And the Fog gets Foggier.

The Fl. Senate threw one past me again. I missed the memo. I did not know, until recently, that the Senate allocations were reduced from the Haridopolos Bill. Lowered from $75mil/ea.yr over 3 yrs. to $ 20mil over 5 yrs. If Don Gaetz's Bill would become law, the first $20mil. would be gone in 2 months. The $25 million, that we had 3 yrs ago was gone in 3 months.
Just as I was feeling bad for doubting our State Senate, they lift my spirits for doubting them.
The House passed a better proposal. $55mil/ 1st yr., 50/2nd, 27/ 3rd 4th and 5th yrs. That is probably the best they can do and it is a Giant step toward getting Film Tax Rebate Incentives where they need to be.
The Senate is on break until April 15th. Tax deadline. Appropriate is'nt it? You could also call it a Tax Rebate Deadline for the Film budget. Their will be members of the House that will be encouraging Senators to support the House Bill.
We should not back off of our efforts to contact our State Senators. This is not over until the Governor puts his signature on the final Bill that is put before him. This is not a time to quit. This is a time for our heaviest outpouring of support for HB697. Please contact your State Senator that represents your voting district. You can go to www.myflorida.com to find the Senate branch and then click on the Senate member that represents you. Don't stop now. This is not over.

The Good, The Bad and Ugly....

Most everyone should know of the excellent job the Fl. Senate has done for this years budget session. They passed Casino Gambling on Seminole Indian land. They passed a Jobs Bill that contains SB1430 which states that: There will be a Funding of Allocations to Film Producers of $75 milluion each yr. over a 3 yr. period. At a Tax Rebate of 20%. There will also be improvements in Education and other areas. They worked as busy as Bees to come up with a smart and much needed budget that will bring work back to Fl. and increase much needed Tax dollars that will be a result of more people working. The Senate passed this budget unanimously. That's what I call bi-partisanship.
Then there is our State House of Representatives. Stephen Precourt starts out with a Bill that mirrors Senator Haridoplos's Bill. Then Precourt has a vision. That vision is to keep Gay characters out of Fl. Films shot in Fl. Pretty much telling Movie Producers how to produce their Films. That rocket blew up before it left the ground. That's when the House's Tax & Finance Committee suddenly decided that maybe $75 Mil./yr. is too much. Let's start out with $55mil for the 1st yr., 50 the 2nd, and 27mil the 3rd, 4th, 5th.....and...whatever...years. Had they made this as their initial proposal, then their point about tough times would make more sense. However, with all considered; The timing reeks of retaliation. The House also has not approved Casino Gambling on Seminole land in their budget. Such an approval would immediately bring in 415 million dollars to our States empty Coffers. They also want to cut and slash education...AGAIN! Oh, by the way! Guess what? The House budget was strictly passed among party lines. 74 to 44. The House does'nt have the teamwork that the Senate has.
I am Happily surprised with our State Senate for their diligence and workmanship. Special Kudos to Senator Mike Haridopolos; who authored SB1430 and Don Gaetz; who authored the Jobs Bill. The Fl. Senate has shown us all that they GET IT! Alas our poor and lackluster House...does not.

News for Newbies.

There are times, especially when work is slow, when I like to volunteer my acting craft to schools. I have done 6 productions out at Valencia CC East and and 5 student film pdns. out at Full Sail University. I learn alot working with students. The last group of students that I worked with, at Valencia, were highly energetic, and professional. Every student film that I have done at Full Sail, has been a very pleasant experience. The Crews are professional and thoughtful as well as energetic. When I audition at Full Sail; the folks, that are in the production crew, are hard working and very helpful.
I auditioned for a few roles this past Saturday. I saw something that was very bothersome. I saw 2 young auditionees carry on a loud conversation right smack dab in the middle of the casting lobby. A long loud giggling conversation. People were trying ro read and study their sides. It was very annoying. They desperately need to read Lori Wyman's "The Organic Actor". When people audition they should be concentrating on the sides of the script. Not anything else. That's why we actors are there. To audition. To give our best audition possible.
I would have loved to have been in that audition room when those gabbers auditioned. I would have really been surprised if they did well. If that would have been a paying gig, the Casting Director would have remembered those people, and not with good thoughts.
When we audition, our minds should be focused on one thing and one thing only. THE AUDITION! To carry on a loud conversation, where people are trying to learn their sides is rude. It shows a lack of common courtesy. Auditions are not supposed to be social events. They are not meeting places...like a BAR. If you are interested in getting cast in the production, then you want to give all of your attention and focus to the Production. Is'nt that why we are there?

Plugging Along...

Kudos to the Florida Film Production Coalition (FFPC). Those people that represent the FFPC do everything they can to bring Major Film Pdn. back to our State of Fl. They hold events to attain funds to support the cause. They have people working their heads off lobbying in Tallahassee to convince the legistlators that they need to pass bills to make Florida a place producers will want to come back to. Leah and everyone else that is working so hard; deserve a standing ovation!
I admit that there are times that my cynicism has gotten the best of me. No matter how we feel we have to contact our State Representives and tell them that you want them to support House Bill 697 and Senate Bill 1430. I told my State Senator that very thing in a town meeting a few weeks ago. I emailed my State House Rep. We have to be persistent. It does'nt matter if you are Union or non union. If you are a student film=maker or a hotel employee. YOU WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PASSAGE OF THESE BILLS.
I'll give you the website, again, to locate your Reps. www.myflorida.com. Click Government and then navigate to the State House and Senate links. If you do not do this, then those lawmakers will have no interest in improving the Film Incentive program.
I admit it. I'm guilty of complaining. Now is not the time. Now is the time to contact your State Representative and do your part to help bring Major Film Pdn. back to our State.

The Fun Starts...Again.

The Title sounds like a Country and Western song. It might be. Obviously I'm not a CW fan.
On Tues, March 7th, the Fl. Legislature begins the 2010 budget session. Yes, we have traveled this road before and got banged up last year. Unfortunately, until our State can compete with Michigan and Louisiana, when it comes to film tax rebates, we should continue to travel down this road. The road that seems like there is no light. We have to continue to fight to get Major Film incentives until that light does shine on that road.
Last year, the Florida Film Production Coalition sponsored a petition for Film Incentives. That list, if memory serves me and it rarely does anymore, got just short of 6500 signatures. 6500! And that was last year when we had more Film Industry people still residing in Fl. That number demonstrates the amount of apathy on this subject. Especially when Tens of Thousands of people are directly or indirectly affected by this Industry.
Do you know the name of the State Senator that represents you? Have you contacted your Senator on this issue? If not; Why? It's as easy as http://www.flsenate.gov/ .
I'm going to pick 5 State Senators that, allegedly, did not support Film Tax Rebates in last years budget session.
1) Senate President: Jeff Atwater. He represents the Palm Beach and North Broward County areas.
2) Senator Paula Dockery: Represents parts of Hernando, Lake, Polk, and Sumter Counties.
3) Senator Carey Baker: Parts of Lake, Marion, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties.
4) Senator Andy Gardiner: Pts. of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
5) Senator Mike Fasano: Pts of Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, and Pinellas Countys.
Do you live in any of these areas? Are any of the above; your State Senators? Have you contacted them about supporting MAJOR Film Incentives, such as Tax Rebates? Have you asked them to support Senator Haridopolos's Bill: SB1430? If no, Why not? I understand about the Legislatures failure to bring Film jobs back to Fl. Does that mean we should give up? I'll never give up acting. It's in my blood and I want it to thrive, once again, in Florida.
Look at the bright side. At least, this year, we have primary elections in August and The main elections in November. That is if we have'nt given up. What good would that do?

Live and Learn.

I attended a Town Hall meeting in Longwood, this past Wednesday evening. The Guest Speaker was Senator Lee Constantine. For those that have been reading this blog over the past couple of years know that I WAS not a big fan of Senator Constantine. Couple years ago I tried to make and appointment with Sen. Constantine and was told that it was'nt necessary for me to see him. Obviously, I got my feathers ruffled.

Fast Forward to today. My opinion has changed about Sen. Constantine. Not because he told me that he is supporting Film Incentives, in the upcoming budget, but because the man has a disarming personality, Great wit and sense of humor, and I learned that I agree with most of his views. That really threw me. I apologize to Sen. Constantine for pre=judging him. It's not that I did'nt try to meet him but, in fairness, he has been very busy with other very important issues.

I remember the Senator saying, in his closing words; that he had made some mistakes. I'm sure he has'nt made near the amount of mistakes that I have made. It's beautiful to be human.

I hope all of my readers will contact their Senators and tell them to vote in favor of SB 1430. Our Film Infrastructure is on its last legs. It's up to us to not go away!

Snakes outta nowhere...

Something else, that I learned about at the Longwood Townhall meeting; PYTHONS!! Sen. Lee Constantine explained the urgency to enact laws that will protect our children, pets, and natural habitat. These snakes are not nateve to Fl. nor are they a native species to the United States. We need tougher laws on the import of these snakes as well as punishment for those that bring the snakes into our country.
Please contact your State legislators on this frightening issue. Thank=You!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!! WE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT OUR STATE LAWMAKERS WILL FINALLY GET IT, AND INSTALL A STRONG FILM INCENTIVE PROGRAM THIS SUMMER. WE CAN ONLY HOPE!!

ENJOY THE NEW YEAR! ENJOY ALL OF THE COLLEGE BOWL GAMES AND I HOPE THIS NEW YEAR WILL BE MUCH BETTER FOR EVERYONE! GET OUTTA HERE 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Florida Jobs Summit.

THE 2010 FLORIDA JOBS SUMMIT
Florida's next Senate president and House speaker will convene a statewide-focused Florida Jobs Summit in January to build consensus on a policy direction for the 2010 session of the Florida Legislature for boosting investment, economic growth and job creation in the Sunshine State.
With some economists predicting that Florida's job woes may persist to 2012 or beyond, the Florida Jobs Summit will focus on developing a targeted state strategy in three key action areas:
Identifying and removing barriers to new jobs development,
Developing appropriate financial and tax incentives to lure new jobs to Florida, and
Enabling existing employers to create new jobs and retain existing jobs.
The Florida Jobs Summit will be held in Orlando Jan. 15, 2010, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, and will bring together diverse stakeholders representing business, government, education and labor to discuss and develop a smart, strong and strategic agenda for restoring the state's economy to robust growth.
Already, leaders of several key professional organizations have indicated support for the summit and an intention to actively participate. Groups that have already expressed such interest include Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Retail Federation, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the AFL-CIO and the Florida Education Association.
Sen. Haridopolos and Rep. Cannon are seeking input and participation from leaders in all sectors of Florida's economy. We encourage you to register for this important event to help build consensus and develop a new policy direction for promoting job creation in 2010.
Note:
The Florida Jobs Summit will hold a public comment session in early afternoon following the lunch program. This session will be free and open to the public.

Can't touch this...yet.

I promised to cover the Governor's race this month. I have yet to receive a reply from my emails to Bill McCollum and Alex Sink. Probably due to the Holiday season. When I learn where they stand, on bringing Major Film Pdn. back to Fl., I will pass their comments on to you.

Orlando Sentinel: Fl's. Job losses...

Florida sees worst job losses in U.S.
Metro Orlando unemployment jumps to 11.8%



There's little holiday cheer in the latest unemployment figures, which show Florida lost more jobs in November than any state in the nation.Employers shed 16,700 positions last month, pushing unemployment to 11.5 percent. Michigan lost the second-highest number of jobs, with 14,000 positions eliminated from October to November.Florida's unemployment rate is up two-tenths of a point from October's revised rate of 11.3 percent and is at its highest point since May 1975.Metropolitan Orlando's unemployment rate climbed even higher, to 11.8 percent, up three-tenths of a point from October's revised rate. At the county level, Osceola came in at 13.3 percent, Polk at 12.9 percent, Lake at 12.7 percent, Volusia at 12.3 percent, Brevard at 11.9 percent, Orange at 11.7 percent and Seminole at 10.9 percent.Flagler County had the state's highest jobless rate: 16.8 percent. Tiny Liberty County in the Panhandle had the lowest: 6.1 percent.The statewide average represents about 1.05 million unemployed people out of a labor force of 9.2 million. Florida's unemployment rate has climbed 4.3 percentage points since this time last year and is now 1.5 points higher than the national average.Companies aren't hemorrhaging workers the way they were early this year, but they aren't calling back laid-off employees either."We're seeing less and less bad news," said Mark Vitner, a senior economist with Wells Fargo & Co., "but there's really no evidence yet that businesses are hiring."That reluctance to add employees is likely to continue for several months. Even with some economic indicators brightening, employers will not want to add jobs until they are comfortable the recovery has taken root and consumers are willing to open their pocketbooks.Consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of all economic activity in the U.S.Analysts also said businesses will remain guarded until it is clear how they'll be affected by ongoing debates on health-care reform and environmental regulations."They need to see how those things are going to shake out," Vitner said. "They're not ready yet to take risks."As grim as Friday's numbers are, they don't reflect the full misery of the state's labor market.A broader measure includes discouraged workers who have stopped looking for jobs and people who have been forced to work part time when they would prefer full-time employment. When those folks are thrown into the mix, the percentage of people unemployed or underemployed soars to 18.7 percent.Florida's losses have come from virtually every sector of the labor market, with construction taking the biggest hit. In the past year alone, state officials said, more than 73,000 building jobs have vanished — a 15.4 percent drop. From October to November alone, the jobless report said, more than 9,000 construction jobs disappeared.But Craig Thomas, a senior economist and vice president with PNC Bank, is skeptical about that number. He thinks losses in the building industry may be overstated in Friday's report, because surveyors tend to focus on larger companies at the expense of smaller operations."I don't think they're catching those workaday crews who are working out of a truck," he said. "The guys doing a single house or maybe a few refurbishing jobs."Thomas said there are a handful of national indicators that bode well for Florida: People are saving more, corporate earnings have improved, retail sales were up in November and the stock market has rallied.The net effect, Thomas said, is that "household psyche is improving" — and that will ultimately help Florida."All those things may lead to a pretty good travel season," he said. "At least compared to last year, when it looked like the world was going to end."Tourism-industry officials are less sanguine, however. They don't expect an upturn until 2011.Politically, the state's stubbornly high jobless rate has become a liability for both parties. Democrats have tried to hang it around the neck of Republican Gov. Charlie Crist — saying he has done little to bring it under control — while the GOP has blasted Democrats for supporting a federal stimulus package that they contend has been ineffective.

Register to Vote...NOW!

Then go vote in the Primaries for your political party. They should be in Feb. or March. Then vote OUT every single incumbent in our States Legislature. That's our State of Florida's House of Representatives and Florida's Senate. No excuses. PLEASE! JUST DO IT! Just because they tell you they promise to be for an Improved Fl. Incentive package does not mean that what they MIGHT support will be enough. Ask them about how they have voted, in the past, on Film Incentives. Anything short of a 30% Tax Rebate over a span of three years will not be sufficient enough to compete with Louisiana and Michigan.

From the Orlando Sentinel blogpage...

The following article was in the Saturday, Dec. 19th, edition of the Orlando Sentinel which was in the "Etan on Tech" blog by Etan Horowitz.




Video game maker Electronic Arts’ Tiburon facility in Maitland is often cited as the cornerstone of Central Florida’s digital media industry.
But as I’ve reported before, other states like Louisiana are gunning for those local EA jobs and trying to land other pieces of the EA’s operations.
Today, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that EA is looking at both Atlanta and Savannah as possible locations for a game development facility that would focus on product testing. The paper said that the facility could employ up to 300 people and that Georgia is believed to have offered EA a free lease on a warehouse in downtown Savannah.
Craig Hagen, EA’s director of government affairs for North America, confirmed that EA is looking at Georgia, as well as at Florida, Louisiana, Quebec and Ontario. Hagen said that EA is “actively looking to move development out of high cost locations like California,” where EA is headquartered. Hagen said that the company has ruled out Texas.
“Investment incentives in GA, LA, ON and QC make them attractive,” Hagen wrote in an e-mail. “There is a great opportunity for FL to pass a tax credit incentive and become even more attractive.”
Although Hagen has said EA is not looking to abandon Florida, he has said that the state needs to become more aggressive with its tax incentives so it can better compete with states like Louisiana.
“Florida is at risk of not being competitive with other states relative to these incentives programs,” Hagen told me in October. “I understand the fiscal pressure that Florida faces, and it is a difficult thing, but they need to realize the economic incentives are what should grow the economy and turn the pressure down.”
Last month, EA announced that it expected to save at least $100 million a year by cutting 1,500 jobs by the end of March, closing some studios, and restructuring its businesses to focus on its most-profitable games and on the growing mobile- and online-gaming markets.
Although Tiburon makes some of the company’s most successful games including Madden NFL Football and Tiger Woods PGA Tour, it was not immune from the cost cutting as 51 employees there were laid off.

Is It Our Turn Now?

From the Thursday Dec. 17th edition of the Orlando

Sentinel.


TALLAHASSEE - With an old steam engine and the planned site of a depot just yards away, Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill into law Wednesday that should lead to the construction and operation of SunRail, Central Florida's first commuter train.The downtown Orlando ceremony, repeated in three other cities by Crist, triggered applause from an estimated 200 civic leaders, politicians and residents who gathered at Church Street Station."This will be one of the most significant days in the history of Central Florida," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who joined Crist and seven others on a platform placed in the middle of the street near a set of tracks that SunRail could use.Crist, calling the event "an A-letter day," said, "This is about jobs, jobs, jobs. If ever there was a time that we needed an infusion [of jobs] … this rail project makes our statement loud and clear."Dyer predicted at least 8,000 jobs would be created to build the $1.2 billion train system, which eventually will run 61.5 miles from Deland in Volusia County through downtown Orlando to Poinciana in Osceola County. Thousands more jobs could result from related development along the corridor, he has said.Construction could begin in June, once a funding agreement with the federal government is made final and the tracks are purchased from the CSX railroad company in Jacksonville. In total, CSX will be paid $491 million.Trains could begin to run along the first 30 miles — from DeBary in Volusia to Sand Lake Road in south Orange County — in late 2012, though that could slide into 2013. The second half of the system could open two years later.A handful of protesters attended Wednesday's celebration, holding waffles and signs that decried taxes. The breakfast food was in reference to three SunRail-related e-mails from within the state Department of Transportation bearing the subject lines of "Pancakes," "pancake" and "French Toast."State Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, and one of her supporters, Orlando political consultant Doug Guetzloe, say the subject lines were an attempt by agency officials to dodge Dockery's public-records requests for SunRail-related correspondence during last week's special session that produced the bill.FDOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos denied that, saying the language was used merely to get her attention amid the scores of e-mails she receives daily. She did not travel with Crist for any of the events, and the governor said he did not know where she was.Crist said he did not consider delaying the bill signings because of the controversy."I don't think they affect the legislation at all," he said.Crist called the bill passed by the Legislature last week a glimpse into "Florida's transportation future" that could set the stage for commuter trains in metro areas as diverse as Orlando, South Florida and Tampa and Jacksonville, all possibly connected one day by high-speed rail."These passenger-rail projects are the building blocks of a better statewide transportation network. They will yield benefits far beyond the rail lines themselves," Crist said.The new law set up an insurance-liability agreement with CSX that determines who pays for what if there were an accident with SunRail, and it allocated $15 million in gas-tax money to South Florida's cash-strapped commuter-rail system, Tri-Rail. The law also created a state transit board.Supporters think the legislation could position Florida to win up to $2.6 billion in federal stimulus money to build a high-speed train that would link Orlando with Lakeland and Tampa.The Obama administration has set aside $8 billion for the venture, and transit administrators are sifting through 45 requests from 24 states seeking a total of $50 billion. An additional 214 applications from 34 states are asking for $7 billion for planning and smaller projects.Critics contend that SunRail won't attract many riders because it doesn't connect to Walt Disney World or Orlando International Airport. They also maintain the job-creation numbers for the project are overstated.The SunRail law was defeated twice in the Senate before winning passage during the special session last week.Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, called the first two attempts as "strikes" followed by a home run.Dan Tracy can be reached at dtracy@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5444. Aaron Deslatte can be reached at adeslatte@orlandosentinel.com or 850-222-5564.
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Hope Your Holiday Season is a Joyous One!

These, certainly, are not the best of times for our Professionals in our Film Industry. Let's hope that people will take the steps needed to bring Major Film Pdn. back to our State.
HERE'S HOPING THAT YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A NEW YEAR THAT HAS POSITIVE CHANGE FOR OUR INDUSTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NEXT MONTH WILL BE A POST ABOUT THE GOVERNORS RACE. A VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION!

Florida's Jobless Rate Up.

The Front Page of Saturday's Orlando Sentinel stated: "Florida's Jobless rate up...again". It's in double digits at 11.2%. Let's hope people show-up at next year's election. A big part of that will be the Governor's race. The outcome of that race could truly decide the ultimate fate for Film Production for Fl. Think about that when you are having your tryptophan withdrawal on Turkey Day!

Those Tallahassee Puppeteers.

It's that time again! You know the one. The one when the folks at Film in Florida, the Governors employees, get everyone's hope up...again. It's time to compete, with 38 other States, for a piece of the Film Production pie.

Last March, there was a bill written to Thank Film Producers with a 20% unlimited Tax Credit program. Whatever happened to that? It seemed to just disappear during last summers Budget session. Cue the theme music to the Twilight Zone. Instead, the wonderful and charitable Lawmakers approved a paltry $10 Million. That covered, pretty much, only the productions that already were here. To say that it just was'nt a busy year would be an insult to those folks in our industry that had to move out of Fl., or to those that have been away from family for periods on end. It would also be an insult to those that had to go on unemployment and/or foodstamps. An insult to those that had to foreclose on their homes. I could go on, but; WHY?

People, in this industry, have been lectured for years about the politics of Tallahassee. Do you think anyone has learned anything from those lectures. Those same people have also been informed that you just can't change a Leopards spots. That means that you can't change a political party's core values and pricipals. However, it is very important to know what they are.

The majority of Legislators, in Tallahassee, are either Republican or Democrat. Do you know what they're bottom line principals are? Is that Important? Yes it is...financially speaking. If a politician believes in low taxes and reduced spending, they are not going to support a tax credit for film production. Even though people will argue that Fl. will get several dollars back for every dollar the State spends, there will be a majority of politicians that will see that; as either a tax increase or, more importantly, they will fear that their constituents will view it that way. This has happened the past two years and if our upcoming budget session proves that Fl. will be in the Red again; then expect another paltry raise in Film Incentives, at best. They just don't get the fact that Film Production will help REVIVE the economy. You can tell them that over and over and over and over again, and they still won't get it. To be fair; the Democrats spending and raising taxes created this mess. People finally got tired of giving their hard earned money away and voted-in the majority that we now have representing us.

We just don't have a decent selection of smart-business-type, middle-of-the-road-politicians running for office. I'm talking about smart business people that when see a bargain, they know it's a bargain and they jump on it. The folks up in Tallahassee are harder to convince than a four year old child. That pretty much says it all about our State Reps. To make things worse; the State's Budget is projected to stay in the Red up through the year 2013. This is a budget projection that the November 20, 2009 edition of the Orlando Sentinel featured on their Front page.


Should we continue the fight for bringing Film Production back to Fl.? Of course. We just have to be realistic about the odds of that happening. We have to understand what we are up against. We have to understand that these Legislators are not your everyday Business Professionals. Persistence can only win with those that are willing to change the minds of people that place persistence at the highest level of achievement. The Lawmaker, in Tallahassee, cannot do that if that persistence interferes with one of their core values. You might not want to believe that. You might not like that. I can assure you that at the end the day: that's the way it is. That is what fuels politicians. Core values. If there is a projection that our State of Florida will be in the Red by 2.6 billion dollars, during the next Budget session in the early summer of 2010, do you think our leadership will act any differently from how they acted last year? Do you think that same leadership will invest in our State by bringing Film Producers and their hundreds of millions of dollars back to Fl.? Or... will they continue to cut and slash the budget, thereby leading to a loss of more jobs? Do you honestly believe that they will honestly do something that helps the people of Fl.? That they will take new steps to create jobs in Fl.? That, We the people, can influence our Representatives decisions? Have you spoken to a Four year old lately?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing You and Yours the Happiest and safest THANKSGIVING...EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What to do, What to do?

Yippee Kay Yay, or something like that.

I was thinking about changing the title of this blog, then I decided...naaahh. The target will always be bringing massive film production to Fl. With that said, we also need to support the Orlando Downtown Performing Arts Center. They are talking about breaking ground for two of the Theatre forums. The sooner...the better.

There is a lot of Community theatre going on now. Support this in any way you can. If you are an Actor; audition. If not; volunteer your time to a community theatre as an usher, or program giver, anything. If you have money to donate to a theatre, then by all means please do that. The best way to prove to people that we deserve a Performing Arts Center is to support our Community Theatres.

Actors: we need to keep our acting skills sharp. Continue to go over your monologue and audition at every opportunity you get. You can't control the weather but you can always be prepared for it.

One last thing. This State, especially the Orlando area, has taken a severe hit with the loss of so many Acting Schools and Teaching professionals. There should be alot more of a demand, for acting schools, than there is. There are people attending auditions with no training whatsoever. Here's a clue: IT SHOWS!!!

Buh-Bye!

The term Better is in the eyes of the beholder.

News & Events
DIRECTOR’S CUT
5/1/2009
Regular session is not over yet but, we now know where we will stand in the appropriations bill – $10.8 for the film and entertainment incentive and $453,296 for the operating expense of the Office of Film and Entertainment (OFE).These appropriations represent roughly a 100% increase in the incentive and a 40% decrease in the operating expenses. Note that the four salaried positions in the OFE are not part of the operating budget, and they have stayed intact. The House members exhibited solid support for the incentive appropriation holding their $12 million position until the very end of the Joint Budget Conference process and the Senate generously came up from their original $5 million to $10.8 million. This bodes well for next year considering we just doubled our incentive appropriation while other programs were slashed or completely eliminated. I interpret this as validation that we (and I mean the “collective we”) have accomplished most of our key goals this year: educating legislators about the value of the industry and what it can contribute to Florida’s economy – both short and long term; identifying new champions for our cause; and gaining broad support in both chambers. We have a good foundation for our continuing efforts to increase the competitiveness of our film and entertainment incentives in Florida. Session extends into next week, and we expect that the conference committee report will go to printers on Monday and be available for the public review process, also known as the 72-hour cooling off period, beginning Tuesday. Legislators will return to Tallahassee to vote the budget out on Friday and send it to the Governor for his signature. For those who wish to thank the joint budget committee conferees, I’ve provided e-mail addresses below. Transportation and Economic Development Budget Committee members (Senator or Representative can be determined by the e-mail address):

So, It's Pretty much done.

It's pretty much done. The House and Senate have agreed to a 10.8 million dollar film budget.
Am I surprised? No. In fact, it's kind of what I expected. We asked people to vote for change last year. They did'nt. We asked people to sign an online petition: Most did'nt.
Through the fog of disappointment we must give Bravos and Curtain Calls to the following:
The Florida Film Production Coalition. They were new this year but they did an outstanding job. They did everything in their power to make things better and we should applaud them.
All of the people that signed FFPC's Petition for Tax Credits and better Film Incentives.
All of the people that wrote their representatives.

Now. For the people that disappointed:
Lucia Fishburne. She should resign. She had two years as the directior of Film in Florida and she has failed.
FFEAC: They are great at getting people's hopes up but, other than that, they are pretty useless,as well as powerless.
Gov. Crist: Can you say Senate Run in 2010. Captain Spineless is more concerned about his political future compared to our State's future.
The State Senate and State House. Sorry folks. There will be more disappointment every budget year until People vote them out and bring in those that will truly support our Film Industry.
Those people in our Industry that did'nt support our movement. Whether it being: signing the petition, or writing your State Representatives, or VOTING!! Most of you do-nothings are usually the ones that whine the loudest when you don't get work. Note to You: Don't whine to me!

Time to Rock, or Get Rolled Over.

April 28, 2009
Florida Film Production Coalition Inc. News Bulletin
Calling All Film Industry Workforce, Associations, Support Services Into Action Today - May 6, 2009.
Email Blast, Phone Calls, Faxes Campaign: Calling All Film Industry Professionals Into Action.
The Florida 2009 Legislative Session: Extended until next week ending between May 4-8 with a deadline for the Budget to be presented on Sunday, May 3, 2009. At this time your voice is crucial, therefore we request you to call and/or email/fax this week Key Leadership and Conferee's based on the attached email/phone list of Legislatures/ or go the link http://www.floridafilmproductioncoalition.com and click write a letter tab. There is a letter template with a mail merge.

Recommended targeting: Key Leadership , Committee Chairs &, Co Chairs in both House and Senate, and the House & Senate Conference Conferees, to support both funding for the transferable corporate tax credit and appropriations that have been marked for our industry. Both the House, and the Senate is going into conference this afternoon in order to finalize the state budget by Sunday. The House has $15 million, the Senate $5 million and Governor $10 million, currently allocated under Appropriations.

Our Message: We request support of BOTH the Transferable Tax Credit using film industry as pilot model for tax credit based on our performance track record and Appropriations at a minimum of $15 million. Share your personal message and gratitude for the vote of support of this critical incentive legislation.
Below:
FFPC Template Letter ~ Flyer of Top 10 Reason to Support the Film, TV & Digital Media Industry
Attached:
Committees & Members contact list ~ Budget Conference Conferees ~ Copy of FFPC Letter ~ & Top Ten Reasons to Support the Film, TV & Digital Media Industry.
Some Key Leadership Names to Target: Representative Crutel, Speaker of the House, Rep. Dean Cannon, Rep .Richard Gloriouso, Rep .Carroll, Rep. Dave Mursin, Rep. Precourt, Rep. Ambler, Senator Atwater, President of the Senate, Senator JD Alexander, Senator Mike Fasano, Senator Altman, Senator Rudy Garcia, Senator Haridopolos, Senator De La Portilla, Senator Dan Gelber and Senator Gaetz
________________________________________________________________________________________
TEMPLATE
See below...this can be written as an individual constituent, hence the use of "I", as well as for a business or collection of businesses, as in "we."

TEMPLATE USED BY:

A Senator's take on Tax Credits.

This is from the Brandenton Herald.


MANATEE — If you saw “Marley and Me,” a film featuring scenes of a goofy dog enjoying daily runs along a gorgeous Florida beach, you’ll understand why legislators are discussing how best to lure film and video production companies to the state.
“Of course, our big hit was ‘Marley & Me.’ That was pretty super, filmed in Fort Lauderdale,” said state Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Sarasota, a co-sponsor of legislation designed to attract the entertainment industry. “Plus, it’s such a great free ad for the state of Florida.”
Detert’s bill, Senate Bill 350, is among Florida’s latest attempts to attract a greater share of the entertainment business as competing states ramp up their offerings.
The legislation would convert the existing incentive from a cash reimbursement based on a company’s expenditures to a transferable credit the company could claim against sales and corporate income taxes, according to a staff analysis of the bill.
“My goal is to not just offer tax incentives to make one film, but to attract the entire industry for full-time film-making,” the senator said. “This is one of the few industries we can promise to provide a fully educated work force.”
In addition to postcard-perfect scenery and an enviable climate, Florida is blessed with many film schools, such as Sarasota’s Ringling College of Art and Design, the University of Central Florida in Orlando and Florida State University in Tallahassee, Detert noted.
Many famous film stars already own homes here and would like to work here as well, she added.
“I’m sure if we offer the right kinds of financing, they’d make films here, and that’s the direction we need to move. We need to be job creators instead of talking about cutting everything,” Detert explained.
“Those are all high-wage jobs and great for Florida.”
Whether almost $20 million in incentives the state has appropriated in years past will still be part of the package is as yet undecided because of the dearth of money available this year due to recession, said Detert.
“Our biggest competition is other states. Everybody would like to have film-making, so our biggest competitor in prior years was Louisiana because they can make Louisiana look like Florida, and they get paid for going to Louisiana,” said Detert. “They put $70 million in their fund; we had $20 million.”
Despite a huge budget deficient, California came up with $100 million to try to hang onto its film industry, she said.
Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, is among the co-sponsors of a companion bill in the state House of Representatives.
Detert predicted the bills would win passage before the end of the legislative session May 1.
“I would think this one is a very easy bill to pass,” said Detert, the Senate’s majority whip.
Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at (941) 708-7908 or at skennedy@bradenton.com

Message from FFPC.

Earl Perque sent a message to the members of Florida Film Production Coalition (FFPC).

--------------------Subject: Last Week To Sign Online Petition!!

The Florida Film Production Coalition

For Immediate Release:

FFPC Alert Last Week to Sign On- Petition.

The Florida Film, TV and Digital Media Financial Incentive Online Petition is to be delivered to State of Florida Leadership next week. Please sign and send to your Clients, Industry Workforce, Friends, and Family today. If you have signed we thank you for your time and support. This is our last week to sign.

We have less than a month before the Florida Legislative Session is over on May 02. Time is of the essence. Please sign today! Your voice counts. The Bills are Senate Bill 350/ House Bill 47 and HB Bill 43.

April 6, 2009South Florida:

On March 3, 2009, the Florida Film Production Coalition released an online petition to gain support from Florida Residents, Film Industry Workforce, Support Services and related industries for the Film and Entertainment Financial Incentive Legislation for the State of Florida 2009/2010.

Click this link to sign:http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.PetitionOnline.com%2Fffpc09%2Fpetition.html

The purpose of this online petition is send a strong message of the importance and critical nature of these important Legislative Bills to Governor Crist, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Leadership in the House of Representatives and the Senate of the State of Florida.

The need is urgent for a competitive, strong, transferable corporate tax credit film and entertainment incentive program in the State of Florida. We cannot wait for until next year. Why? The Workforce and related industries are suffering unemployment, loss of business, forced to work out of State at the same time away from their families, furthermore may be forced to relocate out of State. Our infrastructure is slowly deteriorating , some businesses are forced to close or relocate to states that are prospering from a generous film incentive programs.

"Marley and Me" was the last full length feature film that ended principal photography in June of 2008 in Florida. Due to the lack of quality incentives, Studios have gone to other States that offer a bang for their buck and as a result the workforce in the State of Florida has lost jobs and Florida has loss millions of dollars in revenues.

The Film Industry has been in the State of Florida since the early 1920’s beginning with its' root in Jacksonville, the capital of the Silent Film Industry. This industry creates jobs, needs jobs and is fighting to survive and maintain it's infrastructure that grew as a solid foundation over the years since Flipper and Gentle Ben began filming in South Florida in the sixties. Our crews and support services have an excellent reputation in the United States. We are in jeopardy of loosing our solid crew base and support services to other states i.e. Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Michigan and New Mexico.

The Film and Entertainment Industry can contribute to Florida’s Economy through smart incentives attracting immediate Iinvestments with an infusion of Film Productions into our State thereby creating jobs, strengthening our infrastructure and attaching tourism through marketing.

Click this link http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.PetitionOnline.com%2Fffpc09%2Fpetition.html

Together We Can Make A Difference!

Maria Kittyle Chavez
President
Florida Film Production Coalition

http://www.facebook.com/l.phpu=http://www.Floridafilmproductioncoalition.comffpcoalitoni@aol.comCell: 305 588-0087--------------------

To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/inbox/readmessage.php&t=1075181717952&mid=436658G3de9693bG346c99G0

Deja Vu?

Below is a report, from Film in Fl., about the current status on the upcoming fiscal year's film budget.
Sometimes you have to read behind the lines, because that is how the Governor's people deliver bad news.
On the Senate's front burner is the same as last year. $5million in tax incentives. On the House's side $15million. The first will destroy the Fl. Film Infrastructure, the latter will just put another nail in the coffin.
Oh, what about those attractive tax credits; you ask? As it says below, in code, SB 350 is on hold in the Tax and Finance committee and has a very good chance of dying there. Ken Pruitt sits on that board and there should'nt be any secret about his disdain for any kind of Film Incentive. He was the Senate President last year. As far as the House goes: The tax credit bills have not even been read by any committee.
Now, do you understand why I was imploring everyone to vote last year? People said, well there are new people in Tallahassee. But who were those new people? You can't put lipstick on a pig and turn it into anything else.
The fat lady is warming up for her debut at Fl.'s Film Funeral (FFF) and the apathetic ones among most of those in our States industry, that have'nt signed FFPC's petition, are strongly encouraging her to give her final performance!


NEWS:

DIRECTOR’S CUT

Appropriations Progress

Senate: Senate Transportation and Economic Development (TED) Appropriations Committee this week passed its appropriations bill (SB 7060). There were no changes to their earlier proposed budget items for the Office of Film and Entertainment operating expenses ($753,296) and the entertainment incentive ($5 million). The bill, submitted by Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee as SPB 7072 goes to Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means on Tuesday afternoon.

House: The House Transportation and Economic Development (TED) Appropriations Committee finalized their Chairman's recommendations to send to the Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development for vote next Tuesday afternoon. They increased their budget recommendation for the entertainment incentive from $12 million to $15 million. No increase for the Office of Film and Entertainment operating expenses ($453,296) which represents a $300,000 reduction to OFE operating expenses. The Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development bill, CEED1-09, was filed on 4/2/09.

Keep an eye out for amendments for both these bills that might impact the film appropriation. Below is the deadline for amendments; however there can also be “late-filed” amendments:

Senate
Monday, April 06, 2009 - 1:30 pmAmendments to bills and amendments to proposed committee substitutes must be submitted by 1:30pm Monday to the appropriate appropriations committee staff to be considered.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 10:00 amAmendments to amendments and substitute amendments must be submitted by 10am Tuesday to the appropriate appropriations committee staff to be considered.

House
Friday, April 03, 2009 - 5:00 pmAll main amendments for the proposed General Appropriations bills and related implementing and conforming bills must be filed by 5pm Friday, April 3rd, for Full Appropriations Councils meeting on Tuesday, April 07, 2009. Amendments are to be filed with the Council that is considering the bill to be amended.Monday, April 06, 2009 - 8:00 amPackages of amendments will be available no later than 8 a.m. Monday, April 06, 2009 - 1:00 pmAll amendments to the amendments and substitute amendments must be filed with the Council that is considering the bill to be amended.

Tax Credit Bill Progress

SB 350 (Haridopolos) remains in Senate Finance and Tax. It is not anticipated that it will be taken up next week. Senators Detert and Sobel are signed on as co-sponsors.

There appears to be no movement for either of the two tax credit bills in the House (HB 43 and HB 47). HB 47 (Precourt), the companion to SB 350 (Haridopolos) has however, attracted more cosponsors. They include Representatives Bovo, Holder, Hudson, Kelly, O'Toole, Porth, Rehwinkel-Vasilinda, Soto, Tobia, and Steinberg.

The Senate Select Committee continues to work on their package, which includes an entertainment industry tax credit per the language of SB350.

It is anticipated that the legislature will wrap around noon next Wednesday and resume work on the following Monday, April 13th.

Lucia Fishburne
State Film Commissioner

Waiting...

Pretty much a fact of life. Things don't go as quickly as we would like them to. However, there are also times when we wish things would slow down. Film Production did'nt just slow down, over the last year, it pretty much died. Most of us never wished for that to happen.

The Florida Film Production Coalition did a Brilliant job in Rallying folks to Tallahassee, on March 18th and 19th, and all of the people that traveled; did a great job stating our cause to bring Film Production back to Fl.

As many know, by now, FFPC also has an online petition. Just go to:
http://www.petitiononline.com/ffpc09/petition.html . Then register, it's very easy. Trust me. I did it and I'm a computer illiterate. The petition started out like gangbusters. At times there were anywhere from 100 to 200 signatures a day. Now it has slowed to a snails pace. With about 2 to 7 signatures a day. The last time I viewed the petitions signatures; it was just over 3600. How can anyone, directly affected or indirectly affected, accept that number when we have some 100,000 people that have directly worked in Film, TV, or commercials when there was work?!

This post is going to be the only type of post, with the exception of different words, that you will be seeing until the budget session is over and we find out what the conclusion will be.

I'm sorry. Yes, I am taking this very personal. This is how I make enough money to buy and do things that I have to do. There are workshops and classes that I would like to take. I would like to get my car's AC fixed, which has been broke for over a year. I could use some decent clothes. Many are in a worse predicament...and by granting tax credits; it will not be putting Film Production ahead of Schools or Healthcare. That argument is so rediculous that I question the intelligence of those that even think that. BRINGING FILM PRODUCTION BACK TO OUR STATE WILL ONLY BRING MORE MONEY INTO THE STATES COFFERS TO HELP TO FINANCE SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE. PLEASE WRITE THAT DOWN.

I said before; We will need at least 10,ooo signatures on FFPC's petition. FFPC wants 20,000. The way things are going; we might not reach 5000 signatures. Not unless the apathetic ones get over their apathy. Not unless, those that have signed, spread the word to every business and business person to sign the petition. Not unless those, that are working in other States that can't find a few minutes to register and sign up, will suddenly see the light and find a few minutes to sign up.

If you don't care enough about our State to sign your name to an online petition, Then go ahead and buy a house in Michigan or Louisiana. Because that is what most of those, in our industry, are going to do after July.

Thee Petition...Part Two.

Since last week, FFPC's petition has increased by about 1000 signatures. Kudos to all that have signed. It shows that you definitely want change.

The bad news is that, in today's newspaper, the State underestimated the budget deficit by about one billion dollars. If the legislature does not support Governor Crist's request to approve the 4.7 billion in Stimulus money, that our State got from Wash. D.C., and approve the added gaming tables at Seminole Hard Rock ( Tampa ), which will bring in over 100 million dollars a year. It's a very good chance that the cutting and slashing could hit the Film Budget, again.

I don't know how to tell you how desperate this situation is. I've tried over the past three years. I don't know what I can say that I or someone else has'nt already said.
Our State should not have any trouble at getting 50,000 signatures on a petition for this film industry. There is no excuse for all of the apathy from people in our Industry.

Keep talking to your friends, students, teachers, classmates, actors and crew on the set, waiters and waitresses, Hotel people, anyone and everyone!!

This very well may be our last chance to do something. Believe it!

Thee Petition...

Since the Florida Film Production Coalition's ( FFPC ) petition started, it took off like gangbusters. Now it has slowed down. The last time I viewed the list of signatures, just minutes ago, it was at 2372. Some will say that's not bad. The problem is that when that petition is submitted to our State lawmakers; it's going to have to have, at least, 10,000 signatures. Where do I get that number from? Everyone has told Tallahassee legistors that the film industry employs about 100,o00 people. We would need at least 10% of that 100,000 to appear on that petition to have any kind of impact on those same lawmakers.

I looked at all the names on that petition and about 3000 FL. SAG Actors are not on the list. Is that professional? Do they care if Fl. loses it Film infrastructure. Where Are They?! We need them now, more than ever. Where is the Fl. SAG leadership when it comes to informing all of the members about this petition. The stakes are too high for the Status Quo.

Thousands and Thousands of people, in this business just don't get it and their apathy is going to kill Fl.'s Film Industry in the near future.

FFPC Petition.

If you have'nt signed Florida Film Production Coalition's Petition to encourage our State lawmakers to pass a healthy Film Incentive program; Please click this link and register to put your name on the list at:http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ffpc09/petition.html . I know that there are FFEAC members that have ties to alot of the tourist industry's workplaces. Theme Parks, Hotels, Restaurants, and on and on. The word has to get to those that are indirectly affected, but still ARE affected by Fl.'s Film production standstill.
I must say that I do not understand why my friends, in the acting world, have not responded. Someone asks a favor from me and I'll do everything I can to help that person. We're talking about a signature. We're talking about re-creating jobs. We're talking about keeping Fl.'s Film Infrastructure from crumbling into ashes. What sane person would have a problem with that? I don't ask favors from anyone very often and, like in the GodFather, I will not ask for a second favor when I have been refused the first.
People need to take this issue seriously and do so very soon! We're running out of time.

SAG Get-Together

Last Friday evening, Central Fl. SAG folks turned out at the Ember Restaurant and Lounge. This was the Third get-together orchestrated by SAG Central Fl. Rep.: Dave Fazekas.

This was my first but it was great to see old friends and meet new ones. Everybody was great and smiling and having a good time.

We talked shop and this 'n that and just had a great time together. We all enjoyed each others company...together. When you are among friends, happiness warms the blood.

There was no bickering, no in-fighting. It were as if we had ALL been friends for a long time, even though many us had met for the first time.

We need more of that. We need to hear more good things than bad. A friend came up to me and grabbed my shoulders and told me how much this blogsite had meant to him. He might have known, or he might not have, that he was giving me a huge infusion of support and encouragement. I must say that there were times that I would ask myself if there was anybody out there listening. It's a great feeling to know that there are some that do listen and do care.

It is my sincere hope that more people will show up, Union or non-Union, at the next SAG Party. We all need that infusion every now and then.

Now it Starts.

It's March and it's that time of Year. The time when the House and Senate start their sessions to come up with a new State budget for 2009 to 2010. That includes either a Film Incentive plan or Tax Credit plan for Film Production.


Sadly, the Governor's proposed budget for film is a mere 10 million dollars. Twice of what last year's film budget was, but would barely make a ripple in our predicament.


As I mentioned in a previous post, there are 2 House bills and 2 Senate bills. One proposing $25million per year in tax credits over a 3 year period and the other offers UNLIMITED TAX CREDITS OF 20%. The last one would bring a truckload of Theatricals, TV Series, and Commercials and possibly: webisodes. It would create thousands of jobs related directly and indirectly to the Film Industry. If we don't succeed in getting a major tax credit budget in film, we will see our film infrastructure vanish before our very eyes. There were the naysayers last year when I warned them of the circumstances that we all would suffer from slashing our film budget from $25million to a paltry $5mil in the last budget. Where are the naysayers now. The unemployment line...that's WHERE!


I'll say it again and again. If our lawmakers do not hear from us, we will really suffer this time. Take it to the Bank. This put a smiley face on and hope for the best is nothing but a giant pile of Crapola. As far as the people that are getting involved for the first time go, good for you; and welcome aboard. We need every single person that we can find that is willing to support our cause. Again, whether or not they benefit directly from film: does not matter. The probabilities are close to 100% that they will be effected indirectly, even if they have'nt been already. Have you seen all of those Job Fairs on the local news? Have you seen the crowds and long lines of people that have attended those same Job Fairs? Get the Picture? Not many did last year.


If you can afford to go to Tallahassee for the "Rally in Tally" on March 18th or 19th ( whatever date they finally decide on;it's changed several times already), you should go. If not: you need to write to your State House Representative and your State Senate Representative. Like right now! We have a second chance. Don't count on a third. There won't be anyone left in the State for a third chance. Not anyone in the Film business.

School Days, School Days...

You've heard it over and over again. To stay sharp, while you're not working, you should take classes and workshops. If not you lose the ability to properly exhibit your craft.

I went to three acting schools. All three are pretty much now defunct, with the possibility of KVG ( a school owned by Ken and Valerie Grant ), That was my first school, when it was a Studio over on Pine Street. They had some great instructors; Rus Blackwell, Brett Rice, Tracey Frankel, Ginny Kopf, Greg Neff, and, of course, Ken and Valerie.

I then attended The Studio Acting Co., owned by David Goldin. The school featured the teachings of Eric Morris and Jeff Breslauer was the Instructor.

Next stop: Zoe & Co. Again my instructor was Rus Blackwell and another very good instructor at Zoe's was Dennis Neal. I also attended several workshops offered by Casting Directors and Acting Coaches.

There are now some new acting studios and maybe a handful, such as Lisa Maile, that have been around for decades. However, it seems that many more don't seem to last very long. Why is that?

Most, if not all professional actors have, at least, the basics when it comes to training in the acting field. Many wannabes do not. They do not invest in the training it takes to work in this business. Harsh, but true. One year of High School drama class does'nt come close. Some don't even have that...and it SHOWS!

One element in Fl.'s acting infrastructure that is terribly weak is; the lack of acting schools and instuctors available in our State. In order to grow a large professional talent pool, this has to change.

I have an offer to any acting school. If you want to advertise on this blogsite, I will put your business card, or whatever advertisement you have on file in the advertising sidebar of this blogsite. I will do this for FREE. No catch. This blogsite is here to promote MAXIMUM film production in our State. Doing this will be a contribution to that cause. Just make sure that your ad can fit in the blogs sidebar. That's all you have to do.

It's not only up to our lawmakers to bring change to our Industry. We have to do it as well.

Voice, Speech, and Dialect Training
with Ginny Kopf
Vocal Notes
IN THIS ISSUE

Your Training Option.Home Training Books and CDs.

Vocal Tip of the Day:

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Click on Fox 35 News icon for video story featuring Ginny Kopf

Email Ginny

March 2009
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They Changed the date again.

The date is March 18th for the Rally in Tally, at 9am, again. Let's hope this is the final change.

From the Florida Film Production Coalition.

THE INFO BELOW IS FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA PEOPLE INTERESTED IN GOING TO TALLAHASSEE. ....INFORMATION FOR OTHER AREAS OF THE STATE WILL BE COMING SOON.....
CALLING ALL ADVOCATES !

Do You Want Our Industry To Be A Top Public Priority In Florida?Film Day in TallahasseeMarch 19, 2009 (Thursday) 8 am-3 pm. The WIFF, DMAF, FCCA and Florida Film Production Coalition, in support of the Floridas Film Industry, needs you to show your support of Florida's production industry to our legislators during this session of the General Assembly.

Once again, it is time to begin lobbying for film incentives and other funding and work-generating legislation. Your voice is critical to telling the story of the hardships FloridaÕs production community is facing. Film Day is the day to make this case to your Representatives in person in an effort to give a much-needed boost to our industry.

Date: March 19, 2009 (Thursday) Time: 8 am 3 pm Location: Florida General Assembly BuildingWe are trying to make arrangements for transportation to the General Assembly Building for Film Day.

With many of us in our industry not working or being forced to work out-of-state, it is extremely important, now more than ever, to change the course of direction.If you are unable to attend, we ask that you email or call your Representatives to tell your story. Visit the Florida General Assembly website to find your local Representative.

In the past, our combined organizations with the cooperation and support of Film Florida, has successfully voiced many issues regarding our industry to our legislators over the years. We have could not have done this without your cooperation and support.

We want to get a bus but we need you to commit now!

Reserve a Seat for Film Day Bus Trip!Join us in Tallahassee for Film Day as we meet with representatives from the Florida Legislature.

Film Day in TallahasseeMarch 19, 2009 Thursday The Trip we will board 7:00 am buses at a location TBA. Reservationsthe cost of a bus seat is only $40.Reservations should be made as soon as possible! CALL OR EMAIL me and let me know so we can reserve a bus Sponsorship. A limited amount of sponsorship money is available to help students and others who are unable to raise sufficient funds to pay the full price for a bus seat. To inquire about the availability of sponsorship money, please contact us. If you would like to help sponsor one or more deserving individuals (someone to attend in your place, perhaps), this would be very much appreciated!More InformationFor more information, please call (407) 835-8701.

Sign-Up Now!

I would like to pay for ____ seats at $40 per person.

I cannot attend but would like to sponsor _____ seats at $40 per person.

Please consider me for a scholarship. I've attached an explanation of why you should consider me!Please email me at artwsmithjr@ earthlink.net or call (407) 835-8701 for additional information.

Before March 6

Art:mailto:artwsmithjr@%20earthlink.%20net"

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.

"Ð C.S. Lewis

Editor's Note: There was an error in an earlier post about the Date. Above is the Correct Date per FFPC.

Tallahassee Pilgramage.

The Florida Film Production Coalition ( FFPC ) will be coordinating The "Rally in Tally".
There will be Chartered buses going up to Tallahassee on March 18th. The Rally will start at 10am and end at 6pm. As of now, it would cost $125 per seat. We could use some big time sponsors to help us with the cost. Outside producers might want to help us out since our cause is also theirs. That goes for all Corporations that will benefit from Film Production in Fl.
Go to this website: www.floridafilmproductioncoalition.com to keep up on the latest info.

No More Excuses!

I just read Lori Wyman's: "The Organic Actor". I have read many books about this Industry but I must say that I believe Lori's is the best. She covers everything an actor needs to know in this business.


She calls her Chapters "Morsels". The Book starts with her introducing herself and giving us her background; from graduating College to now. Then she covers Castings (decisions made from opinions), whether to submit or omit an actors audition, having a career plan, getting an agent, marketing oneself, headshots, reels, resumes, SCAMMERS, becoming SAG versus staying non-union, THE PERSON to get to know, extras, audition preperation, sides, yes or no to memorizing, dressing for an audition, using props, slating, being in-character, be on-time, audition inhibitors, no excuses, breathe, be in the moment, have fun, perfume/cologne, sabotoging yourself, the waiting room, horror stories, words that harm or help you, don't take things personally, set etiquette, Please and Thank-You, letter writing, don't get a big head, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, never take no for an answer, and the summation.


If you are one the few that are working all the time and support your family by working in this business, I can understand your argument for thinking that their is'nt anything in that book for you. However, I believe otherwise. I think everyone can learn something from this book. I learned many things and I was surprised to learn as much as I did! This book is especially a treasure trove for beginning or inexperienced actors.


Inside every morsel is a tasty tidbit. Lori covers her experiences with wit, seriousness, and, in one of the later morsels, surprise if not shock. I also appreciated the clarity of the book. For every piece of advice, Lori gives examples by giving us actual instances that will illustrate her point.


If you are looking for an agent, if you don't get call-backs, if you don't book a job...this book is a necessity; not a luxury. You need this book. For those that constantly book, you may not "need it" but you can still learn from it.


I bought my book on http://www.borders.com/ . I believe you can also purchase it on http://www.theorganicactor.com/ . I bought my book a few days ago and it was $27 for the paperback plus shipping. I believe I have made the perfect investment and I know that I will make much more than that investment in the future. Please buy the book. Thank-You.

Knock Knock Knocking on Heaven's Door.

Our State House and Senate have Two Bills, each, that will bring Film Production back to Fl.

They are: House Bills HR43(Ambler) and HR47(Precourt) and Senate Bills SB312(Ring) and SB350(Haridopolos). The Ambler/Ring bills are identical. They offer 25 million, in tax credits, over a period of three years. The Precourt/Haridopolos are also identical. Their Bills offer unlimited tax credits.

If either one of these Representatives or Senators are in your district and they represent you, then I wholeheartedly ask you to write them and ask the four of them to sit down and work out one bill in the House and one bill in the Senate. If they are not your Representatives, then write to yours and tell them that you would like for he or she to speak to the above Representatives and Senators and ask them to sit down and have a meeting of the minds.

Obviously, everyone in our Industry can pick out the more attractive bill. Unfortunately we are not at the point where we should pick out the two that we like, and ask our Reps to pass them. We need one bill in the House and one in the Senate to get behind 100%. One thing at a time.

The Governor's budget will come out sometime in Feb. and that film bill could be even more attractive. He has the opportunity to lead on this issue.

Many people, in our Industry, have had a tough time over the past budget year. They need to support bringing back Film Production to our State. There are those that have done well under the circumstances. They could do alot better if we can get a strong Film Tax Credit bill passed into Law! Write! PLEASE!

To know what district you are in: it's on your voter registration card. You will see numbers at the bottom of your card. The numbers under Fl. Senate and Fl.House are the district numbers.
If you don't have a card, call your County Voters Registration or County Elections office to find out who your State Reps. are.

Below are the HTML's that give a list of State House of Representatives and the State Senate members.

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives.apx

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Legistors/index.cfm?Chamber=Senate&Submenu=1

If the above links don't work, please go to: http://www.myfloridahouse.com/ and navigate to the members pages of the House and Senate. Thank-You.

In Memoriam.

It is with a Heavy Heart that we state the passing of Jett Travolta. The State of Fl. mourns his passing and their hearts go out to the surviving Family: John, Kelly, their daughter, and their entire family.
John Travolta and Kelly Preston have done alot for their community as well as this State. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with them.

Another Testimonial...

From the Orlando Sentinel Editorial section:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-ed02109jan02,0,3946978.story