Virginia Film Incentives - Message From Terry Stroud

  And now, without further delay, a message from our very own Terry Stroud. Lots of news to report!

Hello VPA and General Industry members,

This has been an intense legislative session and it's not even finished yet!!  We have been heavily engaged on two fronts. One is the Governor's budget request and the other is a tax credit bill. I don't want to bore you to tears so I will be brief.

1.  Tax credit bill.  SB257 and HB 861. I am encouraged by the progress we have made on this effort.  We testified, talked, educated and endured a hostile take-over of the incentive plan by the video gaming industry. After some arm wrestling by all parties [ VPA, Gaming, Patrons, etc.] we agreed on a bill that was moving through the House today. Video gaming will be eligible for credits in 2013. There are some strong points in the legislation that keep work here and add protections that will be fair to the film production industry.   I am awaiting word from the Senate but feel we can endure there as well.  Please note that nothing is final until the General Assembly leaves Richmond and the veto session is over.  Other than that everything is fine!!!  Our world changed today with the addition of digital interactive media to the family.  We need to reach out to the gaming industry and make this new relationship mutually beneficial for all.

2.  Governor's budget amendment:  The 2 million dollar request in being deliberated this week.  Please write to the conferees and request funding for  the GMPOF. [Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund]. This will help the Film Office recruit work in 2010.  The tax credits noted above do not start till 2011. Conferees are listed below.

House: Kirk Cox, Steve Landes, Lacy Putney, Chris Jones, Johnny Joannou, Beverly Sherwood,

Senate: Walter Stosch,  Chuck Colgan, Janet Howell,  Dick Saslaw, William Wampler, Edd Houck

Thanks for your invaluable support and thanks to everyone who has given their time and thoughts to this arduous process.

I will update you in the very near future.

Terry Stroud
Chairman
Virginia Production Alliance

New Date! PGA East Shines on the Capital

  Monday, March 15 from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

With a new date confirmed and no storms in sight, the PGA East is ready once again to come to the National Capital -
and we want you to be there!


AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
8633 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Join us at a free industry party where we will introduce ourselves to the "NATIONAL CAPITAL· area (D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Virginia). Enjoy a reception, be welcomed by the PGA Executive Director and the Chair of the PGA East, and network with noted film, television and new media producers from the D.C. area and.New York.

The Producers Guild of America is a nationwide professional organization of 4210 highly experienced producers, of which 846 comprise the fast-growing PGA East. The Guild's many networking events and employment functions, including mentoring, seminars and parties, provide an essential forum for any producers seeking to advance in their profession and make the most of their careers. You are not alone.

- LIMITED TIME OFFER: Attend this special event and receive a 50% discount on initiation fee and first year membership dues! Membership eligibility is determined by screen credits and industry references.

- RSVP REQUIRED TO ATTEND: To RSVP and for more info on Guild membership email us – email
(If you sent in an RSVP for our February date, please RSVP again so we'll know if you can still make it.)

- SPREAD THE WORD: We encourage you to forward this notice to industry colleagues in the D.C./Capital area. Space is limited, so RSVP now!

http:// pgaeastrecruit.weebl y.com/
Click HERE to see some recent PGA highlights

Aesthetica Short Film Competition - Opportunity for Filmmakers

  From Bryony Byrne, Marketing Officer for Aesthetica Magazine:    


The Aesthetica Short Film Competition is open for entries! Leading the search for filmmakers who are driving the genre of short film forward through inspirational and innovative works the competition provides an opportunity for both new and experienced filmmakers to have their work broadcast to a wider audience.  All genres of film are being accepted: drama, documentary, music video, animation, satire, comedy, artists' film and anything else you can think of!  This award offers winners and runners-up a fantastic prize package, including:

• Screenings of your film at: The National Media Museum (Bradford), Rushes Soho Shorts Film Festival (London), Glasgow Film Festival, Kerry Film Festival (Ireland), Glimmer: Hull Film Festival, Project Space Leeds and on the Aesthetica website.
• £500 first prize (apx. $800), £250 runner-up (apx. $400).
• 12 months membership with Shooting People.
• Weekend course with Raindance.
• Collection of film books from Wallflower Press.
• Winner and 10 runners-up to be included on a DVD that will go to all Aesthetica readers.

Films should be up to 25 minutes long.For detailed guidelines and entry visit
Aethetica Magazine

Deadline 30 April 2010

Governor Bob McDonnell - Promoting Film Production in Virginia

  Governor Bob McDonnell has made support of Virginia’s film industry a priority for his new administration.  Throughout the campaign he has talked about the importance of film and tourism, and during his State of the Union address he RECOMMENDED AN APPROPRIATION OF $2 MILLION FOR THE MOTION PICTURE OPPORTUNITY FUND!  This is the first time a Virginia governor has publicly pledged this kind of support for our industry, and we are grateful for his commitment.

In addition to extra money for the Fund, there are TWO BILLS IN FRONT OF THE LEGISLATURE THAT WOULD PROVIDE $10 MILLION IN TAX CREDITS.

SB 257 and HB 861 are bills that would create a $10 million tax credit plan for the biennial budget.   This means that $5 million of credits would be available each year for the next two years.  Under this plan, a percentage of expenses spent in Virginia on labor and goods and services would be made available to production companies.  In addition, tax credits will be available based on hiring of first time workers, and on filming in distressed areas of the state.  The incentive program is estimated to generate more than 500 jobs for Virginia.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE LET OUR LAWMAKERS KNOW WE SUPPORT THE TAX CREDIT LEGISLATION AND THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET AMENDMENT.     www.filmva.com

SB 257 & HB 861  
Sponsored by Sen. Louise Lucas (D – Portsmouth) and  Del. Ben Cline (R-Amherst)  
You may track the bills by the following links.
SB 257
HB 861
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VA.  Film Industry Might Get A New  Script  (Richmondbizsense.co m – Article Jan 27, 2010)
Read the full article HERE
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 If you want to be more involved, please consider participating in the VPA Two-a Day program.  Visit the Virginia Production Alliance web site at www.filmva.com for more information!

The Film Industry in Maryland - DBED Report

  Available for download:

Read the comprehensive reports from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development regarding the state of film production in Maryland in respect to the economic impact of current policy and the competitiveness of Maryland in production and incentives.

The reports are in three parts and can be downloaded individually or in a single zip file by checking the Downloads Section.

Click HERE to download the reports... site link