Link to the full August 2023 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/mpau/august-2023-newsletter Letter from the President
Hello everyone, I hope this message finds you all well. As you may know, the recent SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and WGA writers' strike have been causing disruptions in our industry. Let's hope for a fair and quick resolution so we can all continue working. Additionally, I want to draw your attention to the upcoming legislative session, where we will actively advocate for the removal of the sunset clause on the Utah Rural tax rebate. This is a critical step in attracting more projects to the state and ensuring the continued flow of film and television work in Utah. We need the full participation of the film industry in expanding this legislation. Your support and involvement are vital as we lobby for the continuation of this program. Our lobbyists will be reaching out to all members to contact their legislators when the time comes. Please come to the membership-only meeting on Aug 17, 2023. We will have a legislator speak and hear from our lobbyist. Thank you for your dedication and support. Thanks, Jeff Johnson President, Motion Picture Association of Utah MPAU Membership Event - Thursday, August 17th 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM The Motion Picture Association of Utah cordially invites you to our annual membership event. Please come and enjoy light refreshments, socializing with local vendors and crew, and hearing from special guests about Utah's film incentive! Hosted by Enigma 3 & Mystery Box 197 East 1600 North Suite 101 Vineyard, UT 84059 Southern Utah Film Industry Meet-Up - September 26th The Utah Film Commission will be hosting an event on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 7:00pm at the Utah Tech University - Dolores Dore Eccles Fine Arts Center Concert Hall Stage to connect with Utah's film community in Southern Utah. This event will be an opportunity to connect with Utah crew, vendors, students or others interested in learning more about working in Utah's film industry. Note from the Rural Utah Coalition In the past year, seven productions have been filmed across nine rural counties, creating over $80 million of economic impact. Most of these dollars have gone directly into the communities. On average, productions spend between $100,000 and $250,000 per day on not only lodging, food, and transportation but in construction, dry cleaning, security, police detail, location fees, and garbage/recycling. This activity is directly related to the new Rural Film Incentive Program that was created during the 2022 legislative session. This program set aside an additional $12 million per year for a 25% tax credit for productions that shoot at least 75% of their days in a rural county. We have seen the real benefits this tax credit has created through the economic and cultural impact of these films but this credit is only authorized for two years, which means it will expire on July 1, 2024. Sen. Winterton and Rep. Stenquist have added this program to the agenda of the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim committee so they can discuss the impact of the film industry and the success of the new increase. Stay tuned as we follow this important bill through the interim session. Comments are closed.
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