Lights, camera, tax credits!

The Virginian-Pilot
April 16, 2009

It isn't the biggest issue in the race, but all four men hoping to be the next governor would like to grab a little Hollywood glitter for Virginia, a rare moment of unanimity on a contentious campaign trail.

The most detailed incentive plan thus far comes from Democrat Terry McAuliffe, who wants to offer production companies the chance to recoup up to 20 percent of their state expenditures and payroll costs through rebates or tax credits. McAuliffe also proposes unspecified cash grants for state-based independent productions and increased spending on college programs.

Click here to read more.

Virginia is losing out in the film industry competition

Loudoun Times-Mirror
April 7, 2009
Jack Goldstone

These days, states are competing for jobs. High-paying, non-polluting, creative and rewarding jobs are the most fiercely contested. Most of these gains will take place over the long term, through smart investments in high-growth industries, such as green energy. But there is one often-overlooked industry that can immediately bring revenue and jobs into the Commonwealth: the entertainment and film industry.

The entertainment and film industry is a trillion-dollar global behemoth. Production costs of a single major film average around $100 million. Even filming a single car or fashion commercial can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in local business, not to mention the publicity value of showing attractive locales to potential tourists and business investors.

Click here to read more.

State’s economic problems emerge as major force in the campaign

April 2, 2009
The Washington Post
Sandhya Somashekhar

The economic crisis is never far away as the four candidates for governor campaign across Virginia, and two of them yesterday provided a look at proposals they're offering in response.

The ideas unveiled yesterday include an initiative to lure Hollywood film crews to the state and a plan to create opportunities for small businesses and businesses owned by women and minorities.

The policy rollouts came as the Virginia Employment Commission reported that unemployment rose to its highest level since 1992. The rate hit 7 percent in February, up from 6.4 percent in January, but remained below the national average of 8.9 percent. Some of the local numbers are much worse, with Martinsville experiencing a 20.2 percent jobless rate.

Economic issues are likely to dominate the campaign in the months leading up to the June 9 Democratic primary, and on into the general election. Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran and state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds are locked in a struggle for the Democratic nomination. Meanwhile, Robert F. McDonnell, the sole Republican contender, is preparing for what may be a tight race for the governor's mansion in November.

At George Mason University yesterday, McAuliffe said Virginia's appeal to Hollywood filmmakers could improve the state's economic picture. McAuliffe said he became familiar with the potency of the film industry while serving as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Click here to read more.

McAuliffe Calls for Making Virginia Top Destination for Film Production

Meeting with members of Virginia's film industry, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today discussed the second chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which focuses on creating jobs across the Commonwealth, and his support for growing Virginia's film industry. McAuliffe pledged to make Virginia a top destination for the film industry by increasing tax incentives for film production, creating a highly-trained film industry workforce, and ensuring that all state agencies do their part to support the film industry in the Commonwealth.

"Even with the recent economic downturn, the film industry is one of the few sectors of our economy that is expected to see continued growth. Not only do film productions have an immediate positive effect on business sectors across Virginia, including housing, retail stores, and restaurants, but they also promote the Commonwealth's $18 billion tourism industry," McAuliffe said. "When the HBO miniseries John Adams was produced in Virginia, the total state investment in the project was only $1.25 million. However, the project was responsible for 3500 jobs and $80 million in direct spending in Virginia. Now that's a good return on investment!"

Click here to read more.