American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

Branch Of The Associated Actors and Artistes of America
AFL-CIO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ILLINOIS PRODUCTION ALLIANCE CELEBRATES NEW WAGE-BASED INCENTIVE LEGISLATION TO ATTRACT VISUAL MEDIA PRODUCTION

Industry group says legislation is an important first step for Illinois to reap economic benefits from increased film, TV and commercial production

Chicago, IL, June 4, 2003 - Members of the Illinois Production Alliance today celebrated the passage of incentive legislation designed to boost visual media production statewide and thanked Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, his administration, and the Illinois General Assembly for their support.

"The approval of wage-based incentive legislation is a crucial first step for Illinois to compete internationally for film, TV and commercial production. Competition for visual media work is fierce and this must be a long-term commitment. Canada offers several incentives and other states are getting more aggressive in their pursuit of production. This progressive incentive, and other efforts, will help attract more production to our state, meaning thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars for the Illinois economy," said Mark Egmon, president of the Illinois Production Alliance.

The new legislation provides a tax credit equal to 25 percent of the wages paid to Illinois residents working on visual media projects shot in Illinois. In order to qualify, productions of 30 minutes or more would have to spend at least $100,000 on Illinois labor. Projects shorter than 30 minutes, such as commercials, would have to spend $50,000 on Illinois labor to qualify.

The proposed incentive is expected to draw several film, commercial and other visual media productions to Illinois next year with the potential for thousands of jobs and millions in direct expenditures to the local economy. Egmon pointed to commercial production as a key to reaping the economic benefits of the legislation.

"Advertising is an $18 billion industry in Illinois with many agencies and production houses already invested in our state. There are significant opportunities for business development, consistent job growth and revenues as the state provides incentives to increase commercial production here at home in addition to film and TV," said Egmon.

Illinois Production Alliance members thanked the Illinois General Assembly for their strong support in approving the legislation. Representatives Ken Dunkin (D-5th) and Angelo "Skip" Saviano (R-77th) led unanimous passage of the bill in the House. Senator Rickey Hendon (D-5th) successfully shepherded the bill through the Senate.

The Illinois Production Alliance especially lauded Gov. Blagojevich, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin and Illinois Film Office Managing Director Brenda Sexton for their leadership on this issue.

"Governor Blagojevich's plan to revitalize the state's visual media industry is an important component in bringing jobs and economic recovery to Illinois," said Egmon. "We still have much work ahead to level the playing field for Illinois. The wage-based incentive for visual media growth is a progressive first step in the right direction."

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