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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear ,
The Missouri Film Tax Credit Is Dead!
Is This the End of the World?
The legislature did not renew the Missouri film tax credit in this session, and it will expire in November of this year. According to MOMMA, an industry organization that lobbies for the motion media industry, an attempt will be made to introduce new film tax credit legislation in 2014.
The MO House and Senate did pass $100,000 of film office funding...but MO governor, Jay Nixon, could line-item this out of the budget, as he did in 2011.
It's unwise to pin our industry's hopes to the vagaries of the state legislature and the governor. There are ways for our industry to prosper -- and for each one of us as individuals to prosper -- despite the actions or in-actions of politicians and bureaucrats.
Certainly, Coolfire Media, which has carved out a niche producing reality shows (including some based in Missouri) has managed to find tremendous success without relying on a Missouri film tax credit. Illinois still has a tax credit and several quality local films have been shot there, at least one of which have used the Illinois tax credit.
Jay Kanzler's film, "23 Minutes to Sunrise," which was shot in Sauget, Illinois, and did not receive a tax credit, is now available in Red Box. Jack Snyder and Srikant Chellappa's, "Fatal Call," also shot largely in Sauget (and which received an Illinois tax credit), will be in Red Box
later this summer. Filmmaker Brian Jun has shot several films in his hometown of Alton, none of which received an Illinois film tax credit.
While tax credits are a great selling point for the bi-state area, they are not the only selling point. We have our unique locations -- some films, for example, such as "The Informant," have been partially shot here because our airport is one of the most film-friendly in the country. The producers of "A Fall From Grace" have told me that despite our governor's unwillingness to provide a tax credit, they are pushing their financiers to still shoot at least part of the film in St. Louis, because of the locations.
My point is this: Let's not despair over politics. Perhaps the next Missouri governor will look more kindly on the film industry, or perhaps not. In the broad scheme of things, it really shouldn't matter all that much. There are many paths to success in this industry, and we don't
need a tax credit, a film commission, or any other governmental body or law to find that success.
We can find it through our own hard work and ingenuity.
Mike Ketcher, President
MCA-i, St. Louis Chapter |
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NEXT MCA MEETING -- JUNE 12
In the film and video industries, keeping up your skills is vital to your survival. What are the new skills you need to learn now to prepare yourself for the next few years? What are the hottest technological trends? Let's say, for example, you want to learn to edit on Avid. Who in St. Louis offers courses? How much will it cost? When are courses offered? What about learning online? Whatever your area of interest -- whether its acting or Avid or something else -- we'll have educators from schools, both large and small, throughout the area offering degree programs and continuing education.
This is a meeting for EVERYONE! High school students will learn which college or university will offers the best options for their career aspirations. Mid-career professionals and even old-timers will learn the best places to go to keep their skill set sharp and up-to-date with the latest cutting edge technologies. Discover how to turn your passion into a paycheck -- fields of study covered include acting, video production, broadcast journalism, radio, film, art, graphic design, public relations, advertising, writing, and more!
Local colleges, universities, performance and visual art schools will have representatives to talk about which courses they offer, and why their courses are necessary for career advancement. Participating schools include Southern Illinois University, Southwestern Illinois College, Webster University, Washington University, St. Louis Community Colleges, Missouri Baptist University, Lindenwood University, the Art Institute, and many others.
Whether you want to break in to the industry -- or break out in a new direction -- this is the meeting for you!!!
Date: Wednesday, June 12th
Time: networking 6:30pm, meeting 7:00-9:00pm
Place: IWATCH Radio
Address: 11972 Dorsett Rd., Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Phone: 618-920-6667
Food: soft drinks & snacks will be served
Cost:
Free to Members of MCA
$10 for non members
$5 for students with valid ID
See you on June 12, !
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ST. LOUIS TO HOST INTERNATIONAL VISUAL MEDIA CONFERENCE JUNE 18-21
This June, St. Louis will host the annual conference of International Christian Visual Media (iCVM), June 18-21, at the Airport Hilton.
iCVM is a consortium of producers and distributors making a difference in the world through visual media. The iCVM membership family includes media organizations and media missionaries as well as individual video producers, independent writers, directors, actors and even some individuals who are simply interested in supporting Christian films and filmmakers.
If you're interested in learning more, please visit www.icvm.com.
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TELL YOUR STORY HERE!
Email us today us today with your latest news for inclusion in the next MCA newsletter
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