TXMPA LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Incentives Program Safeguards in Place

The Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA) is dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of the moving image industry in the State of Texas. Since our inception, TXMPA's primary goal has, and will continue to be, to generate jobs for Texans and create income for Texas. As such, we have been extremely vocal advocates for the Texas Moving Image Incentive Program as administered by the Office of the Governor.

Since being signed into law on April 23, 2009, the current Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program has resulted in over half a billion dollars in Texas production spending and the creation of over 53,000 cast and crew jobs for Texans. All of this was accomplished with just a little over 50 million dollars in incentives.

To date, the Moving Image Incentive Program is one of the most effective and successful job creation programs in the Lone Star State. During 2007 and again in 2009 it has enjoyed almost universal bipartisan support in the Texas Legislature.

As with any program which deals with creative content, there will be an occasional disagreement over projects that apply for an incentive grant. The laws of our state, as passed by the Legislature, provide for checks and balances to maintain freedom of speech while protecting the integrity of our tax dollars. Each application is thoroughly reviewed by the Texas Film Commission and must meet the requirements of the law before any incentives are awarded. This includes an audit of both the production's in-state hiring and the applicant’s spending. It also includes a review of the completed production to make sure it complies with the laws governing content.

We urge everyone to visit www.txmpa.org to learn more about the Texas incentive program. An informed public is less likely to be swayed by misinformation and false allegations such as those currently swirling around the film "Machete.” Please note, this film has yet to submit all of its financial and content material for audit and review. Again, no incentive can be approved and funded until these steps take place.

In the upcoming 2011 Legislative Session, TXMPA will advocate for the continued funding of the Texas Moving Image Incentive Program. The program has made a positive economic impact across the State in both rural areas and large cities. Currently, as a direct result of the incentive program, five network television series are committed to produce shows in Texas along with numerous cable series, feature films, video games, and commercials.

We encourage you to take a moment to contact your legislators (or candidates for the Legislature) and let them know you support our program because of the jobs and revenue it brings to our State. Also, please become a member of TXMPA and join us in our efforts to continue this program. www.txmpa.org join/donate/sponsor