Screen Actors Guild Supports AFTRA's Efforts

PITTSBURGH (February 27, 2004) - Further support of AFTRA Pittsburgh's efforts to lure TV, commercial and film work to Pennsylvania through two pieces of legislation currently in the Senate Finance Committe came today from the 120,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild. House Bills 147 and 83 passed overwhelmingly in the PA House a fews days before Thanksgiving.

 

Memorandum of Support

Pennsylvania H.147(Stephenson) and H.83 (Godshall)

 

 

            Screen Actors Guild, representing 120,000 members nationwide, fully supports the passage of H.147 and H.83. 

 

H.147 amends an act already on the books that gives movie producers sales tax exemptions for rented equipment.  The amended bill expands the language to include all "commercial production" including commercials and industrials and it expands the tax exemption to "eligible direct uses" including transportation expenses, catering expenses and set-up of temporary office facilities.

 

H.83 allows for a tax credit of 15% of the first $10 million and a credit of 20% for production expenses that exceed $10 million.  Eligible productions include feature film, television series or television shows of 15 minutes or longer.  At least 50% of below-the-line hires must be PA residents, at least 50% of the total production budget must be spent in PA and 50% of filming must be done in PA.

 

Runaway production is one of the most important issues facing the entertainment community today.  Other countries have long recognized the significant benefit of film production to their local economies.  By offering subsidies and tax incentives they have successfully captured jobs and dollars that ought to remain at home in the United States.  Without a meaningful response, production employment opportunities and associated economic benefits will continue to leave the U.S. at a significant rate. 

 

    The enactment of Pennsylvania's H.147 and H.83 will help thousands of working families and individuals by attracting dollars back into the local economy.  From actors to restaurant workers, from hotel employees to grips, the entertainment industry plays a vital role in the financial well-being of many citizens of Pennsylvania. 

 

For the above reasons, Screen Actors Guild urges you to support H.147 and H.83.  For further information, please contact Nancy Fox at 212-827-1436.