SAG’s Letter to NY Governor Paterson Regarding Film Production Tax Credit

New York (Jan. 19, 2010) — Screen Actors Guild today delivered the following letter to New York Governor David Paterson conveying its thanks for recognizing the importance of the Empire State Film Production Tax Credit by including it in the state budget proposal.

January 19, 2010

Honorable David A. Paterson
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Paterson,

Screen Actors Guild joins The New York Production Alliance in conveying our thanks to you for recognizing the importance of the Empire State Film Production Tax Credit by including it in your budget proposal.

New York State has shown extraordinary foresight by enacting the Film and Television Tax Incentive Program.  Over the past several years, workers in New York's entertainment industry have experienced unprecedented job growth.  During a time of severe economic crisis, the industry has essentially created thousands of solid, middle-class, union jobs with benefits.  This job growth would not have been possible without the Film and TV Tax Incentive Program.

We know that you realize the film and television industry contributes significant economic development benefits to the state’s economy through jobs, tax revenue and on-location production spending and movie/television-related tourism. The five year proposal not only assures the future viability of the program, thereby continuing the Empire State’s competitive edge, but will serve as a catalyst for capital investment, infrastructure development and thousands of related construction jobs. In fact, data shows that for every $1.00 the state spends on the tax credit, it receives $1.90 in return.  The return on investment is also instantaneous as film and TV productions infuse a community with money immediately, well before they actually receive the credit from New York State.

If New York were to abandon or reduce the film and television production tax credit, it would have tremendous negative economic consequences.  This important decision not only affects the union workers, but thousands of other workers who support this industry such as dry cleaners, hotel workers, restaurant workers and lumber yards.

Screen Actors Guild remains grateful for your courageous leadership, thoughtful insight and support during this complex financial period. We look forward to working with you, your team and the legislature to ensure this important program is included in the final budget passed by the New York State Legislature.

Sincerely,

Mike Hodge
Screen Actors Guild
New York President