FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Delaware Film Initiative Launched
New Film Incentive Program Could Bring Thousands of Jobs,
Millions of Dollars in Tax Revenue
(WILMINGTON, DE) – Brian Sowards and Christopher Stout of the Delaware Film Company officially launched an effort to bring the film industry to Delaware today.
Sowards and Stout have been meeting with members of Delaware’s executive and legislative branches as well as business leaders, bankers, and finance experts throughout the state for nearly two years to craft this initiative. The results of that vetting process can now be seen at: www.BringFilmToDelaware.com
Sowards says based on the figures reported by other states, this initiative would create over 1,000 sustainable, high-paying jobs in its first year. Within five years generate an economic impact of billions of dollars in Delaware that would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state. New Mexico’s Film Office reports that the average compensation for film makers in their state is $82,400 a year. In addition to the direct jobs created by the film industry, Sowards points out that it gives a significant boost to other industries.
“The film industry, through its production and the tourism that it attracts, brings millions of dollars in business every year to hotels and restaurants as well as retail, construction and transportation providers,” Sowards said. “For every job created in the film industry, four jobs are created in others, with positions for everyone from skilled labor to college graduates. Many of the indirect jobs created by the film industry in Florida were professional service jobs such as accounting and information technology. Delaware could use that kind of job creation right now.”
Stout, an internationally represented writer and director who grew up in New Castle, says Delaware would be a prime location for filmmaking.
"The sad truth is, we've been exporting our talented, creative people for decades. When our company first started exploring this initiative we did an experiment to see if any veteran film crew members would be interested in making movies here. We posted a request for top-level production staff on mandy.com, an online job search website for our industry. Within 48 hours we had hundreds of postings, and we were amazed how many said, 'You've got movies in Delaware?! I grew up there but had to move to LA (or NY) in order to pursue my dreams, I'd love to move back!' It's time Delaware provided our creative talent with the opportunity to build something here.”
Sowards says the enthusiasm and support for this initiative is significant.
“From State Senators and Representatives to County officials to business owners, we have dozens of people who have recorded their messages of support for this initiative on the website,” Sowards said. “The exciting part is the movement is just beginning, everyone who has an interest in this can upload their own video or sign the petition on the website to bring this industry to Delaware.”
Sowards says many have compared the initiative to a move Delaware made nearly 30 years ago.
“Most of the Delaware experts we’ve consulted with have compared this initiative to the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 that brought the banks here,” Sowards said. “That bill laid a foundation for decades of economic growth by participating in the solution to a business problem experienced by an entire industry. We now have that same opportunity with the film industry. Most of the movies you’d see in theaters today started out as film packages that had secured world-famous stars and international distribution. That gives them most of their budget upfront, but they need 100% of it in order to be shot. We can attract those movies to Delaware before they even consider another state by supporting the banks in closing that gap; and when we do, we’ll have our pick of A-list projects from Hollywood, all without having to spend a single dollar in subsidies.”
In addition to going to the web site – www.BringFilmToDelaware.com—and signing the online petition, Sowards asks Delawareans to contact their state representative and state senator to urge them to support this effort.
Contact your Senator, Representative
Let Legislative Hall know that you want to see the film industry in Delaware.
Or call (302) 744-4171 and they'll direct you to the right office.
Sign Our Online Petition
Yes! I support bringing the film industry to Delaware, and the thousands of high paying jobs it would bring to our state.Sign The Petition
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