NO TIME FOR CRYING... we have lemonade to make.

[Cheryl Whitney]

With the disappointing news coming out of the House Appropriations Committee today it appears that we need to begin thinking outside the box when it comes to creating film incentives. Colorado is not alone when it comes to decreasing or cancelled state film incentives. This is happening all over the nation. Everybody's got lemons. Perhaps it's time to take OUR lemons and make lemonade.. and maybe even some lemon meringue pie.

As Kevin Shand reminds us, a lot of progress was made this year and this really shows what the industry can do by working together. Ninety businesses, labor organizations and economic development groups signed on to support the bill. Over 2,150 individuals showed their support through the Friends of House Bill 1010 Facebook page. And now, many legislators agree that Colorado needs an incentive. Though the state's budget situation prevents incentives from happening this year, there's still the bright future to look forward to.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Let's put our heads together and start coming up with some "out of the box" ideas on how we can boost the filmmaking industry in Colorado.

Take a second to post what you think we have going for us that makes us attractive to the film industry. Throw out some ideas or suggestions on what we could do to not only reel in out of state production companies but also to assist our own talented filmmakers.

Okay - I'll go first...

WHAT WE HAVE GOING FOR US: Speaking of our own talented filmmakers...

HERE'S A THOUGHT: What greater way to capture the attention of the world than to be known as a hotbed of talent? If we can find a way to help fund and promote local filmmakers the odds of a box office smash coming out of our state will go up exponentially. Meanwhile, while we're aiming for success we will also be building up the core structure of our film industry in Colorado. That in itself will make our state more attractive to out of state production companies.

WHAT WE HAVE GOING FOR US: We still have the Film Commission and it's a state agency under the Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

HERE'S A THOUGHT: I believe tourism falls under this agency. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.) Could we find inventive ways to work hand in hand with the tourist bureau? Perhaps an international filmmaking contest to show off similarities and differences between participating countries or cities. I'll show you my country - you show me yours - kind of thing. Yeah, yeah, I know... it's an off the top of my head wild idea... but if everyone throws a few ideas into the pot we might actually come up with a good idea that sticks.

YOUR TURN...

[Darlene Cypser]

"WHAT WE HAVE GOING FOR US: We still have the Film Commission and it's a state agency under the Office of Economic Development and International Trade."

Not until the bill becomes law. It *was* a state agency until 2004. It has been flopping around as the public-private thing-a-mabob since.

My idea: Let's just make some damn good movies.

[Kathryn Gould]

It's going to be hard to even keep native filmmakers in-state when our own state government doesn't even appreciate and support what we're doing.

F*!@*%ers!

[Cheryl Whitney]

Then isn't it up to us to make sure they stay?

[Darlene Cypser]

Hmmm. So how's that explain California?

[Cheryl Whitney]

My add on idea: Tell us how we can help you do that.

[Mark Dissette]

First off we have to stop approaching the legislators as if they owe us something they don't we have to show them that this will work and the first part of that effort is to start producing high quality work right now (Ink is a fine example). They've seen what we've got and it looks unpolished and unprofessional and we can't build on that we need product to work before they give any money to us. Second we have to put together more information and hit them with it farther in advance. We need to get them on our side now for a vote two years from now that's how this works not a fast nickel but a slow dime we need to become lobbyists for our own industry. I am not being mean just pointed. Another point the Film Commission is here to help out productions not create work that has never been their job we have to create an industry that needs that support. Okay enough complaints; have a contest for an excellent script (Paddy you listening) put together a "production team" that will work the show from top to bottom with our best talent. Find financial backing (half a million up) with legal and financial support and accountability and get (at the very least) Midwest distribution. Tall order lots of time and people's hard work but if we can show a great product then we have a leg to stand on. And if we pull it off we have a fantastic production team lined up and ready to go. We have created our industry and our profession if not then it will be considered an expensive hobby.

[Darla Rae]

I agree with Darlene and Mark.let's just make some great movies.
The Film Commission is to help productions,but focus is on bringing outside productions in for revenue.
We can still make great projects.
Cheryl let's have that coffee and discuss some details.We have some ideas.
I have a few things which I'm working on.
Personally I think even if the economy wasn't an issue,I'm not sure it would have passed.
There are other states who are feeling the same economy but they stepped up and made changes to their incentive plans for the better.If your in town for CASA let's get together or call me.