, and Rep. Thompson all said:
•LCK must build on its broad base to spread the grass roots efforts throughout Kentucky.
•LCK must contact legislators, educate them and continue to urge them to support and vote for the film incentives bill this coming session.
•House leadership, our only opposition, needs to know that new money will be brought to Kentucky and that many jobs can be kept in the state if we build the industry. LCK’S MESSAGE: New Revenue to the State… Jobs for Kentuckians… Promote Kentucky to the world with this clean industry OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
•Sign up NOW to research incentives in a specific state(s). This is essential to being well prepared for the ongoing meetings. Contact Mina at mailto:minadavis@lightscamerakentucky.org or 502/419-0967. This research will be imperative to demonstrating the effectiveness of film incentives in KY.
•Continue sending us articles or data that will help us support our position on the film industry as an economic revenue source.
•Send us your stories or ideas on how Kentucky can be film-friendly. How can Kentucky ready itself to do business when incentives become a reality?
•Volunteer to help maintain website, write articles for the newsletter, etc.
•Host a LCK meeting in your area—grab some colleagues and we will meet you for coffee...or lunch.
And
•Join LCK or make a contribution to help offset the cost of promoting this legislation. Membership forms are available at http://lightscamera.art.officelive.com/Documents/LCK_REGISTRATION11PDF.pdf <http://lightscamera.art.officelive.com/Documents/LCK_REGISTRATION11PDF.pdf>
Mail to: Lights...Camera...KENTUCKY, Inc, 200 South Fifth Street, Suite 200 North, Louisville, KY 40202
From sea to shining sea…the Spring legislation highlights
•47 states enacted new incentives legislation in Spring 2008
•Many states have now seen the importance of including a lower minimum and including corporate and commercial production. (These components were part of our original proposal, but were removed as KY faced the staggering budget problems.)
•And, though many states are offering huge incentives (as much as 40%) do not be discouraged. One thing we have learned for sure, the incentives in every state are based on current tax law. 40% in one state may in fact be 10% in another.
•Best of all, we will learn from these sessions. The research on each of the states will only help us build our case for Kentucky's own film incentives, and for further refinements in future sessions.
Take a minute to offer thanks and hopes for the future!
Please write letters of appreciation to Rep. Tommy Thompson, Sen. David Williams and Sen. Dan Kelly. They worked very hard for us. All Senators voted in our favor. Our Co-sponsors in the House also worked tirelessly to gain support: Larry Clark, Greg Stumbo, Tanya Pullin, Lonnie Napier, David Osborne, Bob M. DeWeese, John Tilley, Scott W. Brinkman, Leslie Combs, Jeff Greer, Charles Siler, Dwight D. Butler, Jim Glenn, Ted Edmonds, Mike Denham, Mary Lou Marzian, Susan Westrom.
Here’s the link for the email addresses. http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legislators.htm <http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legislators.htm>
Building a Gallery – of KY production
During the January 09 session we want to show our representatives in Frankfort that there is a strong film base in Kentucky, which incentives would help build. We are planning a display of works by Kentuckians in Frankfort during the general session. Motion pictures, class projects, commercials, industrials, animation, game development, and every form of moving picture produced in KY or by Kentuckians. If you would be interested in submitting a reel or a sample production, please contact
minadavis@lightscamerakentucky.org. We want to blow them away by the work and the sheer magnitude of work going on in the Commonwealth.
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