TXMPA UPDATE: LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The elections are over and the process of introducing and re-introducing the Texas Moving Image Incentive Program to our lawmakers continues. Sadly, the projected shortfall in our state's budget grows almost daily. Although we anticipate a very negative budget environment, we have laid the foundation for the value equation of continued funding for the incentive program. Your TXMPA leadership is already meeting with key legislators to make them fully aware of the successes of our program.

To assist us in effectively conveying our message, we have contracted with strong partners - advocacy firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Lawrence Collins. Both contribute immense knowledge of the legislative and budget process. Our discussions began in late August and have already garnered a significant meeting with the Comptroller's office.

We are not blind to the fact that this next legislative session will be highly challenging. It will be very difficult to keep our funding amid all of the budget cuts. Plans for Lobby Day 2011 are already underway and it is important that we build upon the success and goodwill generated by previous Lobby Days.

To date, our state incentive program has generated over $610 million dollars in new in-state spending and has accounted for over 55,000 jobs for Texans. An independent economic impact study will show how this equates in actual dollars returned to the state. We feel confident that our program and this report will prove the viability of our efforts. Still, we need to make improvements to the program in order to grow and spread the work across the entire state.

All of this activity and effort requires large financial resources - financial support from individuals and companies. We have been fortunate to share in the proceeds from multiple premieres of films from Troublemaker Studios conducted by our long time supporter, the Austin Film Society. I want to publicly thank AFS as well as Elizabeth Avellan and Robert Rodriguez. Other generous donors include IATSE and the Dallas Producers Association and we thank them for their continued support.

Although we are enjoying and all time high in TXMPA membership, it represents only a very small fraction of industry professionals across the state.

Financial resources are crucial to our efforts and we don't yet have the resources to see us through the legislative session. Now more than ever, we need the industry to rally behind our efforts in order for us to be successful.

We need YOU to make this happen. Make sure you are a paid member of TXMPA. Ask your friends and colleagues if they are members. Make sure everyone you know in the industry is a paid member of TXMPA. Not sure if you are paid up? Email membership@txmpa.org

Take the time to step up and help us guarantee our future. Join, renew or donate today.

We have many TXMPA events coming up across the state. Watch for notices on those events. I look forward to seeing you there.

Don Stokes


TXMPA President