Link to the full January 2023 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/mpau/january-2023-newsletter Letter from the President MPAU Members, In 2022, 20 productions were supported by the Motion Picture Incentive Program with 45% filming in rural Utah. There were 2100 production days, and 2175 jobs created, which brought $124M into Utah’s economy. As the new legislative session begins, we want to take the time to thank our Legislative Supporters, and to educate them on the effectiveness of the new rural film incentive. This year, the primary goal in our lobbying efforts is to get the 2-year sunset clause either extended or removed entirely. The MPAU Board and our lobbying team will follow up with instructions on how to contact your legislators and the message we would like to portray. Be sure to RVSP for Film Day on the Hill on February 7th and come support Film in Utah at the Capitol Rotunda by wearing red. Thanks, Jeff Johnson President, Motion Picture Association of Utah Film Day on the Hill - Tuesday, February 7th 10 AM to 2 PM Cultural Industry Advocacy Day Come join us in the Capitol Rotunda and wear red to support the Utah Film Industry! There will be a press conference from 10:30 to 10:45 AM with President Adams and Speaker Wilson. At 11:00 AM we will have a group photo. This is a chance for us to foster positive relationships with elected officials and encourage them to support the Utah Film Community. It's also a chance to interact with other cultural industry sectors and meet up with fellow MPAU members. Note from the Rural Utah Coalition
As the 2023 Legislative begins, let’s remember our past accomplishments and those allies that have helped our cause. True, there’s still plenty of work for us to do to educate state leaders on the importance of the film industry and advocating for a competitive business climate, but let’s not forget to express thanks to those that have been so instrumental to our past success. Here at the start of the annual Session, please help us by reaching out to your local and state leaders. We sought the help of county commissioners, city mayors and councils last year to add their voice in support of innovative legislation. We coordinated outreach to State legislators in the House and Senate to get the Rural Film Incentive passed. They delivered. It was hard fought, but it worked. Think of your own experiences and how much more you’re willing to give for a grateful client, employee, or vendor that expresses their appreciation for your efforts. Let’s be that kind of group that remembers those that helped us and we will need to work with again in the future as we continue working to grow the film industry in Utah. -- Shawn Milne, Cache Valley Economic Development Director |