'Save Our Jobs' Campaign Launched to Protect NY Film & TV Jobs

There is a very strong possibility that if Governor Paterson doesn't fund the NY State Tax Credit Plan for film and tv production companies, many shows that currently film in New York will be packed up and shipped back to LA. BroadwayWorld.com is happy to support ANYTHING that helps the NY entertainment world thrive...

The campaign notes that "Our voices must be heard in telling Gov. Paterson, Speaker Silver, and Senator Smith, that this is not acceptable and that they MUST fund the New York State Tax Credit Plan for TV and Film for next year. Tens of thousands of jobs directly and indirectly will be lost and not replaced and this would DEVESTATE the New York economy. It's not a smart move.

Please take time to call and email Governor Paterson, Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith (many times if you can!) and urge them to keep these tax credits so we can keep jobs in New York State.

Please view the attached letter and call/email NOW. Distribute this to as many people as you know and be vocal. "

David A. Paterson, Governor

518-474-8390

or email: http://161.11.121.121/govemail
Malcolm Smith, Senate Majority Leader

(518) 455-2701

masmith@senate.state.ny.us
Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the House

518-455-3791

Speaker@assembly.state.ny.us

Dear Governor Paterson, Assemblyman Silver, and Senator Smith:

We are writing to you today, on behalf of the thousands of men and women employed in the film and television industry in New York State.

A recent article in the New York Post reported that the successful state program that provides tax credits to lure television and film productions to New York has run out of money. The report goes on to say that Paterson spokesman said yesterday that there is no additional funding for the tax credits included in his latest budget proposal. This is alarming. 



With an unemployment rate of over 7%, now is not the time to cut programs that create jobs and foster new businesses in our state. This program is proven to be highly successful and at a time when this industry needs all the help it can get, you must rethink the true impact of not funding this valuable program. 



According to a 2007 study by Ernst and Young, the state and city combined have issued $690 million in tax credits and have collected $2.7 billion in taxes from movie and television productions. This program pays for itself! It helped create over 7,000 jobs, directly, in 2007 and over 12,000 jobs indirectly. 



As you are aware, New York City has seen a surge in new television, motion picture and commercial filming in recent years. The Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting reports that in 2002, there were 14,858 NYC location shooting days and in 2008, we reached over 27,250 days. There is a direct correlation between the growth of this industry and the tax credits provided from the state - we need to keep the momentum going, especially during tough economic times. New York City and New York State have become Hollywood of the East. We are finally a player in the international film industry. Please, fund the New York State Tax Credit program for television and motion pictures. Real jobs depend on it!