Dear Friends of Rhode Island Film & Television Production,
For the last five years, we've worked hard to bring an unprecedented amount of film and television production here to our Ocean State, while providing many new opportunities for students, crew, vendors, talent, location owners and film festivals. A few examples of the productions we've hosted include three seasons of the Peabody award winning Showtime series BROTHERHOOD, the People's Choice best comedy 27 DRESSES starring Katherine Heigl, Steve Carell's DAN IN REAL LIFE, the Richard Gere family film, HACHIKO, Walt Disney's UNDERDOG, as well as EVENING, TELL TALE, TANNER HALL, HOUSE RULES, THE CLIQUE and many more. We are currently hopeful for the future of film and television in Rhode Island as we strive diligently to bring more productions home and anticipate an active year ahead.
Once again, we need your help!
With our state's current fiscal challenges, it is essential we receive feedback from individuals and companies that have been positively impacted by the film and television productions, and, more importantly, by the overall impact of the Motion Picture Incentive Program. Notwithstanding the slowdown of growth due to the recently enacted "cap" on the tax credit program, we are interested in how the Motion Picture Incentive Program has helped you and/or your business in the last five years.
For example, if you are a crew member, how many productions did you work on in the past five years in Rhode Island and what was the economic impact to you personally? Did your work in the film industry positively affect your personal/family life? Were you able to spend more time at home rather than travel out of state to practice your craft? Were you able to buy a home or start a new business? Did you receive health insurance? If you are a business/vendor, has your income grown as a direct result of having Hollywood set up shop here? Did you hire additional personnel or increase hours for your current staff? Were you able to save a job? How much did your company earn by providing goods and/or services to productions in Rhode Island? Most importantly, would you like to see additional productions filmed in Rhode Island?
This information is crucial to the survival of the Motion Picture Incentive Program. If the program has had a positive impact on YOUR life or business, please take a moment to send us a one-page written testimonial by Friday, November 20, 2009. Attached is a copy of a letter we received from one of our local vendors which you can use as an example. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time.
Warmest regards,
Steven Feinberg
Executive Director
Rhode Island Film & Television Office
1 Capitol Hill, 3rd Floor
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3456
Fax: 401-222-3018
Hotline: 401-222-6666