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Legislation Helps to Increase Film Jobs and Revenue
Governor Kulongoski signed into law a bill that expands the Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF), approving our industry's efforts to increase the maximum amount of tax credits made available to fund the program from $5 million to $7.5 million per year, and helping Oregon's film and TV industry continue its record growth. Oregon had secured enough projects in 2009 to make it the best year for Oregon’s film and Television industry in over fifteen years. The Governor considers “Oregon’s film and video industry a bright light in our economy, and when projects are produced here in Oregon, it means family wage jobs for local residents, and substantial revenue for small and local businesses."
Tax credits may be purchased at a 5% discount to offset Oregon tax liability to individuals and businesses that contribute to the fund. When the program first started in 2005, the level of film production in the state grew dramatically. Since then, OPIF has been responsible for bringing more than $140 million of spending into the state.
It took an incredible statewide effort to successfully lobby for our industry during the most critical economic conditions for Oregon’s Legislature since 1990. OMPA, coordinated legislative activity for our association, and linked us with a network of industry proponents statewide which proffered a number of successes.
First, the Oregon State Legislature passed SB 863, establishing the Indigenous OPIF. Support for the effort included OMPA’s GABD (Governmental Affairs & Business Dev.) Committee, Film Oregon Alliance, MOPAN, SOFaT, and Oregon Producer’s Alliance members. SB 863 supports the long-term infrastructure of the indigenous filmmaking community, guaranteeing a 5% rebate to local filmmakers with budgets at $75,000. We want to recognize the efforts of David Cress, James Wilder Hancock and CK Lichenstein who wrote the bill.
Second, OMPA strengthened the relationship with the Governor’s Office of Film & Television. SB 621, proposed by Gov. Kulongoski, asks for a 50% increase to $7.5 million in tax credits each year, which out-of-state media producers with budgets of at least $1 million can access. As a program that successfully brings business to Oregon, the increase is justified both as an immediate job creation program, and to develop infrastructure in Oregon’s growing industry. Supporters of SB 621 were lead by Oregon Governor's Office of Film & TV Executive Director Vince Porter, and included Leanne Littrell DiLorenzo, Lana Veenker, Charlie Carlson, IATSE, SAG & AFTRA members, as well as local crew and vendors to the industry. We also want to acknowledge Gary Kout and SOFaT, MOPAN, Stan Roach and FOA, Michael Fine’s office at the City of Portland, Lyon Films who kept watch on legislative events, along with TJ Civis and Dan Sanderson who connected us to legislators.
Representative Jules Kopel-Bailey took a leadership role among the legislators, who took to heart the opportunity to grow an industry that will continue to develop family-wage jobs in the 21st Century. Not least of which, we acknowledge YOU, the freelancers and businesses who participated in Industry Day and sent compelling letters and emails, phone calls and in-person visits that persuaded Legislators to turn their attention to increasing OPIF and establishing I-OPIF.
Effective lobbying is a great testament to the statewide connectedness of the industry, and underscores our interdependence in promoting the development of film, TV and multimedia in the state of Oregon. It certainly couldn’t have happened without a unified voice supported by thousands. According to Rep Scott Bruun, speaking as a member of the House Revenue Committee at the work session last week regarding SB 621:
“I have not received more communication on any other bill than this one – and all of it positive.”
Thanks Oregon Media Production Association members. Your voice was heard.
Kathleen Lopez
Chair
OMPA Legislative & Business Development Committee