Please call Montgomery today to help save our growing film industry!
Late yesterday, a legislative bill that would effectively kill a growing creative industries employment sector was introduced by Representative Phil Williams of Huntsville. House Bill 554 is a repeal of the Alabama Film Incentive Package. If passed, the legislation would almost certainly halt all growth of our nascent film industry in the Greater Birmingham area (and the entire State). The bill is now under consideration by the House Ways and Means Committee.
Please call the Ways and Means Education Committee and register your opposition to HB554!
Rep. Bill Poole (Chair) – 334-242-7624
Rep. Steve McMillan (Vice-Chair) – 334-242-7723
Rep. Patricia Todd: 334-242-7718
Rep. James Buskey – 334-242-7757
Rep. Alana Baker – 334-242-7720
Rep. Alan Boothe – 334-242-7710
Rep. Donnie Chesteen – 334-242-7742
Rep. Terri Collins – 334-242-7693
Rep. Craig Ford – 334-242-7690
Rep. Danny Garrett – 334-242-7535
Rep. Ed Henry – 334-242-7736
Rep. John Rogers – 334-242-7761
Rep. Rod Scott – 334-242-7752
Rep. Mark Tuggle – 334-242-7219
Rep. Phil Williams – 334-242-7704
Here are just a few interesting talking points about the impact of the film industry on Alabama’s and Birmingham’s economy that you might not know:
- Approximately 60% of a film’s total production budget is left in the local community.
- For smaller, independent films, approximately $35,000 is spent per day of location shooting.
- According to AL Department of Commerce estimates, for every $1 that the State pays out in the form of incentive rebate, $7 is received in return spending.
You also might not be aware that in Greater Birmingham alone three feature films and one documentary were shot in 2016. We have one independent feature currently in production and another scheduled for August.
Even smaller films typically hire dozens of local crew members, from camera operators to art department to lighting to transportation and much more. Vehicles, equipment and lodging are rented. Local caterers and restaurants benefit. A repeal of the Alabama Film Incentive Package will likely have a ripple effect across other segments of our creative industry ecosystem, and we’ll never know what might have been if the incentives had been given enough time to take root.