Dear Utah Members,
Your help is needed! Last week the Utah Legislative session kicked off and there is a proposal to cut the cash portion of the Utah Motion Picture Incentive Program. The cash rebate program is a key tool for local filmmakers. Take action, connect and stay informed to help the Utah film community thrive.
TAKE ACTION
The Motion Picture Alliance of Utah is asking the film community to contact legislators from the Economic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee. This may be the only ask of the session!
As always, be polite and respectful. Please see recommended talking points below but do not cut and paste. It's more effective to make your plea personal. If a member of the committee is your personal representative, please reference CONSTITUENT in your email subject line.
Find My Legislator District Map
Motion Picture Incentive Cash Rebate Program Talking Points
The Community Film Incentive Program (CFIP) is a 20% post-performance rebate specifically for Utah-based filmmakers. The CFIP is designed to foster up-and-coming local filmmakers and productions. (Omaha, a SAG-AFTRA film that is currently at the Sundance Film Festival, was supported by this program).
We see no reason to cut a program that has been so successful. The $1.4 million annual cash rebate program has supported 26 projects in the past 2 years that have contributed over $15 million to the economy and created over 3000 jobs. This program acts as a talent development program for emerging workforce starting their careers. Because of the demand on the tax credit program by larger television series and films like Horizon: An American Saga, the cash rebate program is the only tool we have to support local filmmakers.
FILM DAY ON THE HILL
The Utah Cultural Industry Advocacy Day / Film Day on the Hill is Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Utah State Capitol rotunda. This is an opportunity to foster positive relationships with elected officials and encourage them to support the Utah film industry. It's also a chance to interact with the cultural industry and network with Utah's film community.
Everyone who works or participates in Utah's film industry is invited to attend and are encouraged to wear red. If you are able to attend, be sure to join the Utah Film Commission at 10 a.m. on the inside steps of the Capitol rotunda for a group photo of Utah's film industry.
STAY INFORMED
The best way for you to help is to stay informed so you can respond quickly when called upon. Get fast first-hand reports from the Motion Picture Alliance of Utah by signing up for their newsletter for free. Your voice is critical and can have a very positive impact on the process.