03/10/2021
Friends of Kentucky Film: The fate of KY film incentives hangs in the balance and will be determined over the next several days. If you have an interest in seeing the incentives return on a larger scale, consider contacting your representatives today!
Long message ahead, but essentially TODAY IS THE DAY if you’re interested in having refundable film tax incentives in Kentucky. PLEASE call and email TODAY.
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Dear BTL members and Media Industry supporters,
As we head into the final days of the 2021 legislative session, the crucial decision will be made in Conference Committee sealing the fate of the media production industry in Kentucky. Thank you to those who reached out to their legislators and leadership in February.
It is time to follow up! Our Message: “Return the Film Tax Credits to Refundable”
Some in the House have expressed an interest in delaying any action on the film incentive until next year. This would be fatal to our industry!!
There are over 15 projects waiting to hear the decision of the general assembly before moving their projects elsewhere.
There is a backlog of projects that are waiting for markets to open up again post-Covid
The markets that offer the most competitive incentives will win the media production industry in 2021 and will build from that initiative to grow long-term
If Kentucky delays reinstating the refundable status to the tax credit, we will be out of the running
PLEASE follow up on all of your communications with leadership. The following legislators are especially crucial to having the film incentive heard this session:
Speaker David Osborne ([email protected])
Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy ([email protected])
Representative Jason Petrie (Chair, House A&R) ([email protected])
Here is the full list of the Budget Conference Committee, if you have time to send to each of them:
More information about legislators, including phone numbers, can be found here: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/default.aspx
Senate
President Robert Stivers ([email protected])
President Pro Tempore David Givens ([email protected])
Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer ([email protected])
Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams ([email protected])
Majority Whip Mike Wilson ([email protected])
Minority Floor Leader Morgan McGarvey ([email protected])
Minority Caucus Chair Reginald (Reggie) Thomas ([email protected])
Minority Whip Dennis Parrett ([email protected])
Chris McDaniel (Chair, Senate A&R) ([email protected])
House
Speaker David Osborne ([email protected])
Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade ([email protected])
Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy ([email protected])
Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles ([email protected])
Majority Whip Chad McCoy ([email protected])
Minority Floor Leader Joni Jenkins ([email protected])
Minority Caucus Chair Derrick Graham ([email protected])
Minority Whip Angie Hatton ([email protected])
Representative Jason Petrie (Chair, House A&R) ([email protected])
This is part of the Revenue Bill, if they ask which bill you are referencing.
Please use these talking points if you need them, but telling your story is best:
The Film Industry directly benefits ALL of Kentucky, not just one region
There is a backlog of productions that are ready to begin immediately
A small film employs over 100 people, the average project employs 588 people
The film tax credit is funded by sales tax, so there is no up-front state investment
Refundable credits are paid against a qualified Kentucky spend that we would NOT have if but for the incentive
It has been proven that our non-refundable tax credit is not competitive in the film industry
For large projects, up to $200,00/day is spent in the local area where projects are filmed (MPAA)
The average salary for a major production is $50,000 (small feature films do not pay these rates, but they train technicians and artists so they are ready to crew the big productions)
Jobs span every category: accounting, law, electric, construction, carpentry, but most jobs are technical and art based
The film industry is a perfect stimulus industry because of the immediate infusion of cash into the state and local economies
Production supports existing businesses including hospitality, retail, and tourism, and draws support businesses to the state
PLEASE engage your associates who have an interest in the industry to send emails and call legislators. If any of you has staff, crew, or colleagues who are interested in or will benefit from a robust film industry, please encourage them to write and/or call as well.
This topic will be brought up during Conference THIS WEEK. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.
Thank you for your contribution to this effort. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions and please let me know if you have information that may be helpful.
All the best,
Merry-Kay
