Legislative Update

SAG-AFTRA Members, the following message was sent to the members of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association last night, and we wanted to pass it along to you.  We salute the LFEA members, as well as our members, for all the efforts to protect and grow the entertainment industry in Louisiana during this tough legislative session.

June 6, 2013

Dear Member:

The last few months have been a rollercoaster for the film and entertainment industry in Louisiana, but today the ride ended.

At 6 p.m., Thursday, June 6, the 2013 Regular (Fiscal) Session of the Louisiana Legislature drew to a close. The motion picture tax credit program has survived mostly unchanged, with just minor amendments relating to audit guidelines (SB165) available for enactment upon the Governor’s signature.

Over the last six months, LFEA’s membership has increased more than ten-fold. We have become better funded, better informed, and better represented. We have found a unified voice and our members have spoken with it loud and clear. We have, together, educated the uninformed, challenged government, and advocated for the continued growth of an industry that is creating jobs faster than any other sector of our economy, changing the perception of Louisiana, and reversing the brain drain. We are a better organization, a better industry, and a better state as a result!

Some thanks are in order. First to our lobbyist, David Tatman, and his colleagues at the Tatman Group who worked so hard to help us get our message to the Administration and the Legislature. Second, to the LFEA board members who stepped away from their jobs and businesses and who contributed an enormous amount of time and funds to further our cause. And most importantly, to you, our fellow members. There is strength in numbers, sure, but our members are especially strong, unbreakably committed and highly motivated to continue to grow the film and entertainment industry in Louisiana. You made this happen, and I, for one, am proud to serve alongside you.

Sincerely,

Will French
LFEA President