As a resident of VA. Who works in the film and television industry. I support HB 771.

My name is Jane Sakowski Bell . The film industry has been my main source of income for my entire adult life. I started at 19 on a show in Va Beach in Props, and for the last 24 plus years have been in Richmond providing Craft Services on set, as well as working as a set dresser on shows like Lincoln, John Adams, Evan Almighty and Wonder Woman, all shot here in Virginia. Without competitive tax incentives, shows will not come to Virginia. Because of my employment from the film industry I have been able to support my family, pay my mortgage , and provide for my family all these years. I have three sons who all went to Richmond Public Schools , and are all now also employed in the film industry, and reside here in Richmond. They are in Special Effects, Set Dressing , and Greens departments, and we are all members of the same Union. I have been so proud and excited to see them follow in my footsteps, but they have all had to leave the state temporarily to find work on shows this year, as our state hasn't had the incentives to attract any shows, leaving them with no other choice. This has greatly impacted my life as well, as my income has just disappeared in the last two years, and I can't leave the state to work as I still have a 13 yr old at home to support. Please support bill HB771 so we can attract more shows and our crews can continue to work here in Virginia . Thank you, Jane Sakowski Bell

My name is Paul Schultz, I am a Virginia Beach resident and have a been a Virginia resident my whole adult life. I have been working in the film industry for 24 years and am solidly in support of HB 771. This bill would have a powerful effect on the lives of all Virginians who work in the film and television industry. Simply put, this would help me, and so many others like me, stay in Virginia for work instead of having to travel to other states. In turn, this would bolster and stabilize a strong resident talent-base, and increase revenue to a wide range of local businesses. Thank you.

Good afternoon, I’m writing in support of hb771. There is a common misperception that television/ movie work doesn’t benefit the local constituents. I would like to dispel that assumption. As a resident of Richmond va and the surrounding area for over 20 years this work has changed my life. Previously I was struggling to make ends meet. Since joining IATSE and getting involved in film work I have been able to stabilize my financial situation for my daughter and I. This work has allowed me to buy a home and reach goals that would have otherwise remained elusive. Additionally being a local working in the industry has awarded me the opportunity to spend funds from the films at local businesses. Highlighting the resources that already exist in Richmond and the surrounding area. Bringing lots of business to places like seiwers, chesterfield trading company and other independent and locally owned retailers. When there is work in Virginia everybody wins. From the tourism sector to the equipment rentals. Please approve this bill so that Virginians can have access to good paying jobs and meet the needs of our families and communities.

I am a member of the IATSE local 487 Union I’ve been a member for over 25 years I want this bill 771 to pass so are union members can grow. We need your leader ship to help the state become a leader in the film industry. Thank you for your support Ric

I'm a fourth generation Richmonder. I have traveled all over the country honing my skills to make film and do large events as an electrician, lighting engineer, and lighting technician. I'm highly skilled in a relatively niche realm. That took many years of grit and perseverance to acquire. I humbly want to stay in Richmond as my parents get older and start a family here. I have been traveling all over the east coast for over 2 years now because there is no work in Virginia. I have been IATSE for 5 years in the 487 and haven't had a decent job in Richmond since Dopesick (which I worked every day on highlighting my life and neighborhood.) The men and women who have trained me are, by proxy, people who have: won Oscars, Emmys, did The Wire, Lincoln, House of Cards. As I've traveled the country, for work, I have yet to run into more talented crew members from New York to Atlanta to San Francisco. I am humbled and honored to work with my people here. But, they are all moving Virginia. This is the third wave of top tier film makers that have left Richmond and Virginia. The best crew members I've seen in the country train here and when the work dries up they leave. As a proud Richmonder with over 20 shows under his belt and 10 years experience I wonder how much my state truly cares about not only great art but thousands of jobs and millions and millions of dollars that we will get for housing these production companies. Not only that, but, making a home for people like me who want to start a family, take care of my parents, and live a peaceful life in the city I'm from. What will you do? Will you make Virginia what it truly is or will you have another wave of Richmonders leave because you don't care to keep them. Please consider the thousands of virginians that are still here and the hundreds of top tier craftsman that have left because of your inaction. Sincerely, Dylan Pembleton

My name is Sarah Grady and I am a long time resident of Richmond, Virginia. I do costumes for TV & Film and I am a proud member of IATSE local 487. I support bill HB771 and strongly urge that you pass it. Help me get back to work, earning a good wage doing something that I love. Thank you, Sarah Grady

I am a lifetime resident of Richmond, Virginia, and a 20+ year veteran in the film production industry. This commonwealth of Virginia could really build a stronger economic environment with the motion picture industry; an industry that generates a lot of jobs locally…generates a lot of commerce within the state, and could potentially bring large production houses here to put down some roots. If we can create some real tax incentives to draw more productions here, would benefit so many. It’s not just the general crews that work on productions…it’s the local vendors, shop keepers, artists, restaurants, retailers, etc… We need to establish…and fortify having tax incentives in this industry. We are sitting in the center of the Mid-Atantic east coast. We are in a good geographical location to be a main hub for the east coast within this industry. Some productions spend tens…to hundreds of millions of dollars, to make one movie. That’s just in a few months. Please consider the potential effects, and ripple effects of our film industry. The tax breaks given, will be balanced by the ongoing spending into our communities…to stimulate our local and statewide economies. Regards!

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the film, tv, and streaming production industry. I like living in VA, and wish to continue residing and working in this great. state. However without tax incentives production jobs WILL move to other states. Many already have. I cannot emphasize enough how much income these shows bring into local communities. My dept alone literally spends hundreds of thousands of dollars locally thru venders, cafes, locations, not to mention my and my crew’s salaries. Please keep VA people working so we don’t have to leave the state to support our careers. Please help us dump money into Community. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

I'm a local set lighting technician living in Chesterfield , Virginia. I have worked on several tv series that was filmed in Virginia such as Swagger, Walking Dead World Beyond, and Lincoln. When a film production comes to town it not only supports the technicians working on the film set but it also supports the local businesses such as grocery stores (catering), Hardware stores (set Construction) ,and companies that supply scissor lifts and portable generators and much more. Plus it gives a spotlight to our Virginia Community , that Virginia is a great place to film. If Atlanta Georgia can do it with film incentives, Virginia can do it too. Please support HB771 - We are counting on you

Hello, For the last few years I have spent a majority of my time working outside of Virginia due to the lack of film incentives. I have seen other economies flourishing with the incentives of productions coming to their area. Restaurants, rental units, local stores and chains all benefiting. Please give us a chance to allow Virginia to grow and bring our jobs back.

The monuments are down and Richmond does not necessarily need to be a tourism state but we do need a healthy influx of business and money. I’m a Richmond resident and I’ve worked on films for 18 years and I’ve seen businesses thrive and grow when films come to town. We will never be Hollywood or LA , all of the films I’ve worked on our state can be very proud of, films like John Adams and Lincoln and Dopesick. Please support having this creative film business that only brings positive commerce. Thanks, Lyna

Hello, Supporting film/tv tax incentives is crucial for the people in Virginia who work in these productions. But in addition to us, the amount of money spent on lumber, tools, hotels, and meals is hard to even measure. Even for people like myself who live in Williamsburg, Virginia for example, if a production is filming in Alexandria or Charlottesville or Powhatan, the production has already factored in getting me accommodations in a hotel or Airbnb. One of the interesting parts of tv/film production is things in set can change quickly. When this happens and we have to work longer than expected, rush orders are placed for 35 pizzas to be delivered to set or extra materials delivered from local businesses to keep the movie or show on track. An example of what these incentives could help unleash involve Pharrell Williams. As a tireless supporter of the 757 and Virginia as a whole, he wanted to shoot Hidden Figures in Hampton Roads but the tax incentives didn’t allow him to do that. Our state has so much to to showcase from the Eastern Shore to Big Stone Gap. Please support HB771 so that we can share that with the world.

I am a resident of Henrico VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community. Please let’s help build up this important industry for one of the United States greatest assets right here in Virginia! Thank you.

My name is Nathan Shifflette and I have been out of work for over a year now. Please pass increased Film Incentives for an amount and timeframe that meets, or exceeds, those of our surrounding states so that we may remain competitive. The Commonwealth has a huge amount to offer film and television productions that bring vast sums of money to the state and local communities. Unfortunately, without the incentives, productions will choose to make an inferior project elsewhere and the Commonwealth loses opportunities to showcase the natural beauty, architectural variety, and the pivotal history that occured in our great state. I personally have had to postpone having children with my wife and building a house for our future family because of the strikes and lack of work in our state. We all want to get back to work and begin contributing in a significant way to our communities again. Sincerely, Nathan Shifflette

Film Production is growing in Virginia, and it is important to incentivize larger film production companies to bring business to the state. In addition to the jobs and economic growth that comes with film productions, the opportunities created for local talent increases the moral of Virginia residents, where their dreams of working in film are not some distant vision that would require them to leave the state, but these dreams can be fulfilled right where they are. This is why you should pass HB771!

Esteemed members of the Appropriations Committee, I invite you to support VA HB771. I was born and raised in VA Beach, attended VA Tech, and have returned to Virginia to raise my family. I want to stay here to work in my industry, and we need your support! As a 20+ year veteran in the motion picture industry, I represent over 1,000 union members of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, otherwise known as I.A.T.S.E. As a skilled tradesperson, I support Virginia's economic revenue in film and television production. Not only does the motion picture industry support our local workforce, it also boosts the revenue for local vendors, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. In unity and solidarity, we advocate community building and outreach. I am not only a Key Costumer, I am a certified union trainer and Teaching Artist. I get to see first hand how the creative arts in this industry boosts our next generation of skilled workers, creators, producers and educators. Making our local industry competitive in motion pictures, television and new media puts Virginia on the map and generates substantial revenue within our local economy. Virginia has such a range of locations to offer to productions looking to shoot here. Please support HB771 and let's continue to make Virginia great!

My name is Jaime Albarracin, I am a Virginia resident, I work in the entertainment industry as an actor and I support the bill.

As a nearly 25 year Resident of the Richmond area, I've seen the film industry ebb and flow over the years. HB 771 would ensure good jobs for many people who live here and have had, and would like to continue having careers in film without needing to move away to another state that does support film work. The film's will get made where they happen to be supported. These tax incentives don't feed Hollywood's pockets, they allow Hollywood's dollars to be spent here in our state, buying all the goods and services in state that make these films, providing good incomes to the local labor force of actors and technicians that make these films please know that every dollar of film incentive brings multiple dollars to Virginia in the spending on salaries, goods and services in the making of these movies and series content. Please support HB 771 in full. Thank you.

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. Thank you for your consideration.

HB 771 is of course, important for the state film industry which is largely based in Richmond. However, this bill would be monumental for the Southwest region as well. From 2020-2021 five different productions came through SWVA. Dopesick in particular was monumental. The production spent a bit of time in Roanoke, but spent more in Clifton Forge. This of course, was a huge deal for the town. Virginia is a geographically diverse state with a ton of potential both visually and economically for the industry.

Acting professor, Actor, and independent acting coach in full support of HB771 (film and TV incentives).

I have been a IATSE film worker for over 20 years. Some years are very slow with little film projects being filmed in the state. Especially with little to no film incentives being offered to filmmakers. NC and MD respectively have over 2O million allocated for film makers, why can't VA see the benefits of bringing business to the state for hoteliers, restaurants, vendors, not too mention employing our union members so we can support our families? We should be competitive with our surrounding states for film production. This Bill means good returns for all parties. Please consider passing this bill!

I am a SAG-AFTRA actor who lives in Hampton Roads area of Virginia and I support this bill. Please help us to be able to work in our home state and support our own economy. Thank you, Patti Davidson-Gorbea

I support this bill wholeheartedly as a lifelong resident of Virginia.

Posting support of HB771.

I am very much in support of this bill. The future of the film industry is looking for new homes away from LA, NYC, and now ATL and CHI too. It is going to spread across the country as time moves forward. There is no reason that Virginia should not be the next hub for film development and production. From the historical landmarks to the beautiful landscapes, Virginia is a filmmakers paradise. The revenue set aside for these tax credits are relatively minimal when considering the tax breaks given to Monumental Sports, Amazon and other private companies to incentivize development in the state. With a majority of industrial spaces in cities (Roanoke, Suffolk) still unoccupied, there is plenty of space for production to open studio houses. I fully support this bill.

I have worked in film for over 10 years and I’ve seen what it has brought not only the state but local communities. It is SO important that incentives be brought back to VA. It impacts the local economy, schools, businesses, etc. in more ways than can ever be expressed or put into numerical value.

I support this!

If Virginia wants to the revenue and support of film industry, to rival that of states like NC and GA this bill must be passed

Thank you for moving forward with HB771. It is a great opportunity to bring Film & TV work to Virginia. It will not only provide more jobs for actors, but also everyone else that is involved with production. Also, it will help out many different industries such as restaurants for catering, hotels, transportation, department stores etc. Thanks again for taking up this bill, the people of Virginia appreciate it! ~Mell

Everyone involved with the film in Virginia is suffering and has been suffering since 2020. Citizens of VA that work in the film industry need to work! Some awesome films have been produced right here and VA and now we are stagnant!

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

I am a life long resident of Virginia. I do not have the opportunity to earn a living in the film industry, because there IS NO film industry in Virginia. The Commonwealth is missing out on economic boons, and I miss out on the opportunity to earn a living in this field, because of a lack of incentives. Please support HB771 - Herring. Virginia has passed on these opportunities long enough.

Hello, I am a resident of Richmond, VA. I work in the film industry and am in strong support of HB 771. Increasing film tax incentives would greatly benefit film workers and our local economy. Born in Virginia, I have built a life here and love working here. This bill would help a lot of us work in the place we live, rather than having to travel out of town for work. Thank you.

The people of Virginia need an increase in tax incentives for the film industry. There are people who have worked in this field for the past 15 years who are now struggling to make ends meet. This increase would bring more work to the area and ensure that hundreds of talented individuals stay local and as well as increase the number of productions that can be shot around the state.

I'm a Virginia resident who works in the film business and I support house bill 771.

As a long-time Virginia resident and motion picture producer, I wanted to add my local face to this legislation as an example of the type of Virginia small business and taxpayer that will be helped. I've heard it said that Hollywood does not need handouts from the Virginia legislature, but the incentive program to help filmmakers bring productions to the Commonwealth and employ Virginia companies and Virginia workers on feature film and television projects helps small business owners like me, not Netflix, Apple or Disney. I have produced numerous feature films over the past decade, and have taken my productions to New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, West Virginia, California, and overseas rather than working here in my home state, because the incentives to filmmakers were greater in those other locations. For independent filmmakers like myself, the difference in tax credit between Virginia and another states with greater funding for film incentives is often the deciding factor when choosing in which state to bring productions and hire workers. Beyond those directly hired to work on a production, there are all of the other Virginia businesses that benefit from film productions in the Commonwealth, from caterers and restaurants to dry cleaners, hotels, equipment and vehicle rental companies, and all of the other crafts and services necessary to sustain a feature film or television production. The Virginia Film Office does an amazing job attracting the productions that it gets to film in the Commonwealth but they lose more than they win. HB771 is a step forward in the right direction to help even the playing field and make Virginia an attractive place for filmmakers to work, hire, live, and thrive. I strongly encourage you to consider the merits of this bill, benefits to the Commonwealth, and vote in favor of HB771. Respectfully, Mark Maxey, national board member of the Producers Guild of America, board member of Women in Film & Video, president of Maxey Media, LLC and Rolling Pictures, LLC, and Virginia resident since 1991, Loudoun County resident since 1997.

I am writing to express my strong support for HB771. Encouraging growth in the film sector through these incentives can lead to a myriad of positive outcomes for our state. By attracting more film productions, we have the opportunity to create jobs for local talent and businesses, contributing to economic stimulation. Additionally, showcasing Virginia's unique landscapes and vibrant communities through film has the potential to boost tourism and invigorate local economies. Supporting the film industry aligns with the broader goal of diversifying our economy and fostering creativity within the state. I urge you to consider the long-term benefits and the positive impact on our community that tax credits for the Virginia film industry can bring. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope you will champion this initiative for the betterment of Virginia's economy and cultural landscape.

Greetings to my honorable representatives, I write to you in regards to the HB771. As a SAG-AFTRA actress, it may seem selfish to want this bill to pass. However, not only does this concern me personally, it also touches your constituents all over the state. I came here from Detroit. Michigan passed an amazing tax bill, and we boomed with business - all businesses. Then, a state of the art studio was built. When Sam Raimi, a childhood friend, came back home to film “Oz the Great and Terrible”, he commented on how this studio surpassed studios he’s worked in. Then, the tax incentives went away. As someone who votes Republican the majority of the time, it confused me as to why they would be against tax breaks. When business booms, and your people make a lot more money, they hire more people, and they pay more taxes. There’s also a pride and excitement for all that’s priceless. Your constituents will look upon you as brave and life giving. Please support and vote for HB711! Sincerely, Nicole Hakim Yohn 519 Lancey Dr. Midlothian, VA 23114

My name is Joe Conway, and among other things, I am a member of SAG-AFTRA, since 2004. I am writing to support HB 771, the Lights, Camera, Jobs Act. Although my SAG-AFTRA membership covers my part-time broadcasting work, in solidarity I support the priorities of my brothers and sisters in the acting branch of my union. The LCJA aims to boost the annual amount of money the Commonwealth makes available for film and television tax credits, bringing those credits level with what other states in the Mid-Atlantic offer. The hope is that the LCJA will help Virginia compete by making it economically attractive for the film industry. Thank you for your ongoing support of the film industry and for your efforts to grow it here in Virginia.

As a screenwriter and director of the type of content stated in this bill, the impact of said bill would be enormous to me and my colleagues. Due to the level of commitment and professionalism in the community, the media production industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia has the potential to gain attention as the premier location to create content in the United States and beyond. Thank you so much for the opportunity to voice my support of this bill.

Good afternoon. I'm writing in support of HB771. We have a thriving film industry in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia, but unless we increase our film incentives, all the work and sacrifice that thousands of dedicated professionals have spent growing this industry over the last several decades, will be lost. The majority of people who work on these projects are Virginians. We take enormous pride in our work, and we feel that our success is a victory for all Virginians. Please support this bill.

I support legislation that will bring more film work to Virginia, thank you

Hello! My name is Zoe Sarris. I am a resident of Richmond, VA and have worked in the film production industry here in town since 2017. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community. Thank you for your time!

I am a resident of Henrico, VA and I am writing to show support for this bill because I think that it is in Virginia’s best interests to encourage and provide resources for film work.

I am a Virginia resident and local worker in the Virginia Film Industry. I support this bill to increase film tax incentives as it will greatly benefit the state and local economies.

Ms. Herring, I'm writing in support of house bill 771. Although I live in a rural area of the Shenandoah, I can attest to the fact that a robust film industry benefits me and a variety of businesses in which I directly support through my position. As a prop master, I take pride in “shopping local”, often farming out technical builds, specialty foods, and other unique items from small Virginia businesses. I witnessed first hand the economic boom an incentive did to Georgia when their incentive was passed. Georgia is now second only to California in media production. But my home and my heart is in Virginia. Many projects have benefited by the diverse locations on so many quality and award winning projects. They showcase the hard work Virginians bring to the table and, in doing so, brings in millions of dollars to both urban and rural economies. Virginia IS for Film Lovers! Let us increase our Commonwealth’s profile and put talented Virginians to work with a proven economic incentive. Respectfully: John D. Bert, Fort Valley, VA

it’s good for the economy and brings a lot of jobs and business. I am a VA resident.

Filmmaking is part of what makes Richmond what it is, plus it’s got a good market here. Let’s keep it that way!

I am a Virginia resident who works in the industry and supports the bill.

My name is Justin Unger. I was born and raised in Hanover County, and chose to return to Hanover to raise my own family. I work as a Lighting Technician when film and television projects are in Virginia. Recently, there has not been enough work in the Commonwealth to support my family through the film industry, so I have had to take other full time work to provide. If there had been more tax credits available to productions looking at Virginia, we may not be experiencing this extreme drought of work. Currently, we have the lowest amount of tax credits available in our region. If we raise the tax credits to 46.5 Million, it would put us at the middle of the field as compared to the states surrounding us. This is a good start, and will lead to thousands of good jobs, and millions in revenue for the Commonwealth each year. I urge you to support HB771 to support Virginia jobs and Virginia workers. Justin Unger Hanover County, VA Regional VP, IATSE Local 487

Virginia is dire need of film incentives to maintain a local crew base with all of our individual skill sets that have been passed on from one generation to the next in the VA film makers community. This lack of funding combined with a crippling strike last year may crush this economic activity in Virginia for many years to come. I have been in the industry in Virginia for 27 years it has never been this bleak of a forecast ever. Guys like me will leave this industry or state and all our experience and craft will disappear without funding. You can’t teach this industry in film school or community colleges. This craft is hard earned and a valuable industry to the Commonwealth. If we don’t have crew and local gear this industry grinds to a halt and people film in other states such as Georgia without hesitation. The film industry is the front porch of Virginia much like a winning state football team. Let’s keep our beautiful front porch intact for the world to see for generations to come. Now is the time to act! Sincerely, Jason Ivey Local 487 proud

I am a local Richmond resident and have been for 12 years. My career and livelihood has been tied to the film industry here for the last 7 years. Tax incentives are so important to continue bringing production money and work to the local film industry here, the businesses they buy from, and the local communities they film in. Tax incentives keep Richmond a competitive place to make film and TV productions that bring work to thousands in the area. Please support this bill.

I am a local Richmond resident and have been for 12 years. My career and livelihood has been tied to the film industry here for the last 7 years. Tax incentives are so important to continue bringing production money and work to the local film industry here, the businesses they buy from, and the local communities they film in. Tax incentives keep Richmond a competitive place to make film and TV productions that bring work to thousands in the area. Please support this bill.

As an actor, producer, and dedicated resident of Chesapeake, VA, where my production company calls home, I advocate for HB 771's potential to revolutionize our local economy and cultural landscape. This bill isn't just a legislative act; it's a gateway to fostering economic growth and community development in Virginia by leveraging the film and media production industry. By drawing on the successes of states like New York, Massachusetts, and Louisiana, where film tax credits have spurred economic vitality, we see these initiatives as essential investments. Enhancing the content manufacturing tax credit through HB 771 can position our region as a beacon for the creative industries, attracting projects that stimulate local business and create opportunities across various sectors. Moreover, the implementation of this bill will pave the way for building infrastructure that supports new technology, enriching our community's economic and cultural fabric. States like New York have demonstrated the vast benefits of such credits, including job creation, significant economic output, and fostering a multiplier effect that benefits local businesses and communities. By adopting and enhancing these tax credits, we not only bolster Virginia's position in the competitive landscape of film and media production but also contribute to a vibrant, economically robust future for Virginia and the city of Chesapeake where I reside and our neighboring communities. The time to act is now, to leverage this proven strategy for the benefit of our city and state.

I am a young college student, and my family presently work all in film. It would be a fantastic opportunity for the state if the incentives for productions were to remain in place for films to be produced here in our state, as they bring quite jobs and business to the state, boosting the economy as well as the state’s cultural capital, which in many cases leads to more business in a quite beneficial cycle, as has been seen in California in the past, and is now being seen in Georgia!

I am a Henrico county resident, and I work as professional film and TV actor. I have to travel all over the country to find jobs because we do not have a viable film incentive program in Virginia. Everyone of the top of the line professionals that I know ,who lives here because we love our Virginia, want to work here as well. This bill makes sense, with a 13 to 1 ROI it is almost a no brainier. Please support film making in the Old Dominion,and pass this bill!

As a voting VA resident who works in the film & TV industry who would like more opportunities to work IN VIRGINIA I support HB771 and strongly encourage you to do so well. Thank you.

I support tax incentives for the film and television production in Virginia. I am a Union actor who has worked extensively in film and televison.

I have friends in the industry and seeing their struggles since the pandemic shutdown has been awful and sad. They deserve to earn a living without needing to travel for months. I wholeheartedly support this bill to bring their jobs closer to home, and revenue to the city’s businesses, restaurants and venues. Please please consider how this bill would positively impact so many.

Ms. Herring, I'm writing in support of house bill 771. Virginia needs to support the film community that it has already established here. By providing greater incentives to film makers we bring not only more productions into our state providing jobs for our film community, but also national public attention to our state. We currently are last in the region providing incentives to film makers. This is not only short sighted, but a stick in the eye to those who live here who depend on film work to pay their bills. I have a daughter who has a degree in film from the NYU- Tische School of Film. She has made several short films here and would like to make a feature film here soon, however the financial incentives are not there in Virginia to allow her to do this. Instead she will be forced to go to another state to film her production. This should not be the case. I also have many friends who depend on the film industry here in Virginia who have a difficult time making ends meet because of our states lack of these incentives. I hope you will continue to support this bill and help put Virginia in the forefront of bringing more production opportunities to Virginia's film community. thank you sincerely, Frederick A. Roscher Richmond Va.

I am a Virginia resident and work in the film industry. Please support Virginia film by passing this bill. It is very important for people's livelihoods and also helps the local economy. Thank you in advance

Hello! I am a SAG actress residing in Fairfax County. I support HB 771 and any legislation that would bring more film work to the commonwealth of Virginia.

We have so much potential and talent in the Commonwealth. HB771 will have a positive impact on the arts and the production community. Supporting this bill is a win for our filmmakers and the businesses that support them.

I was an integral part in getting the incentive program in Oregon established in 2005. My husband and I, at the time, were born and raised in Oregon and making a living at the business there. We were not California transplants just wanting to take advantage of the state. Now that I live in Virginia, I see the beauty of the locations of this state and wish the same benefits for Virginia that I have witnessed taking place in Oregon over the years. Film incentives are an amazing thing for the state. When worded to ensure local hires/money spent on local businesses they bring in a great amount of money with minimal footprint to the state. Several vendors (building supplies, antiques, clothing for example) , artists, hotels, restaurants benefit from the business but productions are only here for a limited period of time, so there is no other huge impact to populations, schools etc. It's a Non Polluting industry and can employ many. It's just a win/win. I would strongly urge you to support this industry as an economic benefit to the state. Thank you.

Dear Legislators, I live in Maryland; however our union covers three two states and D.C. The Bill before you would help to bring jobs and revenue to Va. The bill would make Va more inticing for films, commercials and TV projects to be filmed in Va as well introduce people to the beautiful state of Va. Broadcast productions boast and adds revenue to the state. please pass this bill.

My name is Leslie Tuite. and I support HB771. I am a Virginia. resident, I’ have been the co owner of Helens restaurant for thirty years. Over the years Helens restaurant has been patronized by many who work in the film industry including actors , producers and film crew. I’m am aware that restaurants are one of many local businesses that benefit greatly from film productions coming to Virginia.. HB771 supports Virginia workers and our state economy. Thank you

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

As both a VP of production for a film production CO. & a local film crew member for over 25 years, I have seen how important HB 771 is from both sides of this business. I have been in meetings with commercial real estate developers interested in building a sound stage in Loudoun County & the VA film office. Their main concerns were the level of tax incentives & the sunset on them. Before business's make capital investments they want to have a reasonable 5-10 year forecast. This bill makes that possible. I also talked to the manager who opened VA’s MBS equipment rental office. She said they created a VA business, rented a warehouse & hired 6 VA residents to support the local film industry. Unfortunately they have laid off 5 people because there isn’t enough work. I don’t believe the income tax or any of the taxes generated by those 6 people are represented in the direct 25-30% ROI of the cost report. It is represented in the 10x’s GDP which can often be overlooked when concerns about impact to the budget are brought up. That is just 1 company, I’m sure there are many other similar stories. Film production creates jobs outside of the industry. Every film financing meeting I go into, the 1st question asked is, “where are you on the tax incentives?”. Most are willing to invest when there is risk mitigation. The most difficult money to get is the 1st investment money. Having increased tax incentives gives me the ability to suggest filming in VA. Without them I can’t even offer VA. No investor/business is going to leave 20-30% of their budget unrealized. As much as I personally disagree with tax incentives (especially for billion dollar bushinesses) it is the business climate & expectation that has been created by other states. In order to stay competitive within the film industry we need this bill to pass. West VA passed film incentives similar to Georgia but has not realized significant growth because they do not have the infrastructure that allows films to take full advantage of the incentives. VA currently has the crew base, infrastructure & great reputation that companies want. My concern is that we will lose that without HB 771 & it is much more difficult to rebuild once it is lost. In 2008 we lost almost half of our crew to Atlanta, Georgia because of their film tax incentive program. It took almost 10 years to recover & it was the 2014 VA tax incentive bill that enabled that recovery. I have also seen many highly trained friends who work as crew have to go on unemployment or take low paying jobs just to pay their rent. This bill gives me & the film office a chance to help them. I have lived in VA since 1967 & appreciate how excellent a fiduciary of taxpayer money the VA legislature has become over the last 20 years. I believe HB771 continues in that tradition. Please do what you can to pass it into law. Thank you, Jim Ray

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

I am a Virginia resident and a member of Local 487. I work in the wardrobe department and love my career. I support this bill and want nothing more than to have the career I love in city I love. Sincerely, Katie Kincheloe

Hello, I was born & raised in Richmond, Virginia. Studied film production at University of Miami then came home to Virginia to work in the industry. Continued my education and obtained a Masters of Arts degree at Regent University in VA Beach, VA. I have made my living in the film industry in Virginia since 1985. I support this bill HB #771. Thank you, Margaret H Crowder 9 Raven Rock Ct Richmond, VA 23229

First, let me say I'm a 31 year resident of Fauquier County, Virginia. Bringing more entertainment industry work to Virginia is paramount. Why does Virginia let all that money go to Louisiana and Georgia....and even Maryland? The boost to local economies is undeniable and VA should work to bring those windfalls to our local economies. Is there a problem with this? Or, is there some reason to think bringing work and financial gain to the local workforces and governments would be a bad thing? Louisiana and Georgia seem happy. Petersburg and Richmond....and even Warrenton have proven their value to big productions and even bigger directors. We should embrace them and the industry. Please vote to pass these incentives. Thank you, Bob Hurley

My name is Brandon Harris, I am a Local 487 union member. The passing of this bill will allow more work to come to my region. The impact of future job opportunities is immeasurable. The ability to be financially secure, support family and friend, and the opportunity to positively influence my local community and communities we enter through film is of vast importance. I'm extremely grateful to have my voice heard and I thank you for considering this bill and understanding that "Virginia is for Film Lovers"

My name is David Jones and I am a Virginia resident. I went to high school and college in Virginia, after a childhood of moving around the country and the world with my father, who was an Air Force pilot. My dad also loved movies. He would tape movies from TV on his VCR. The tapes all featured the titles of the movies, usually the names of the lead actors, and the year the movie came out. My dad inspired a love of movies in me that led to my study of them in college. I've worked many different types of jobs since then, but the movie industry called to me. I started working with friends in Hampton Roads that made a pair of self-financed short films. After getting to see the tricks behind the magic of movie making, I was hooked. I took side jobs working on commercials and music videos. Eventually, I landed a gig working on a feature film in Roanoke. It was weeks of long hours and hard work, but the crew bonded in a unique way. We also got to meet people around the town who provided us with coffee and food or a place to film a scene. Supporting actors from around the state were given an opportunity to work alongside career actors from around the country. Subsequently, I've worked on hundreds of commercials, films, TV shows, and sporting events... filming them, preparing sets, running hundreds of pounds of electric cable, lighting scenes with everything from a small light you can hold in your hand to giant cranes that hold multiple lights as heavy as a person. I've been in the business, off and on, for more than ten years now. I could cite studies that say film productions support local economies and boost tourism, but I think the better point to make is that I've loved movies my whole life. I've been chasing after the feeling I had when my dad first showed me Star Wars back in the Eighties. Anyone who was ever loved a movie or a TV show carries it with them like seeing an amazing painting or reading a cherished book. Unlike many other forms of art, though, motion pictures require the efforts of dozens or hundreds of people working 12 hour days to achieve. Most of the people who work on movies have to love movies in order to work those hours because it is often difficult to maintain the schedule. From the script to the screen, we are often told that a page equates to about a minute of running time. But a couple of pages might take use a whole day to capture on film. What we do is a labor of love so that we can share the dream of movies with our fellow Virginians, Americans, and people around the world. As a member of the filmmaking community I support this bill. Tax incentives help to bring these projects to the great state of Virginia. When we're done filming, I hope you get to see and enjoy them.

Good afternoon, I am a Virginia resident and I work in the film industry. I am also a member of SAG-AFTRA and I strongly support the film incentives bill HB771. I hope you and your colleagues will likewise support the bill -- it is good for Virginia and Virginians. Sincerely, Kirk Lambert

I support HB 771 and the removing of the sunset on motion picture tax credit. Filmmaking is a pretty important industry, both in America and around the world, since so many people watch movies and shows for entertainment. It might not seem like it, but Virginia has a strong, dedicated film community that has been really struggling over the years. Not a whole lot productions pick Virginia because our tax credits aren’t the best, but we still get an okay amount that come here. However, that local community has been pretty hurt ever since North Carolina cut their film incentives years ago. Did you know they filmed Iron Man 3 there just before they got rid of the incentives? That’s a huge production that created a lot of jobs and could’ve led to other big productions being made there, but they threw that away and destroyed both their local industry and folks who would commute from here in Virginia. These days a lot of folks who work in film in VA have to go down to GA to find work. Now here’s the thing, the assumption is that the entertainment industry is made of mostly writers, directors, producers, and actors, but the vast majority of the industry are made up of blue collar workers in the crew. These are folks who build sets, setup lights, and move heavy equipment around all day. They’re the caterers, makeup artists, and prop makers. THESE are the folks filmmakers will usually hire locally when they bring a production to town. Not to mention the amount of dollars that are brought in when a production comes in. It can be a huge, local economic boost because of the gear, supplies, and food that they’d have to buy. And none of this is even mentioning the completely local indie film productions in the area. They might not have as large of a voice as the big studios out there, but it’s just as important. Maybe more so for us since this would be Virginians sharing their stories with the world. That, in and of itself, should be a good enough reason to help out these filmmakers, because stories are important to us and we should try to facilitate storytelling as best we can. In conclusion, we need to keep these tax incentives in place, maybe even expand them at some point (I know, that’s not what this is about, but still). There are so many local folks in this invisible industry in Virginia that need to productions to come in. So many blue collar workers that could help keep the production going and so many local businesses that would benefit just for being there and ready to serve. Get rid of the sunset on the motion picture tax credit and make this happen. Thank you for your time and also sorry that I almost used up your character limit, but this was important. So again, thank you.

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community

As a nearly 25 year Resident of the Richmond area, I've seen the film industry ebb and flow over the years. HB 771 would ensure good jobs for many people who live here and have had, and would like to continue having careers in film without needing to move away to another state that does support film work. The film's will get made where they happen to be supported. These tax incentives don't feed Hollywood's pockets, they allow Hollywood's dollars to be spent here in our state, buying all the goods and services in state that make these films, providing good incomes to the local labor force of actors and technicians that make these films please know that every dollar of film incentive brings multiple dollars to Virginia in the spending on salaries, goods and services in the making of these movies and series content. Please support HB 771 in full. Thank you.

YES! YES! YES! LIGHTS! CAMERA! JOBS! Please support this bill! Let’s bring big films like LINCOLN back to Virginia! Actors like me need more opportunities in our home state!

I've been working freelance in the film industry for nearly 9 years. There have always been an exciting variety of film jobs available in Virginia, and because of this I've never had to work an outside gig job. Legislation HB771 would allow me to keep pursuing my passion, location sound, while creating opportunity for new workers.

I wholeheartedly support this bill. Passing it will result in an economic windfall for Virginia workers like myself, vendors we work with, and municipalities throughout the Commonwealth.

I am a VA resident, work in the production industry and I strongly support this bill!! Please help the many talented people who rely on this industry to stay in this city and not move away by having more work available for us. This in turn also greatly supports the many local businesses in this community!

I have been a SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer since 2018. In the past 3 years I have seen Film and TV Productions move to Pittsburgh and Atlanta to reduce costs. These projects typically would have been filmed in Richmond and Northern Virginia as stand ins for DC. Homeland Season 7 is an example of this. The film Rustin used DC only for location scenes and moved production to Pittsburgh for the outside DC office scenes instead of using Northern Virginia. I understand that both Pennsylvania and Georgia have robust tax incentives for Film and TV production. I urge the General Assembly to consider making Virginia more competitive, thus creating more Virginia based jobs. Thank you.

My name is Paul Schultz, I am a Virginia Beach resident and have a been a Virginia resident my whole adult life. I have been working in the film industry for 24 years and am solidly in support of HB 771. This bill would have a powerful effect on the lives of all Virginians who work in the film and television industry. Simply put, this would help me, and so many others like me, stay in Virginia for work, instead of having to travel to other states. In turn, this would bolster and stabilize a strong resident talent-base, and increase revenue to a wide range of local businesses. Thank you.

My name is Elliott Bales, I live in Arlington, VA and I am a retired US Army officer and a professional actor. I ask you to pass HB 771 to help us continue to grow the film and video production industry in Virginia. As a member of SAG-AFTRA and an elected member of the SAG-AFTRA Washington-MidAtlantic Local Board - the actors' and performers' union - I have first hand experienced the value of having a strong industry to tell Virginia's stories and to allow Virginians to participate in this important work. It is frustrating and painful to see so much of our work go to other states with incentives that dwarf what Virginia offers. Having to travel to other locales to work and spending money in their local businesses and paying taxes to their states bleeds money that should be spent in the Commonwealth. My conversations with producers who want to film in Virginia because of our depth of talent, the scenic value of our geography, and the history that resides here always ends the same way - they take their business elsewhere because it is more profitable. It is time to make Virginia more competitive in this industry that is currently growing revenue at 7.2% year over year. The Commonwealth needs more of that revenue spent here. I applaud the subcommittee's unanimous vote to move this significant piece of legislation forward and look forward to the full committee's passage of as well. We do not want to work in Atlanta or New York or LA. We want to work in the Commonwealth of Virginia, spend our money here, and see filmmakers spend their dollars at our businesses. And when we pay our reasonable taxes, we want them to stay in Virginia.

I am a Virginia resident, and I support this bill as a member of the film industry in the State of Virginia. I look forward to many new jobs that this industry creates in our beautiful state. Some things that inspire me to be a part of making film in Virginia are; recognizing different areas of Virginia in the movies, hearing all the stories from individuals who have had some of Americas most amazing talents being served in their restaurants, and stories of how fun visiting artists have had exploring so much of the rich history Virginia has to offer. Thank you for supporting this industry and let us all continue to share our love for Virginia.

I am a working actor living in Richmond and support Virginia House Bill 771. Thank you in advance for supporting this bill.

I am a film industry professional that moved to Richmond several years ago for it's thriving Film/TV industry. The past couple years it's been increasingly difficult to find work as the number of productions have diminished. Richmond, amongst other places in Virginia, have a plethora of talented creatives and workers. The lack of consistant work has taken a tool on many financially and professionally. We have already started to loosing people to other states (Atlanta, Pennsylvania). This is a real shame considering how much variety the state of Virginia can offer for productions (urban, rural, historical, etc). SB251 and HB771 will allow Virginia's Tax incentives to fall more closely with the states in the South and Mid-Atlantic, bringing more opportunities to the area and, in turn, foster economic growth for the state. It will give filmmakers a platform to create, bring work to local businesses (food, transportation, hospitality, locations) and showcase all this beautiful state has to offer. I kindly ask for your continued support of the Film Industry in Virginia!

Hello, Supporting film/tv tax incentives is crucial for the people in Virginia who work in these productions. But in addition to us, the amount of money spent on lumber, tools, hotels, and meals is hard to even measure. Even for people like myself who live in Williamsburg, Virginia for example, if a production is filming in Alexandria or Charlottesville or Powhatan, the production has already factored in getting me accommodations in a hotel or Airbnb. One of the interesting parts of tv/film production is things in set can change quickly. When this happens and we have to work longer than expected, rush orders are placed for 35 pizzas to be delivered to set or extra materials delivered from local businesses to keep the movie or show on track. An example of what these incentives could help unleash involve Pharrell Williams. As a tireless supporter of the 757 and Virginia as a whole, he wanted to shoot Hidden Figures in Hampton Roads but the tax incentives didn’t allow him to do that. Our state has so much to to showcase from the Eastern Shore to Big Stone Gap. Please support HB771 so that we can share that with the world.

Dear Honorable Delegates, I appreciate all you do for the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am BEGGING you to approve the incentives and breaks for the Virginia Film Industry. The production companies bring to Virginia MILLIONS of DOLLARS!!! REVENUE TO SMALL BUSINESSES!!! JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! Revenue to our hospitality businesses in Virginia... hotels, restaurants, construction, rentals of housing and equipment for production.... PLEASE PLEASE consider improving our incentives so they COME BACK TO VIRGINIA!!! Our tourism in Virginia is declining and we need the Production Companies to come back to Virginia to bring in MORE REVENUE!!!! Virginia has beautiful scenery, and historical sites with many more options that are very appealing to the industry. Virginia needs to get on board and bring jobs back to Virginia!!! VOTE YES FOR FILM INCENTIVES FOR VIRGINIA! Phyllis Andrews Party Perfect Richmond, VA 23223

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. The amount of skilled craftsman, technicians, and artist within Richmond astonishing and needs to be supported with incentives for film work in Virginia. Although I still feel green coming from a different entertainment industry, within film I have found one of the strongest communities of technicians I've had the pleasure to work and learn from. With film work I also finally had an income to even consider buying a home and have insurance to take care of myself without living paycheck to paycheck. With the lack of incentives and dried up work I have had to find work in other industries in other states. I've had to leave my home and my spouse for months at a time to even make a fraction of what I used to in film. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

My name is Bernie Cavanaugh, and I am a resident of Reston VA. I am a member of SAG/AFTRA and I support this bill 771.

My great uncle and cousins are a Virginia resident. I work in the industry, and that I support the bill.

Hello, I am a Virginia resident, a working actor and member of SAG-AFTRA. I support the Lights, Camera, Jobs Act (HB 711). I encourage the legislature to enact this measure. Thank you, Stacey Marques

I am a Virginia resident and work in the Film & Television industry. I support the HB771 bill.

I am a Virginia resident. I work in the industry. I definitely support this bill. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251] in order to increase Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. This act will bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. As a life-long Virginia resident and a Hanover County constituent for the past twenty years, I urge you review the benefits of the act and consider increasing funds to strengthen the film and television industry. Film projects create thousands of highly-skilled local jobs and support small businesses. Aside from restaurants and hotels, productions utilize numerous local vendors such as construction material suppliers, equipment rental shops, florists, bakeries, antique and thrift stores, and automotive graphics design and application. In turn, these vendors are able to expand, hire more employees and spend more in our communities here at home. On a personal note, members of my household have worked on acclaimed projects such as Loving, Homeland, Good Lord Bird, Dopesick and Swagger. We are not millionaire producers or executives. We are hard-working Virginians who prefer to work here rather travelling to neighboring states where film projects are more readily available. Making Virginia's film industry stronger will help fellow residents like me and my family while also boosting our economy. Thank you for your time and consideration.

As a VA resident I hereby support the Lights, Camera, Jobs Act. We have too many resources and so much talent here. It would behoove a lot of us to have consistent film jobs and would do well for the industry having another job for filmmaking that also isn’t as expensive.

Good afternoon, I’m writing in support of hb771. There is a common misperception that television/ movie work doesn’t benefit the local constituents. I would like to dispel that assumption. As a resident of Richmond va and the surrounding area for over 20 years this work has changed my life. Previously I was struggling to make ends meet. Since joining IATSE and getting involved in film work I have been able to stabilize my financial situation for my daughter and I. This work has allowed me to buy a home and reach goals that would have otherwise remained elusive. Additionally being a local working in the industry has awarded me the opportunity to spend funds from the films at local businesses. Highlighting the resources that already exist in Richmond and the surrounding area. Bringing lots of business to places like seiwers, chesterfield trading company and other independent and locally owned retailers. When there is work in Virginia everybody wins. From the tourism sector to the equipment rentals. Please approve this bill so that Virginians can have access to good paying jobs and meet the needs of our families and communities.

Thank You for Supporting Bill HB771. More Film and Production and Tax Revenue for Virginia.

Hello. I am writing to ask your support of House Bill 771. The Lights, Camera, Jobs Act is bipartisan legislation intended to take a new approach to make Virginia more economically competitive, retain the workforce, and create a long-term marketplace for success in the film industry. These bills are the keys to bringing Virginia’s film and television incentive in line with the regional average. I am a SAG actor who lives in Arlington and for far too long, almost all of the auditions I've had have been in Atlanta, New York or Philadelphia. We have a vibrant, accomplished, professional and large industry base here in Virginia - both in front of the camera talent like me who is an actor, as well as behind the camera - including directors, camera and sound operators, editors and more. This bil simply gets Virginia’s incentive in line with the average for states in the South and Mid-Atlantic, like Maryland and Pennsylvania. I cannot thank you enough for your continued support of the film industry, now that we're all back to work and ready to tell stories and bolster the economy. I ask that you help our industry grow in Virginia!

I am writing to you regarding my support of SB 251 and HB771. I am a professional SAG-AFTRA actress and I live in Arlington, VA. I love living in Northern Virginia and I have many actor friends that live in the area as well. The film industry is our livelihood and this bill gets Virginia’s incentive in line with the average for states in the South and Mid-Atlantic. Many jobs are being filmed in Georgia and other southern states, and unfortunately we often have to travel to these states to have Union work. Virginia has amazing landscapes, buildings, and talent here and we would love to have more of this work locally. Please help by supporting this bill to bring more tax incentives and work to Virginia so our industry can thrive and grow! Sincerely, Kelly Schwartz

As a lifelong Virginia resident working within the film industry, I support this bill. Not only for my own employment, but also for the local businesses that benefit from the influx of spending when productions are here. I want to work in my home state, and the incentives offered by HB771 will encourage productions to come here. Thank you for your consideration.

SAG Actress in support of my union in need of work!

I'm a local set lighting technician living in Chesterfield , Virginia. I have worked on several tv series that was filmed in Virginia such as Swagger, Walking Dead World Beyond, and Lincoln. When a film production comes to town it not only supports the technicians working on the film set but it also supports the local businesses such as grocery stores (catering), Hardware stores ( set Construction),and companies that supply scissor lifts and portable generators and much more. Plus it gives a spotlight to our Virginia Community , that Virginia is a great place to film. If Atlanta Georgia can do it with film incentives, Virginia can do it too. Please support HB771 - We are counting on you

HB-771 is very important to professional Actors and Filmmakers in Va as it goes a long way to allowing us to ply our trade right here at home, rather than traveling to, (and spending our money), in another state. This HB -771 is good for Virginia and Virginians.

Good Afternoon, I'm writing in support of bill HB771. I live in Richmond VA, but rarely find myself there because I often have to travel to neighboring states to work. I don't like doing this because i like being near my friends and family, but also I believe Virginia is a better place to film. The crew and small businesses that support Virginia's productions are talented hard working people with so much to offer. Every Virginia filmmaker is constantly asking themselves "should I stay and support my state, or should I go to a state that supports me?" Please, Virginia's filmmakers are asking you for your support. We just want more opportunities to be Virginia filmmakers.

Good Morning- I would like to comment on HB 771 the Lights Camera Jobs Act. My job as Art Department Coordinator entails hiring vendors for our production needs. I immediately find local Virginia vendors to help keep as much of the money spent within the Commonwealth. I have over 175 local companies we rely on to make this magic happen. This bill would employ these small businesses as well as the trained crew including myself and my husband (Camera Assistant). These shows help us to buy a house and make our home here in Virginia where we belong and not have to move to production hub towns that offer more incentives. The passage of this bill can put Virginia on the map as the filmmakers paradise it is. Thank you in advance for your support. -Susan Sutphin

My company and myself strongly support HB771. It is vital that we remain competitive in the film industry. Without support we will continue to loose more taxpayers to other states.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on HB 771. I live in Richmond, VA and have been a Camera Assistant for almost 20 years, working alongside hundreds of hard-working local technicians, tradesmen, artists, coordinators, assistants, drivers, office staff, and other production workers. Sadly, many of us are really struggling; our once thriving industry is now stagnant because Virginia can’t compete with nearby states. Jobs, a talented workforce, and dollars that could have been spent here are forced to go elsewhere. It’s disheartening when a movie or TV show that is set in Virginia films in a nearby state instead because they offer more incentives; we have EVERYTHING other states have (a great crew, stunning locations, supportive small businesses, etc.), the only thing we lack is the legislation to support our industry. We need to increase our tax credit program and bring incentive funds up to the regional average; HB771 will do this and bring work back to Virginia. Many of us truly enjoy training and mentoring young people, from all walks of life, who are trying to join the production industry. I’ve had the privilege of speaking in several VCU film classes and in various trainings with local organizations like Oakwood Arts in the East End of Richmond. Just a few years ago I was able to encourage young people to stay in Virginia and assure them that good jobs were available and it was a great place to train and work. It’s become really hard for me to do that recently, but I know that we can make that possible again with legislation that puts Virginia back on the list of economically viable places to bring film and television production. Please support Virginia's current AND future production workers by supporting HB 771. Thank you for your time and consideration.

This bill provides stability and predictability for filmmakers and production companies looking to invest in Virginia, making it more attractive for them to film their projects in the state and provide jobs for those in film production. Without this kind of support, productions go elsewhere (Atlanta, LA, etc.), losing out on millions of potential dollars being spent here (hotels, transportation, catering, entertainment, equipment rentals, etc.), and our talented workforce, likewise, must seek employment elsewhere. This bill is good for stimulating economic growth and sets Virginia up to be a thriving hub for filmmaking and content production.

I am writing in support of HB771 in the hopes that you will invest in film and television jobs here in the Commonwealth. As a Richmond-based actor, writer and producer it is devastating to see work go to other states in the Southeast, not for lack of talent both in front of and behind the camera, but because of funding incentives. Virginia is full of hardworking, creative people who must travel out of state (oftentimes at our own expense) to pursue work in the fields we love. This does not have to be the case and if financial incentives for film and TV production were increased we would provide many more opportunities for Virginians to work in their craft closer to home. Please consider supporting HB771 to make it possible for people like me who love living in Virginia to also pursue our passion for filmmaking and production. Thank you for your time and consideration Kevin Lee Rosenblum

Virginia needs to be more competitive relative to our neighboring states when it comes to offering tax breaks and other benefits to production companies that are based in CA, NY, etc. There is no shortage of talented professionals in the media and entertainment space who reside in the Commonwealth, and having more high profile movies and tv shows working here benefits the film production community here, as well as the many ancillary industries that support film producers, such as craft services, hospitality and more.

The financial benefit data from prior film production in Virginia is overwhelming and undeniable. This approval should be a no brainer. If there is any issue that should transcend the petty, dysfunctional political division, this is it. Not approving this bill would speak volumes.

I’m writing in support of HB771 for the tax incentive for film industry in Virginia. I have many, many friends in this industry in and around the Richmond area. I called Richmond home for ten years and would be thrilled to see the revenue it would bring to this vibrant community.

I’m a Board Member for the SAG AFTRA Washington Mid-Atlantic Local and I support this bill! It will bring more permanent film production infrastructure and jobs to the state.

Myself and hundreds of other film workers in the area have been without work from larger film projects coming to this area. Putting a focus incentives can bring those projects here and in turn brings jobs back and uplift the economy. Please consider this and all of us working in the film industry in VA. We all want to work in Va and not have to travel out of state for work. Thank you for your time.

For 30 years I have scouted and managed filming locations across our beautiful state for movies, television, commercials, documentaries and still photo shoots. I've seen first hand the positive economic impact that occurs in big cities to small towns and rural areas when a film crew shows up. I still stay in touch with the good folks in the coal mining town of Pocahontas where we shot an independent movie years ago. There are are farmers in Highland County, Sheriff's deputies in Rockbridge County, store owners in the East End of Richmond, winery owners in Madison County, a gas station in Flint Hill that set up an account with a movie we did on the life of George Washington because so many of our crew were gassing up there, a welder in Old Towne Petersburg who did a few thousand dollars worth of work for us when we needed some iron gates for a scene, Explore Park near Roanoke where we shot most of a French and Indian War movie, a trailer park in Waynesboro where we paid many residents location fees for moving their cars temporarily and letting us set-up lights in their small yards...the list goes on and on. I hope you consider what this industry means to the Virginia economy and most importantly to our citizens.

I am a resident in Richmond and I work for the film and tv industry. I moved to Richmond from LA five years ago because the crew members in this town feel like family instead of just another coworker. Please keep the industry alive here so we stop losing good people and good jobs to other towns.

This bill will help bring more film productions be filmed here in VA which in turn creates tax revenue for the state and localities. We have a solid base of talented artist from VCU and other art institutions that are going to other states to work more consistently in film. We are losing films to other states that offer better tax incentives. We have done lots of period projects such as John Addams, Lincoln, good lord bird, turn, and some modern stories like Swagger and Dopesick, and many others notable film projects that show the beauty and history of this great state and nation. It would be a shame not to see the old cobblestone streets and historic buildings of Petersburg and Richmond in future films. Our neighbor and sister state West Virginia has opened the doors for the movie industry with a generous tax incentive, along with many other states. Virginia needs to respond so that we do not get left behind, and the artist move to more consistent work cities. Love my state, love my jobs also, and need to work. The bill passing will help so many people and businesses, and increase sales and tax revenue.

I am a working single mom, living in Annandale, VA., or at least I was working, before the film industry left us in the dust. What a thrill to fit then Governor McAuliffe’s costume for a walk on roll in TURN:Washington’s Spies, shot in Richmond VA. I want to stay in Virginia, I’ve lived here for 16 years, I love this state. Please bring the film industry home to us; this state is gorgeous, and the crews here are top notch! Read about me here…. https://virginialiving.com/culture/dress-on/

I am a working single mom, living in Annandale, VA., or at least I was working, before the film industry left us in the dust. What a thrill to fit then Governor McAuliffe’s costume for a walk on roll in TURN:Washington’s Spies, shot in Richmond VA. I want to stay in Virginia, I’ve lived here for 16 years, I love this state. Please bring the film industry home to us; this state is gorgeous, and the crews here are top notch! Read about me here…. https://virginialiving.com/culture/dress-on/

I am a film and tv crew worker who has made most of my livelihood and paid my mortgage and taxes with income from Virginia’s film and TV production industry for the last eight years. I have also seen first hand how much money enters the local economy from production in all the shopping that gets done. Film work is material heavy work and touches so many parts of the local economy. Since the incentives ran out work has dried up and I have lost friends to other states like Maryland, Georgia, New York, and California. Talented professionals who grew up and trained in Virginia have left and more will soon if we cannot bring more projects here to film. Please vote yes for HB 771 to revive Virginia’s film and tv industry and let us get back to work putting our state on the world stage in entertainment and culture.

The movie industry has kept me a flute from 26 years. I know I personally have brought over 50 people into the movie industry in Richmond, Virginia. I support this bill and everything that it does for my hometown. It only helps boost the economy and protect my insurance and job security.

I am a costumer and member of our IATSE local 487 as well as local 87. I've lived in Richmond since my days at VCU Dance and just recently, in 2020, bought my first home. The past couple years, I have been depending on tv shows and films based out of town, Wilmington, Charleston, Baltimore, Washington DC and Cleveland to name a few. My years are spent mostly on the road and I'm not able to fully live at home. Especially with the strike this past year and covid shutdown before that, now more than ever is the right time to step up to the plate alongside our neighboring states and offer the chance to bring in revenue for the town we love, as well as income to be able to support ourselves, families and loved ones. Many of my peers, and myself, have lost the ability to afford their homes and need to downsize or relocate. In my case, I have rented out my home and am gratefully staying out of town with family. The missed opportunity to bring in money and stimulate our economy is statistically proven and a terrible shame. Here's to 2024, a fresh new start and more work for your local film production family! I wholeheartedly support HB-771!

I’ve been a resident of the metro Richmond area since 1992, and a member of the film community for about a decade. I’m in support of this bill, as the film industry has been my career for a long time, and I am grateful for all support productions can have to keep Richmond as a hub for productions.

I’m a Richmond citizen living in Churchill. I am in the film industry and my livelihood working here in VA depends greatly on film incentives bringing productions locally. I support bill 771.

As a Virginia resident who works in the film and television industry. I support HB 771

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

Dear Delegates, I trust this letter finds you well. My name is Jeff Zook, and I have proudly worked in the motion picture industry in the State of Virginia for an extensive 30 years. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the growth and potential of our state's film industry. I am writing to bring your attention to House Bill 771 (HB771), a crucial initiative that aims to foster the development of the film sector in Virginia. As someone deeply invested in this industry, I believe that supporting HB771 will not only enhance opportunities for professionals like myself but also contribute significantly to the economic and cultural vitality of our state. I kindly request your support for HB771 to pave the way for more film work in Virginia. Your advocacy can make a substantial impact on the success and sustainability of our local film industry. I am confident that with your assistance, we can create a thriving environment for filmmakers, generate employment, and showcase the beauty of Virginia through the lens of the motion picture. Thank you for your time and consideration. I am hopeful that you will champion this cause, recognizing the positive implications it holds for our community. Sincerely, J. Zook

I support this bill. Please save and help build the entertainment industry in our state and communities. Thank you very much!

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

Hello, My name is Alicia Ayoub and I am a Richmond, VA constituent. I work as a Location Manager and Scout in the film and television industry. I support HB 771. This bill would bring millions of dollars into the VA economy- including local crew members, local vendors, and local filming locations, such as public schools, (like John Marshall High School), public state parks (like Pocahontas State Park), and other public properties like Calhoun Recreation Center at Gilpin Court, not to mention the privately- owned properties and several homeowners. If this does not pass, several local tax- paying crew members like myself will be forced to work out of state. We need 3-4 shows a year to sustain our incomes and the passage of HB 771 is the only way to achieve that. Thank you for this opportunity to share.

Esteemed members of the House Finance Subcommittee, I invite you to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region by supporting VA HB771. As a life long constituent of Coastal Virginia (born and raised), I want to stay here to work in my industry, and we need your support to keep work in Virginia! As a 20+ year veteran in the motion picture industry, I represent over 1,000 union members of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, otherwise known as I.A.T.S.E. As a skilled tradesperson, I support Virginia's economic revenue in film and television production. In 2022, the motion picture and new media production industry in Virginia supported 5,022 jobs, $415.1 million in labor income, $1.1 billion in economic output and $126.7 million in total tax revenue (of which $39.2 million was state and local tax revenue). Not only does the motion picture industry support our residential workforce, it also boosts the revenue for local vendors, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. In unity and solidarity, we advocate community building and outreach. I am not only a Key Costumer, I am a certified trainer and Teaching Artist. I get to see first hand how the creative arts in this industry boosts our next generation of skilled workers, creators, producers and educators. Making our local industry competitive in motion pictures, television and new media puts Virginia on the map and generates substantial revenue within our local economy. Virginia has such a range of locations to offer to productions looking to shoot here. Please support HB771 and let's continue to make Virginia great!

I am a Virginia resident of over 40 years. I work in the film industry and support the bill 771

I am a resident of Virginia and work in the Film Industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia Film Community. It’s not all Hollywood Millionaires, most of us are solidly middle class folks who love what we do. My family has been in Virginia longer than it’s been a state, it’s my home. I want to continue to live AND work here. I would hate having to move away to continue working in the Film Industry.

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

I am a resident of Virginia since 2010. I am a member of IATSE local 487. I am a disabled person. I have been a professional artist and visual arts teacher for 20 years. I support any funding to bring tv, movies, and commercials to the Common Wealth. My role in the movie industry is to work with k-12 students while they are on location. I fully implement all lessons provided by their school teacher to complete on location to be up to date with their studies. Working in the production industry and with union assistance has helped my self confidence and improve my social ability. I understand what it is like to work in an underpaid agency. Along with managers who are ill-prepared to work with disabled staff. My hope is that with this influx of financial funds. Many of us disabled workers can work in an industry we are trained to do, plus enjoy seeing the outcome displayed on the big screen.

Please don’t let big money go to other states! Virginia needs this bill. We need to hold on to our film crews. If you need any encouragement just take a look at Georgia.

I am a resident of Virginia and I work in the film industry. I would like to see this bill passed so I can work in state.

BOTH VIRGINIA AND THE CITY OF RICHMOND ARE BOTH RECOGNIZED AS GREAT PLACES FOR FILM PROJECTS, BUT WE OFTEN LOSE POTENTIAL PROJECTS TO OTHER STATES THAT PROVIDE MUCH BETTER INCENTIVES. I’M A STRUGGLING ACTOR WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE MY CRAFT IN THIS STATE. OTHER VIRGINIA ACTORS, CREW, & FILMMAKERS ALSO SHARE THIS STRONG DESIRE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING DOING THIS HERE. THE FILMMAKING INDUSTRY IS GREAT, BUT NOT ALL GLITZ & GLAMOUR. MOST OF US DON’T MAKE A FULL TIME LIVING DOING THIS EVEN THOUGH THAT IS WHAT WE REALLY WANT. LATELY WE HAVE HAD LONG STRETCHES BETWEEN PROJECTS. NO LARGE SCALE UNION FILM PROJECTS EVEN CAME TO VA THIS PAST YEAR MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE ALLOTTED INCENTIVES FOR LAST YEAR ALL BEING USED UP THE PREVIOUS YEAR. HB771 WOULD NOT ONLY BENEFIT THE FILM INDUSTRY, BUT GREATLY BENEFIT VIRGINIA, VIRGINIA TOURISM, AS WELL AS MANY VA COMPANIES THAT ARE CONTRACTED BY THE PRODUCTIONS, INCLUDING: RENTAL, TRANSPORTATION, CATERING, THRIFT SHOPS, ETC, ETC. ALL POLITICAL PARTIES CAN FIND BENEFIT FROM THIS BILL. IT IS A WIN WIN BILL WITH NO OUTGOING COST TO VA. KIND REGARDS

I am a costumer and member of IATSE 487. I am a resident of Midlothian, Virginia, and I support HB771. I am passionate about my work in the film industry and am eager to see film work return to Virginia. Without work in Virginia, I am forced to travel to other states for work, being able to work in my home state would be incredible. I look forward to this bill being passed & film & television work returning here.

I’m Keith Flippen a proud graduate of VA Tech and 35 year film/tv actor who has, for most of that time, called Virginia my home. I am a local leader and board member of the Washington Mid-Atlantic local of SAG-AFTRA 1400 members of which live in the Commonwealth. I also own The Actors' Place where, for the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 1500 students how to do become actors themselves. On behalf of myself, my students, and my fellow union members, I urge you to pass HB 771. One of the first questions students ask me is “can I become a professional actor living in VA?” 20 years ago, I’d say yes – there was work nearby. Today, I tell them to get out as soon as they can because there is more opportunity elsewhere. In the last ten years, I have shot 30 major film and TV projects to include Dynasty, She Hulk, Atlanta, Ozark, Underground and others. Only 5 were shot here – including some that were SET in the Commonwealth. Actors in VA are frustrated with not being able to find consistent work here. So we end up working in GA, PA, NC, and other areas that have more favorable tax incentives. It’s the reason you see the GA peach at the end of so many film credits. While we can book work in those places we are at a competitive disadvantage. Given two actors of nearly equal skill and type, hiring the local to Atlanta is always preferable to hiring me from here and having to pay for my expenses. Attracting more work to the Commonwealth with these expanded incentives will return the home field advantage to actors in VA – allowing us to work as locals. It would let VA performers and crew work close to home more frequently and spend the money they earn from that work right here in our home state. It would also stabilize our incentive program giving tv series (the work we really want to attract), the confidence that if they shoot the first season of a show here, they can stay here until the last season because those incentives will remain intact. For the thousands of taxpayers who are part of the production and creative community here in Virginia, please advance this bill to the floor. Thank you.

I am a Virginia resident and work in the Film Industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community. Virginia is a beautiful state. Together we can work together successfully to create more jobs and revenue for our state and Richmond. Virginia is For Lovers! Virginia has always been about doing the things you love with the people you love most. Please support HB771 so we can all thrive and bask in the Sweet Virginia Breeze!

I am a resident of Henrico County, VA and work in the production industry. Please supportHB 711t in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

I am a resident of Henrico, VA and work in the film production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

Create job access and sustainability. Encourage economic stimulus. Increase state revenues. Provide partnership opportunities. Utilize non-institutionalized workforce development. Investment in people and skills. Assistance to distressed geographies. Increase capital expenditure. Boost overall fiscal health. Establish framework for local hiring. Display comparative advantage and innovation. These are all phrases and terms that describe the benefits of having a thriving Film and TV industry in Virginia. I am a life long Richmond resident, I am a registered voter, I am a home owner, and I have had career in the Film and TV Industry as a Set Costumer since 2006. I urge support for HB 771 and hope that our personal testimonies will supplement any and all evidence that the Film and TV Tax Incentives are crucial to our industry and our livelihoods here in Virginia. Thank you for your time and consideration. -Gina Adler Richmond, VA 23223.

My name is Nathan Shifflette and I have been out of work for over a year now. Please pass increased Film Incentives for an amount and timeframe that meets, or exceeds, those of our surrounding states so that we may remain competitive. The Commonwealth has a huge amount to offer film and television productions that bring vast sums of money to the state and local communities. Unfortunately, without the incentives, productions will choose to make an inferior project elsewhere and the Commonwealth loses opportunities to showcase the natural beauty, architectural variety, and the pivotal history that occured in our great state. I personally have had to postpone having children with my wife and building a house for our future family because of the strikes and lack of work in our state. We all want to get back to work and begin contributing in a significant way to our communities again. Sincerely, Nathan Shifflette

I am President of the Virginia Production Alliance. Our organization has members from throughout Virginia who work on the films and television shows made in Virginia, our members and sponsors include behind and in-front of camera professionals, directors, and casting agents, film festivals, and other businesses that supply the film business. Thousands of Virginians work in this business! Other Virginia businesses benefit from filmmaking including hotels, restaurants, caterers, trucking, heavy equipment suppliers, retail, and tourism. Increasing the tax credits and removing the sunset will encourage more film making in the State, encourage the young people learning to make film at our community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities to remain here to practice the skills that they have learned here. I would like to note here, that there are Virginia based film productions that benefit from film tax credits. This is a Virginia industry and Virginians are filmmakers. We support this bill because it helps a Virginia industry grow and would create more jobs in for Virginia film students and current film professionals. Removing the sunsets will encourage long term investment from outside the State in studio and soundstage facilities. We should take advantage of the fact that more and more film is being produced outside of the less business friendly states which gives Virginia the opportunity to attract that production business. The production industry continues to grow. By increasing our incentive program, Virginia will be more competitive in a growing skills-based industry with tremendous vocational opportunity for our young people.

Thank you for considering this bill. We are a crew of talented artisans and tradespeople who want to continue making Virginia look good! Please support funding HB771 to give us greater opportunities to let Virginia shine! We love Virginia and don't want to have to travel out of state to work. Many people benefit from local film productions, not only us crew who get full time employment. We eat in local restaurants, shop from local vendors, hire local subcontractors, rent local spaces, and it advertises for itself! Please bring back film work to Virginia so we can continue our careers while honoring the great commonwealth of Virginia.

My name is Jeanne Bishop, I’m a Virginia resident and I support HB 771. I’ve worked in the film industry for many years. As a film crew Costumer, since 2021 80% of my work has been out of state, including Maryland which has much higher film tax incentives than we do, and West Virginia, which has no cap. We want to be competitive with other states, yet we are 32nd out of the 40 states that offer film tax incentives. These tax credits only happen after productions have ended, submitted their relevant financials for audit and added millions into our state economy. For the sake of Virginia workers and the many local businesses and locales that benefit from being used by film productions , please support HB771

I am a Virginia resident . I work in the film industry here. I do support this bill.

Hello my name is Sarah Grady and I am a longtime resident of Richmond, Virginia. I work in the Film & TV industry as a Costumer and am a proud member of IATSE Local 487. I strongly support HB771.

Yes, I am a Virginia resident my whole life. I sell supplies to this industry and I do support this bill.

The film industry is a vital economic generator that casts a wide net into local economies, from hotel and car rental to restaurant and retail business and beyond. Recently I worked on a series for Netflix that was produced in Wilmington North Carolina called Echoes. I went to work on the show with two crew members from Richmond and it was truly a shame that we could not make a show about Virginia here in richmond and more remote places in the state. We should have been able to produce the series right here at home with direct benefits to areas that might not otherwise have this kind of economic stimulation. I have a family and have had to travel far and wide around the country to make a living with my craft as a Prop Master. I have missed almost two years of my daughter's life working in Georgia, Oklahoma, Montana, California, North Carolina and Ohio. We can make high quality movies right here in Virginia. Our crew base is becoming one of the most diverse and integrated I have seen throughout my travels for work. This is a conscious choice by local Department heads to make our film crews representative of our communities. Diversity and inclusion is emphasized in our industry today. I can tell you from direct experience that film and TV production work can truly change lives through good paying jobs with benefits paid for by the production companies we are contracted with. From the Shenandoah to the ocean, big cities and tranquil country roads, Virginia has it all - except for strong incentives to bring productions to our state. Please vote YES on HB 771 to get Virginians back into the mix for Film and Television Production right here at home.

Comments Document

Dear Esteemed Delegates, First off I would like to thank you all for your service to the Commonwealth. I am a Virginia resident and I am writing you today to beg you to support HB771. Like you I am also working in public service, I run a nonprofit that provides workforce development and training to underrepresented and primarily low-income Virginia residents to work in the film industry. Every day I see firsthand the positive economic impact of the Film and television production industry. In just under three years trainees from our program have been able to earn over $700K working in the Film industry. Without the continuation of the Content manufacturing tax credit, these jobs would not exist. In addition, my family would no longer be able to afford to remain in Virginia. My husband also works in the production industry and since I work in the nonprofit sector we are not able to survive on my salary alone. For the last 10 years, it is his work in film and television that has allowed us to buy a home, pay for our health insurance, and allows us to remain in Virginia. Without this bill, the industry in our state will dry up completely and move to states with more competitive tax incentives, and we will be forced to move out of state to get work. Like so many people our age I have aging parents who live in Virginia and we want nothing more than to remain in Virginia to raise our daughter here and be close to my family. For all of those who work in production, and all the many businesses that benefit from the film and television productions that come to our state, PLEASE support HB771. Thank you!

Hi, My name is Scott Miller, and I am a resident of Richmond, Virginia. I work in the film industry as a set lighting technician. I've worked in NY, LA, Philly, Baltimore, and Washington DC, but Virginia is my favorite place to live and work. I, like many other Virginia residents, want to keep film local. I've lost count of how many co-workers have either move to other states, or change careers because of the loss of film jobs. In order to retain our skilled workforce, and to train new workers, we need you to invest in HB 771. Our current film incentives are the lowest in the region. We simply cannot compete with the states around us, and it's costing us revenue and jobs. This is not a Hollywood Handout. This is an economic development program that creates jobs for working class residents of Virginia. Thank you for your support.

Subject: Support the Lights, Camera, Jobs Act [HB 771 and SB 251] To my representatives in the Virginia General Assembly: I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Let me begin by saying, I have witnessed firsthand the lucrative impact a film can have on the local area of our community (on both a corporate and small business scale) while working as a Production Assistant on union shows such as Fellow Travelers, Swagger, and Raymond & Ray (Showtime & Apple TV productions). Additionally, in consideration to the film & media production programs featured at a multitude of educational institutions in the Richmond area, it makes sense for our local government to support the creation of job opportunities for these students so that they do not have to migrate to areas such as New York, Baltimore, Atlanta, or LA. I understand the importance of this beyond my own personal story. As a 5 year resident of Richmond, VA, I used the last of my savings to move to this area to attend VCUarts’ Photo/Film program with a dream in Filmmaking. Admittedly, I refer to this as a dream because I come from a low-income background and attended college as an independent student with no parental support. This degree was a risk- despite the practical application of film, you simply don’t have the time to network & take unpaid opportunities when you have to work full time to support yourself as a student. Luckily, during my final year at VCU, I was introduced to Shannon Castleman, Executive Director of Oakwood Arts & Founder of the OA JET program, by my Department Chair, Jon Phillip Sheridan. OA JET has introduced me to so many job opportunities that gave me the firsthand experience and hands-on training to understand the economic impact of film & television productions in our area. Furthermore, they connected me with the right people so that I could show the dedicated hard worker that I am, thus granting me a career trajectory I at one time didn’t see possible. Given the consumption of media in our society, the importance of the film industry goes without saying. Additionally, as previously mentioned, these careers have a significant impact on our community’s local economy. Including a direct influence on low-income students’ (such as myself) ability to maintain a reliable salary that allows us to pay off our student loans and afford a decent lifestyle. I could write a novel on how working in the film industry and OA JET has changed my life for the better. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average while supporting graduated students such as myself and life changing organizations such as Oakwood Arts. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jasmine Elmore jasmine.elmore96@gmail.com 910.381.8145 5919 Sugarbush Ln. Richmond, VA 23225

Keep in mind all the people, public entities, private entities that support the economy associated with Movie production in Baltimore. Movies and the arts have always been a large part of the identity of our beautifully city. Thank You

I have been a resident of Virginia for 30+ years. I support this bill because it will give me the opportunity to work in Virginia vs. traveling to other states for work, which is what I’ve had to do. I don’t want another year where I’m in hotels more than I’m home because this bill didn’t pass.

On behalf of myself and the entire Virginia film community whose livelihoods and careers are on the line, it is imperative that this bill is supported and passes.

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

I reside in Va and work in the movie industry. This is vital to me and my families well being.

As a Virginia resident and a member of the film industry I support this bill.

I have been fortunate to work in the film industry as a medic for over 20 years. The film workers in Virginia are a hard working world class group. We are suffering right now with the absence of projects in the area. Please do what you can to reinstate the tax incentives to bring film work back to Virginia

Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, and I'm in support of the bill.

My name is Matthew Hirsch. I’ve lived in Virginia since 1989. I am a prop maker and set builder and I work in the industry. It’s an industry that employs hundreds of people in the commonwealth and provides revenue for local businesses when filming is done in our state. I support HB 771 and hope that you will too.

As a resident of Richmond, Virginia, I support this bill

Please support the film industry in VA. We bring so many jobs and spend across many sectors. I know many friends and family would have to pick up and move to another state if our tax incentives are not increased. VA needs to be more competitive in this industry. I must implore you to understand that these dollars go into working Virginians pockets, it’s not money to Hollywood. These jobs are so important. Thank you.

My name is Max Little and I work in the film industry as a carpenter, and I have seen first hand just how much money the film industry brings in to the area it is being produced in. Productions spend money on rental fees, catering, construction supplies, fuel, and of course theblabor costs for everyone involved in the film. HB771 will help Virginia to draw more film productions to our state, and keep our skilled laborers employed. Without these incentives film productions are far more likely to choose another state. Please pass HB771 to help keep us employed, and to solidify Virginia as a prominent location in the film industry!

I work in the industry and support this bill as a Virginia resident

I am writing in support of Bill HB771. The film industry has been my main source of income for my entire adult life. I started at 19 on a show in Va Beach in Props, and for the last 24 plus years have been in Richmond providing Craft Services on set, as well as working as a set dresser on shows like Lincoln, John Adams, Evan Almighty and Wonder Woman, all shot here in Virginia. Without competitive tax incentives, shows will not come to Virginia. Because of my employment from the film industry I have been able to support my family, pay my mortgage , and provide for my family all these years. I have three sons who all went to Richmond Public Schools , and are all now also employed in the film industry, and reside here in Richmond. They are in Special Effects, Set Dressing , and Greens departments, and we are all members of the same Union. I have been so proud and excited to see them follow in my footsteps, but they have all had to leave the state temporarily to find work on shows this year, as our state hasn't had the incentives to attract any shows, leaving them with no other choice. This has greatly impacted my life as well, as my income has just disappeared in the last two years, and I can't leave the state to work as I still have a 13 yr old at home to support. Please support bill HB771 so we can attract more shows and our crews can continue to work here in Virginia . Thank you, Jane Sakowski Bell

GOOD DAY, MY NAME IS LENNY ST.LAURENT, AND APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS. IVE BEEN WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY FOR 14 YEARS NOW AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AMAZED ON HOW MUCH THE INDUSTRY HELPS OUT THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, IVE SEEN IT,I WATCHED STEVEN SPIELBERG, BUY EVERYONE ON THE CREW A NEW BICYCLE, AND BIY OUT THE LOCAL BIKE SHOP,TO HELP THE OWNER WITH HER CANCER BILLS..AND MANY MORE INSTANCES LIKE THIS,SHOWS BUY HUNDRED S OF THOUSANDS DOLLARS IN ANTIQUES,ONLY TO DONATE THEM BACK AT THE END OF THE SHOW.ALSO THE VENDORS I USE DURING PRODUCTION,I KNOW PERSONALLY ON SPENDING A FEW MILLION DOLLARS ON BUILDING MATERIALS,JUST IN MY DEPARTMENT.. THIS REALLY HELPS OUT THE COMMUNITIES, LODGING RESTAURANTS, A LOT OF LOCAL BUSINESS.. I HOPE YOU TAKE THE TIME AND REALLY CONSIDER THIS HB 771, THIS WILL REALLY IMPACT ALOT OF COMMUNITIES, FROM HAMPTON ROADS TO RICHMOND... THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME AND CONSIDERATION. LENNY ST.LAURENT CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR

Good morning, I have worked in the Film+TV industry for the last 3 years in then central Virginia area. I suppprt HB771 and believe it will provide a bright future for Virginia and its economy. Thank you.

Hello, I support HB771 and believe it will provide a bright future for Virginia and its economy.

My name is Amanda Durst. I have lived in Richmond for 20 years. I am a scenic painter for IATSE local 487. I have been out of work for 15 months. I am to the point where I am going to have to leave the state to find work. I support HB771 because I want to work where I live.

As a Virginian who has worked in the television and film industry in the state of Virginia for the last 36 Years, I would like to show my utmost support for House Majority Leader Charniele Herring in presenting her bill (HB 771). Thank you, Paul Bruski Recording Engineer In Your Ear Studios

This brings a lot work to our business. But not just us; but many businesses in the area. This will give the state many opportunities to bring big production to the area.

As a resident of Virginia for 20+ years, and worker in the film and television industry, I support this bill.

I work in Virginia and support this bill!

Thank you for helping us with your support. This is very important to the families working in the business. Thank you I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Davi d Haycox

I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Alyson (Aliki) Marie Pantas Semones ampantas@gmail.com 757-672-0105

Dear Legislators, I am a Virginia resident that works in the film and television and entertainment industry, and I strongly support this bill. HB771. Thank You! Jamie Bishop

Subject: Support the Lights, Camera, Jobs Act [HB 771 and SB 251] To Michael J. Jones: I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Let me begin by saying, I have witnessed firsthand the lucrative impact a film can have on the local area of our community (on both a corporate and small business scale) while working as a Production Assistant on union shows such as Fellow Travelers, Swagger, and Raymond & Ray (Showtime & Apple TV productions). Additionally, in consideration to the film & media production programs featured at a multitude of educational organizations in the Richmond area, it makes sense for our local government to support the creation of job opportunities for these local students so that they do not have to migrate to areas such as New York, Baltimore, Atlanta, or LA. I understand the importance of this beyond my own personal story. As a 5 year resident of Richmond, VA, I used the last of my savings to move to this area to attend VCUarts’ Photo/Film program with a dream in Filmmaking. Admittedly, I refer to this as a dream because I come from a low-income background and attended college as an independent student with no parental support. This degree was a risk- despite the practical application of film, you simply don’t have the time to network & take unpaid opportunities when you have to work full time to support yourself as a student. Luckily, during my final year at VCU, I was introduced to Shannon Castleman, Executive Director of Oakwood Arts & Founder of the OA JET program, by my Department Chair, Jon Phillip Sheridan. OA JET has introduced me to so many job opportunities that gave me the firsthand experience and hands-on training to understand the economic impact of film & television productions in our area. Furthermore, they connected me with the right people so that I could show the dedicated hard worker that I am, thus granting me a career trajectory I at one time didn’t see possible. Given the consumption of media in our society, the importance of the film industry goes without saying. Additionally, as previously mentioned, these careers have a significant impact on our community’s local economy. Including a direct influence on the lives of low-income students (such as myself) by granting them the ability to maintain a reliable salary that allows us to pay off our student loans and afford a decent lifestyle. I could write a novel on how the film industry and OA JET has changed my life for the better. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average while supporting graduated students such as myself and life changing organizations such as Oakwood Arts. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jasmine Elmore jasmine.elmore96@gmail.com 910.381.8145 5919 Sugarbush Ln. Richmond, VA 23225

I am a Virginia resident and I work in the media and entertainment space. I support HB 771

After almost two decades of being a family caregiver, I returned to a work environment greatly changed since I left. But using older talents I could upgrade I found work in motion picture and television series production. I became a member of IATSE, and was able to provide fir my family, have health care, and be a contributing citizen of this state. I urge passage of HB 771 for the growth of this industry which employs so many, and pays for so many services. This will be the nurturing seeds from which so much will grow. Thank You

I support HB771. We have an opportunity with this bill to make Virginia a state that can truly compete within the film industry. Virginia is home to hundreds of skilled tradespeople with decades of experience who wish to use their skills close to home, working on projects that put millions of dollars directly into the local economy.

I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. Thank you for your consideration.

If you want to know why Virginia is getting passed over for film and TV projects, it's because we're not dedicating enough resources to stay competitive with our mid-Atlantic neighbors. In order to build our production community, Virginia needs year-round episodic content creation. As Virginia Film Office director Andrew Edmunds would say, "It's not about Hollywood, it's about Holly Smith." He's referring to residents who want to live and work in their home state. It's also about retaining the talent who graduate from the 32 in-state colleges that offer media and film programs. Incremental film incentive increases are insufficient to stay competitive when our peer states have unlimited resources. I've been a member of the Virginia Production Alliance for a decade and have recently served as president of the Board so I have seen it first-hand. Efforts to bring year-round, episodic content creation have been pushed to the back burner over and over again. Virginia lawmakers need to make a strong commitment to film and TV production and recognize the value of the $1.2 billion industry already in our backyard. I urge the committee to approve the HB771 to make Virginia competitive for film projects.

Today, I stand before you to advocate for the transformative potential of HB 771, not just as a policy but as a catalyst for economic growth and community development in regions like Chesapeake and Hampton Roads. The extension and enhancement of the content manufacturing tax credit signify more than mere fiscal adjustments; they embody an opportunity to invigorate our local economies, create jobs, and position our region as a key player in the lucrative film and media production industry. Drawing from the undeniable successes of similar initiatives in states like New York, Massachusetts, and Louisiana, it’s evident that film tax credits are not mere subsidies but strategic investments. The Empire State Film Production Tax Credit, for instance, has been a cornerstone of New York’s economic strategy, supporting over 700 projects, generating $6.9 billion in spending, and creating 28,900 jobs since 2004. The ripple effects of such a program extend far beyond the direct spending, fostering a multiplier effect that revitalizes local businesses and communities . Likewise, Massachusetts and Louisiana have witnessed similar success stories, with their tax-credit programs generating thousands of jobs, significant state spending, and notable investments in local infrastructure. Particularly noteworthy is Louisiana’s Motion Picture Investor Tax Credit, which not only bolstered direct production spending to over $1 billion but also significantly contributed to the state’s economy through film-induced tourism and infrastructure development, supporting up to 33,520 jobs across industries . These examples unequivocally demonstrate that film tax credits are a powerful tool for economic development. They incentivize production companies to invest locally, stimulating job creation, supporting local businesses, and generating a significant increase in state and local revenues. The proposed enhancements to Virginia’s content manufacturing tax credit through HB 771 are poised to replicate these successes, bringing substantial economic and cultural benefits to Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, and beyond. The evidence is clear, the potential is undeniable, and the time to act is now.

Comments Document

Please find attached a letter of support for HB771 from Mrs. Tracee Wilkins, President of the Washington-Mid Atlantic Local of SAG-AFTRA. For the many taxpayers who are part of the creative community in Virginia, SAG-AFTRA actors, IATSE production crew members, Teamster drivers, DGA assistant directors, small business owners and other workers, we urge you to support HB771. Thank you for your consideration.

As a Virginia resident, I'd like to work in Virginia. Working in the film industry has been a wonderful way for me to use my skills in upholstery and sewing to make a great living. We are proud of the work we produce here in the commonwealth of Virginia and want to continue showing off what a great place Virginia is to live and work. When we are working on productions we make purchases locally as well as use local subcontractors and spread the money out into the economy. We use our daily stipends to eat lunch at local restaurants and when we are off of work, we have plenty of money to continue spending in the local economy. The last film production I worked on was in 2022, and while I was fortunate to have this work, I had to stay in Baltimore for eight months of that year. I prefer to work where I live and spend in my local economy. When I am producing an income, I am able to contribute to many local organizations and this feels great. We are hard working people who love where we live. Please pass HB771 in support of film work here in the commonwealth of Virginia, we are eager to get back to work.

The film industry has been my main source of income for my entire adult life. I started at 19 on a show in Va Beach in Props, and for the last 24 plus years have been in Richmond providing Craft Services on set, as well as working as a set dresser on shows like Lincoln, John Adams, Evan Almighty and Wonder Woman, all shot here in Virginia. Without competitive tax incentives, shows will not come to Virginia. Because of my employment from the film industry I have been able to support my family, pay my mortgage , and provide for my family all these years. I have three sons who all went to Richmond Public Schools , and are all now also employed in the film industry, and reside here in Richmond. They are in Special Effects, Set Dressing , and Greens departments, and we are all members of the same Union. I have been so proud and excited to see them follow in my footsteps, but they have all had to leave the state temporarily to find work on shows this year, as our state hasn't had the incentives to attract any shows, leaving them with no other choice. This has greatly impacted my life as well, as my income has just disappeared in the last two years, and I can't leave the state to work as I still have a 13 yr old at home to support. Please support bill HB771 so we can attract more shows and our crews can continue to work here in Virginia . Thank you, Jane Sakowski Bell

Hello, Supporting film/tv tax incentives is crucial for the people in Virginia who work in these productions. But in addition to us, the amount of money spent on lumber, tools, hotels, and meals is hard to even measure. Even for people like myself who live in Williamsburg, Virginia for example, if a production is filming in Alexandria or Charlottesville or Powhatan, the production has already factored in getting me accommodations in a hotel or Airbnb. One of the interesting parts of tv/film production is things in set can change quickly. When this happens and we have to work longer than expected, rush orders are placed for 35 pizzas to be delivered to set or extra materials delivered from local businesses to keep the movie or show on track. An example of what these incentives could help unleash involve Pharrell Williams. As a tireless supporter of the 757 and Virginia as a whole, he wanted to shoot Hidden Figures in Hampton Roads but the tax incentives didn’t allow him to do that. Our state has so much to to showcase from the Eastern Shore to Big Stone Gap. Please support HB771 so that we can share that with the world.

As a lifelong Virginian, I love working in my home state. I support HB771 to bring more Productions here to Virginia. It is not only good for those of us in the film industry, but would also support local businesses such as restaurants, florists, hardware stores, rental houses, clothing shops, bakeries or anything else that productions spend money on.

I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251] in order to increase Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. This act will bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. As a life-long Virginia resident and constituent, I urge you review the benefits of the act and consider increasing funds to strengthen the film and television industry. Film projects create thousands of highly-skilled local jobs and support small businesses. Aside from restaurants and hotels, productions utilize numerous local vendors such as construction material suppliers, equipment rental shops, florists, bakeries, antique and thrift stores, and automotive graphics design and application. In turn, these vendors are able to expand, hire more employees and spend more in our communities here at home. On a personal note, members of my household have worked on acclaimed projects such as Loving, Homeland, Good Lord Bird, Dopesick and Swagger. We are not millionaire producers or executives. We are hard-working Virginians who prefer to work here rather travelling to neighboring states where film projects are more readily available. Making Virginia's film industry stronger will help fellow residents like me and my family while also boosting our economy. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Sarah Campbell 7286 Chime Court Mechanicsville, VA 23111 sarahc38@hotmail.com 804-347-6077

Esteemed members of the House Finance Subcommittee, I invite you to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region by supporting VA HB771. As a life long constituent of Coastal Virginia (born and raised), I represent over 1,000 union members of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, otherwise known as I.A.T.S.E. I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. In 2022, the motion picture and new media production industry in Virginia supported 5,022 jobs, $415.1 million in labor income, $1.1 billion in economic output and $126.7 million in total tax revenue (of which $39.2 million was state and local tax revenue). Not only does the motion picture industry support our residential workforce, it also enhances the revenue for local vendors, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. In unity and solidarity, we advocate community building and outreach. I am not only a Key Costumer, I am a certified trainer and teaching artist. I get to see first hand how the creative arts in this industry boosts our next generation of skilled artisans, creators, producers and educators. Making our local industry competitive in motion pictures, television and new media puts Virginia on the map and generates substantial revenue within our local economy. Virginia has such a range of locations to offer to productions looking to shoot here. Please support HB771 and let's continue to make Virginia great!

Dear Mrs. Karrie Delaney, How are you? I’m writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. We both live in Chantilly, VA, and we also both lived in the same area in Florida. I am a high school graduate of Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, FL. While in high school, I was in the drama club and cast in high school plays. I loved acting but didn’t pursue my passion for acting until many years later in life. My dream to join SAG-AFTRA became a reality when I was cast to be a Stand In for Patricia Arquette on a independent movie, “Permanent,” filmed in Richmond, VA. I’ve been fortunate to be cast in several other productions that filmed in Virginia such as Swagger (Season 2), The Good Lord Bird, Homeland, The Walking Dead, Harriet, White House Plumbers., and TRI (independent film). By supporting the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], this will bring many TV/Movie productions to the area and create employment for Virginia SAG-AFTRA actors, along with crew members. It will also generate income to cities in Virginia, where filming takes place. I often travel to NY, NJ, and PA, for acting jobs, in order to make enough income to qualify for health insurance and credits towards my pension. However, I always love filming in my home state and prefer to film in Virginia, so I can also be near my family. Please keep the acting community alive in Virginia! Thank you for your time and consideration. It is much appreciated. Sincerely, Amy Fitzgerald

Virginia needs film incentives as a vital part of bolstering the economy, jobs, and enticing businesses to move to or stay in the state. Films make it so big corporations and individuals both can afford to stay and spend their money in Virginia. You already know when major films and TV shows come to the state, their impact doesn't just prop up film professionals and the hundreds of businesses they support (caterers & food production, hotels, transportation, police & security, accounting firms, payroll services, manufacturing, and local government, to name a few). There are so many indirect affects as well. Here's what I mean: I'm a video producer at a Virginia production company. We don't make movies, we aren't involved with Hollywood. We pay Virginia taxes and we hire local (full time and freelancers). We create work for both businesses and advertising/marketing agencies. Agencies are crucial to Virginia's economy because they contribute millions--if not billions--of dollars a year to Virginians. Advertising agencies are bringing in money from across the country, enticing Fortune 500s and Fortune 100s to come to VA, and they hire locally, too. And film locally. And spend locally. They NEED experienced, talented film industry people to create the kind of work that keeps companies coming back to VA. Otherwise, not only do all of the film professionals leave, but all of that sweet, sweet corporate advertising money goes to contribute to other states who support film and content production. States such as Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Florida, and of course California. Film professionals don't want to throw their careers away in a state that has no film production. They don't want to buy houses and go to restaurants and start families and support local PTAs and pay in-state tuition in a state where there are no opportunities for them. If there are no movies, no shows, no infrastructure to support lives, those people move where they're needed. And they take all of their spending money with them. And their creativity. And all of the positive impacts they would have if they could afford to live here. Having a local film infrastructure benefits schools and universities with film programs and entices students, it benefits companies like mine that need artists and electricians and creatives, it benefits ad agencies that pull in large clients and spend tons, it benefits large companies that are in the state that either work with agencies and production companies or have their own internal teams. Companies such as Lego, Lockheed Martin, Deloitte, Capitol One, and General Dynamics who drop billions of dollars into the state economy. They rely on an infrastructure of education and experience that produces the best artists, filmmakers, marketers, and business people. And those people, in turn, ALSO contribute to our state's economy and wellbeing. The locality you serve likely has an in-house team of videographers and photographers. Your campaign is likely staffed with content-creators. Don't you want them to be the best? So this bill is not just about incentivizing big budget movies to film here. It's about ensuring that the people who will make the biggest impact on our world--and provide the greatest returns--want to work and live in Virginia.

I would like to see why Virginia can't offer some more tax breaks like Georgia and Louisiana. Tim and Daphne Reid started the foundation many years ago with the New Millennium Studios for crew members. Now those crew members has to travel out of state to earn a living while being a resident of Virginia. For non-residents of Virginia crew members will need lodging for the entire film production and would bring an economic boost to the area. A few years back there was film production working in a western part of Virginia in a small town, there was a mom and pop bicycle shop. The director bought every bike there and everyone was given bike. The Apple TV Series Swagger worked out of local school gyms paying I heard up to $5000.00 per day bring money in the school systems, also while they were in production working with the local franchise serving Chick Fil La for breakfast to the background artists working on set that day. Please check with the Virginia Production Alliance for more stories like these two. When COVID hit it affected me in more ways than ways. I depended on earning money through doing background work and that work recovered in the year 2022 with. me earning almost $10,000.00, but I have a full time job. I have friends in the industry that don't have full time jobs and need this type of work for various reasons. I'm planning on retiring at the end of this year and plan to work more in this field. The states of Georgia, Louisiana and Pennsylvania wants you to be a local hire to keep the money in their state. Virginia has a lot to offer from the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean to mountains that run close to the border of West Virginia and North Carolina. We are rich in history with a lot of stories to tell. Example the story of Kathleen Johnson (movie title Hidden Figures), story based here in Virginia, but filmed in Georgia. The Hallmark film Christmas Everyday chose the small town of Ashland Virginia. because the train runs through the center of the downtown area. Example look at 1 playoff game did for the city of Detroit with an economic boost for the residents. We can have that here in many areas of Virginia if there is a Bill HB 771/ SB251 in place to bring the work here. You pass the Bill HB771/ SB251 the crew and actors based in Virginia will handle the rest and will You proud.

I strongly urge the passage of HB771. Attracting film and television production into Virginia will be a boon to Virginia and bring focus to the wonderful people, towns, cities and countryside. Producers seek tax incentives, not to gain profit, but to get more on screen. The additional funds tax incentives provide means productions can hire larger crews, better talented artists (in all disciplines) and afford better, often more expensive, locations. That makes for a more compelling film or TV series. Additional production in Virginia translates to expenditures in Virginia, e.g., equipment rentals, restaurants, hotels, car and truck rentals, location fees, etc. A great film or TV series shot in Virginia will showcase the diversity of people in the state, the incredible locations, the American history tied to Virginia and, in the end, attract people to visit or move here... and bring their businesses here. While the ask may appear to be large, it is in line with the average of the states around Virginia. However, it is well below what many other proactive states offer. I believe this investment will pay great dividends to Virginia and bring in more revenue.

Ms. Herring I am writing in support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Over the years I have participated as an extra on such productions as "Lincoln", "John Adams", "Turn", "Homeland" and "Swagger". Many seniors do this extra work as a way to supplement their retirement income. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely F.A.Roscher Fulton Hill Richmond

I am fully in support of this bill.

I've worked and lived in Virginia my entire life, and currently work in the film/tv field. I absolutely support this bill. Thanks for your consideration.

My name is Brenda Van Dorn. I am a resident of VA Beach. I was born in Norfolk and have lived in Hampton Roads most of my life. I am an actor and a Location Scout. I scout locations in VA for TV, films and commercials. I love representing VA in the film community. The incentives that HB771 is asking for will help supply more jobs for some of the best cast and crew in the industry who live in our great state. Many film and tv productions overlook VA and take shows that are about VA to neighboring states because of the lack of our incentives. Please help keep Virginians working in our state. We can’t bring in revenue if we don’t get the productions here in the first place.. Please feel free to call me if you would like to meet some of the film community in VA and hear our stories.

I am a resident of North Chesterfield, working as a freelance contractor in the Television and Film industry. (One of my jobs is directing the cameras for the daily live stream of the Virginia House of Delegates floor sessions.) I support Delegate Herring's bill HB771.

I am President of the Virginia Production Alliance. Our organization has members from throughout Virginia who work on the films and television shows made in Virginia, our members and sponsors include crew, cast, directors, and casting agents, film festivals, and other businesses that supply the film business. Thousands of Virginians work in this business. Thousands of other businesses benefit from filmmaking including hotels, restaurants, caterers, trucking, heaving equipment suppliers, retail, and tourism. Increasing the tax credits and removing the sunset will encourage more film making in the State, encourage the young people learning to make film at our community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities to remain here to practice the skills that they have learned here. Removing the sunsets will encourage long investment from outside the State in studio and soundstage facilities. We strongly believe that this bill will help to grow our existing industry, employ more Virginians, and prevent Virginia from losing young talent to other States. This industry continues to grow. More and more film is being produced outside less business friendly states which gives Virginia the opportunity to grow its film and television industry and attract that business. By increasing our incentive program Virginia will be more competitive in a growing skills based industry.

Anne Chapman here, I have worked in the film industry since 1986, but have done so in the state of Virginia since 1999. I am a casting director, overseeing the hiring of thousands of actors on many, many projects both large and small, including Lincoln, Loving, Big Stone Gap, Juanita, and well over 125 student films at VCUarts Cinema and ODU. I have been an adjunct in the Cinema program at VCU since 2007, teaching and mentoring hundreds of students. The interest in learning to make films is not waning, it is only increasing. Last summer alone we hired 55 actors in Richmond for 12 VCUarts Cinema films directed by students learning the art and craft of filmmaking at a state university. It is always a shame when these students have to leave the state to find work for an industry they were trained for right here in Richmond. I have first hand knowledge of all of the money that goes into the local economy from the film industry both films that come from out of state and those who are local. I rent a bricks and mortar office, I pay a mortgage, I pay state taxes, buy equipment here and spend my paychecks in this state. It is not all out-of-towners that make films here. Local crew have taken such good care of many films that all of Virginia can be proud of. I organized the open casting calls for LOVING in Richmond, Bowling Green and Petersburg, as well as the open casting call at the convention center for Lincoln. These open calls brought out thousands and thousands of people, and lead to the hiring of hundreds of people on those 2 films alone. There is an interest in and a need for better incentives to attract quality projects to Virginia. Why offer degrees for jobs that students have to leave the state to pursue? The cinema program at VCUarts Cinema is one of the most competitive in the school of the arts and has tripled in size in the last 3 years. The screen industries are only growing in size, but we are missing out on many opportunities due to a lack of incentives. We have the work force (we are literally educating them locally!) and we have sought after locations, and a world class Film Office in the Department of Tourism that can bring the out of state projects and help grow an instate industry if only they were given the financial tools to do so. Yes we are a fiscally conservative state, but in terms of Film incentives that fiscal conservatism is preventing the opportunity for a deeper thriving arts industry that will generate further attention to those wanting to visit, move to, or bring their business to Virginia. It is miserly and shortsighted. You can not pay for the attention that 1 photo of Daniel Day Lewis brought to Richmond and the local restaurant scene. But you can create further opportunities for photos like that one by supporting and increasing the film incentives. Share the money and help keep young creative minds in the state and keep extremely talented older creative minds from having to leave the state due to lack of work. Challenge yourself to 24 hours without creative content on any screen and see how important you find the industry. Let us participate fully. Let us compete! Please, and thank you for your time!

I advocate support of Virginia's economic investments in film production. Presently, our incentives rank towards the bottom of national rankings, so it's time to bolster our tax credits to make Virginia more economically competitive in the region. Please support the LIGHTS, CAMERA, JOBS ACT [HB 771 and SB 251], because it brings Virginia’s film and television incentive funds to the $50M regional average. As a constituent, I urge you to support increasing funds to support the film and television industry. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [John H Chappell Jr] [514 North Shore Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505]

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on HB 771. I live in Richmond, VA and have been a Camera Assistant for almost 20 years, working alongside hundreds of hard-working local technicians, tradesmen, artists, coordinators, assistants, drivers, office staff, and other production workers. Sadly, many of us are really struggling; our once thriving industry is now stagnant because Virginia can’t compete with nearby states. Jobs, a talented workforce, and dollars that could have been spent here are forced to go elsewhere. It’s disheartening when a movie or TV show that is set in Virginia films in a nearby state instead because they offer more incentives; we have EVERYTHING other states have (a great crew, stunning locations, supportive small businesses, etc.), the only thing we lack is the legislation to support our industry. We need to increase our tax credit program and bring incentive funds up to the regional average; HB771 will do this and bring work back to Virginia. Many of us truly enjoy training and mentoring young people, from all walks of life, who are trying to join the production industry. I’ve had the privilege of speaking in several VCU film classes and in various trainings with local organizations like Oakwood Arts in the East End of Richmond. Just a few years ago I was able to encourage young people to stay in Virginia and assure them that good jobs were available and it was a great place to train and work. It’s become really hard for me to do that recently, but I know that we can make that possible again with legislation that puts Virginia back on the list of economically viable places to bring film and television production. Please support Virginia's current AND future production workers by supporting HB 771. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Hello, I am a resident of Virginia, and I work in the filmmaking industry. I support HB771 by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring. Thank you, Pamela Athens Jones

I support this bill moving forward. I’ve been working in the film and television industry here in Virginia for over 25 years now. It is of great importance that this bill be passed for the many Virginia workers that work in our industry and the many other small businesses around the that that this will help as well. Thank you

Filming in Virginia is almost nonexistent. With a tax incentive, you can employ hundreds of people across many crafts. Films and tv shows bring millions to a state. Not only are crew members making money, but everyone involved bring commerce to local businesses. Out of town film industry people need a place to live, places to eat, activities on the weekend, etc. Filmmaking is a huge boost to any economy. Not only to people involved, but locals, and even the tourist industry. Help bring film back to the historic and beautiful state of Virginia.

I am a Virginia resident and I work in the film industry and I support HB771. I've had the opportunity to work on multiple projects in in Virginia, including Dopesick and The Good Lord Bird. However, without tax incentives, many productions will take work elsewhere. Please pass HB771 so Virginians can continue to work in the film industry here in our own state instead of being forced to move.

Comments Document

I am a profesional in the film and television industry in the state of Virginia and want to make the committee aware of my support of this bill to help residents like myself.

Please hear me: working Virginians depend on the film industry to support their families. I am a 10 year veteran of the industry and I see the millions of dollars go directly into VA vendors, restaurants, hotels, supply stores, lumber, equipment, SO MUCH business depends on the industry. Thank you.

ChatGPT ChatGPT I am writing to express my strong support for tax cuts for filmmakers in Virginia. Providing financial incentives for the film industry not only attracts creative talent but also stimulates local economies through job creation and increased tourism. By reducing taxes on film production, Virginia can position itself as a competitive destination for filmmakers, fostering a thriving entertainment sector. This proactive approach will not only benefit the film industry but also contribute to the state's overall economic growth. I urge the Virginia House of Delegates to consider and implement tax incentives to support and enhance the film industry in our state.

This is much needed for the community. This will bring back jobs and put our city back on the map for films/tv shows. While this may seem insignificant to some, this bill is a major deal when it comes to up and coming artists/performers/actors. This is the bill WE need.

This is much needed for the community. This will bring back jobs and put our city back on the map for films/tv shows. While this may seem insignificant to some, this bill is a major deal when it comes to up and coming artists/performers/actors. This is the bill WE need.

As a life-long film production professional, I see how important competitive incentives are for bringing good-paying jobs and vitality to a state. When I'm employed by a production, I spend my income on shops, dinner, home improvements, entertainment, services, and of course, taxes. Without that income, I'm hunkering down, waiting for the next job. It breaks my heart to have to leave Virginia for other states in the region that have the incentives to land productions. My paychecks go toward housing, food, services, and entertainment in other states. Virginia has been my home for over 20 years. I raised two children here, who have made Virginia their home, becoming homeowners in our great Commonwealth. For me and others like me in the film production business, we depend on productions coming to Virginia for our gigs. We have no other reliable work. Please make Virginia competitive in our region so that we can continue to find work at home. Thank you.

As a resident of Virginia who works in the industry and has a child who is currently enrolled in college who will also work in the Film Industry I implore you to pass this bill. Bringing new professional films/work to our state not only helps Virginia residents who work in the field but bring with it a boost to our state economy. Virginia needs to support the film industry and provide incentives to bring more work the local citizens. Please vote yes.......and lets stop letting other states have all the fun.

I am a VA resident working in the film & TV industry. I support HB 771 and encourage the finance subcommittee and all legislators to do the same. I pay taxes on the income from services rendered to productions filming in VA, and on the residuals that work generates long after production has wrapped. Thank you. John Wilkins

I support VA movies for my boy James!

I am a resident of Richmond, VA and work in the production industry. Please support the continuation of the tax credit in order to bring more work to our local Virginia production community.

Hi, my name is Christina Garnett and I am freelance film production/motion picture worker. I am speaking up to help push for the passing of HB-771. It has been proven over and over again how much local economy benefits from bringing motion picture and television jobs to Virginia. Not only is it a direct injection into the local economy with hotels, travel, supply rentals, local shopping, it creates hundreds of jobs for the crew that lives and spends their money here in Virginia. I have seen first hand the wonderful things it does for local businesses and it keeps our Virginia workers in Virginia and spending their money in Virginia verses having to leave the state to go work and spend their money. We need more money in the film fund to help make more money to help fund other programs that desperately need help in this state. It is an up front cost with invaluable benefits. Please listen to your local workers in this industry and support us by voting yes for this bill. Thank you for your time!

It will bring jobs to Virginia, jobs Virginia desperately needs.

I am a Virginia resident who works in the film and television production industry. I am writing to voice my support for HB771. Speaking from the perspective of someone in the industry, it's not just big "Hollywood" producers who seek out production incentives when choosing where to film there money. Thousands of independent film producers with more modest budgets also chiefly base their productions in states where production incentives exist. In Virginia, there have been years where one project consumes the entire amount of money allocated for incentives. That discourages any other filmmakers from bringing their productions to our amazing state. A film can be an enormous economic driver. In addition to the money a film or TV show spends on hiring local cast and crew, there is also huge amounts of money spent on accommodations, restaurants, caterers, and local businesses for supplies, props, logistics, and more. This bill will help Virginia become a more desirable filming location while also encouraging growth in Virginia's economy.

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To whom it may concern, My name is patrick johnson a camera assistant in Richmond for the past 5yrs and I’m sad to say that I am being forced to find a new source of income because of the lack of film jobs available in Richmond. This stems from the lack of support coming from our local government, we need this bill to pass so that many of us don't have to give up on our dreams as artist and filmmakers. 4-6k people work in this industry in Va we have a fantastic university film program here at vcu and these graduates are being forced to move away just to find work. This doesn’t just effect the people employed by these companies but it effects those vendors we use to make these films and tv shows. Those local business that make significant gains when our industry is thriving. We ask for support to raise the film incentive program to grow Va economically, the idea that this is a Hollywood handout couldn’t be farther from the truth. Thank you for time and we hope you support this bill and get all of us back to work. Patrick Johnson

Hello, I'm a Virginia resident and current student at a Virginia university- George Mason University- studying film and starting to work in the industry. I support this bill. The film industry not only bolsters all sorts of sectors in the local economy, it also bolsters programs like the one I attend to. George masons film program is one of the top 50 in the country. Investing in the film industry invests in current and future industry professionals.

As a Virginia resident who has worked in the film and television industry for over 15 years. I am in support of HB 771.

Bring big films back to VA

I support continuing and increasing tax credits for the film industry in Richmond and Virginia at large. In order to be competitive in the industry and bring in large productions, tax credits must be comparable or competitive with other states. Richmond was just voted as a great place to film- now we just need the productions to roll in! I started working in the film industry back in 2007 and saw first hand how much work can flow into a city with the right economic incentives. I would love to be able to work for more than a few weeks in my chosen profession here in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia has the talent, skill and locations for this to be a viable career for many. We just need to be a little more competitive to attract the medium and big studios. Thank you.

I am a Virginia resident who works in the film industry as a Location Manager and Scout. I support HB 771.

Bring filmmaking back to VA

I am a resident in Virginia and part of the film/television industry and I support this bill.

Hello, I am writing to let you know that I support House Majority Leader Charniele Herring and her bill (HB 771) and would be grateful for it to pass. I have been working in the Virginia film industry for over 10 years and would like to be able to continue in the industry for my livelihood. Also, films coming to our state will help with employment opportunities and the economy. Thank you, Susan Verbeeck, Hanover County, Virginia

Hello. I am life-long resident of Virginia and have worked professionally as an actor in the film industry since 2005. I support this bill.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is today a "flyover" State relative to the Film Industry. Without a commitment from The Commonwealth to meet or match potential future Film Industry investment in local film productions, we will, unfortunately remain a "flyover State". Thank you.

I work in the industry and support this bill. Incentivizing filming in Virginia not only creates jobs but showcases the beauty of Virginia- thereby increasing tourism. Think of the Dirty Dancing weekends still being held at Mountain Lake Lodge!

As a film festival founder and producer, I support House Bill 771 for several reasons: Extended Tax Credit: House Bill 771 removes the sunset for the motion picture tax credit, ensuring its continuation beyond the current expiration date. This provides stability and predictability for filmmakers and production companies looking to invest in Virginia, making it more attractive for them to film their projects in the state. Increased Funding: The bill increases the total amount of tax credits that can be allocated to taxpayers to $46.5 million, starting in fiscal year 2024. This expanded funding can incentivize more filmmakers to produce content in Virginia, leading to increased opportunities for local filmmakers and potentially more submissions to Virginia film festivals, which translates into tourism and dollars spent in the Commonwealth. Diversification of Content: By expanding and redesignating the tax credit as the content manufacturing tax credit, the bill encourages the production of a wider range of content beyond traditional motion pictures, including episodic television series. This diversification can lead to a greater variety of content being produced in Virginia to correlate with the ever-changing media landscape. Support for Local Economy: The increased tax credits and incentives provided by the bill can stimulate economic growth within the state by attracting more film productions. This can lead to job creation, increased spending in local businesses, and overall economic benefits for the community. Fostering a Filmmaking Hub: By supporting House Bill 771, you contribute to the development of Virginia as a thriving hub for filmmaking and content production. This can enhance the reputation of the state's film industry, potentially attracting more productions, filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences. Overall, supporting House Bill 771 can have positive implications for the filmmaking industry in Virginia, potentially leading to increased opportunities, diversity of content, and economic benefits for the large production community we have in the Commonwealth.

As a Virginia Resident for the past 12 years and as an advocate and an employee for the Film Production and Television Industry here in Virginia and the Richmond/Norfolk metro areas, my wife and I both support this bill. We would like to see more Films produced here in our state. We all need jobs ! - Thank You. D. Faulds, Producer

I have been living and working in Virginia all my life, and have made a decent career for myself in the film industry. The jobs our industry are good jobs. We work hard and get paid well for our efforts. We would really benefit from the passing of HB771 and so would the state of Virginia. Companies come here from all over the world to spend their money in our state making content here. I have seen first-hand the benefit to our state that can be gleaned from making our industry more attractive to those companies. We really need this bill to be passed for our insustry to remain competitive with the other states surrounding us. Thank you for your consideration.

As a VA born resident involved in the film industry, I HIGHLY support this bill and urge you too as well. There is so much potential for filming in VA, and it would bring in so many jobs and successful residents.

I encourage the passage of this bill because I am an Actor and Film Maker in Virginia and the incentives attract film to the state. In my opinion, Virginia is the best place to film because we have so much to offer. Let's give these films a great reason to come spend their money in Virginia.

The Commonwealth of Virginia can only benefit from this bill. I work in the industry as an actor and voice over talent. Bringing film work to Virginia employs many in addition to the production people. I urge you to vote Yes on this bill to support the film industry and all the people that will benefit from more work in Virginia.

I strongly support this bill. My livelihood depends upon it as do well many, many others who still live here in Virginia. Unfortunately, we're losing valuable film workers and tax payers to other states due to Virginia not being able to compete with neighboring states. Thank you, Kahil Dotay

My name is Rob Scoggins Jr. I am a Sag- AFTRA member and VPA, I live & work in VA. I am a writer, Production Manager, location manager for Film and TV/steaming /theater and I support the bill

I have worked in the film industry for over 40 years while living and voting in Henrico Virginia. I support HB 771. Thomas L. Barrett

Hello, I am writing to show my support for HR771. Over the past 12 years I have been able to work sporadically in the TV/Film industry in Virginia and would appreciate the opportunity to work even more in the industry in the future. I support HR771 since it will help Virginia become more competitive compared to other mid-Atlantic states. Please consider approving this bill so Virginians drawn to this industry don't have to move away in order to be part of it. We strongly prefer to stay here and building our families and future here in Virginia. Thanks!

I am a 35 year veteran film/tv actor who has, for 32 of those years, called Virginia home. My filmography can be viewed on IMDB here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0282436/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2 I am also owner of The Actors' Place where, over 20 years, I have trained thousands of young actors with a sincere desire to work in film, television, and Voiceover. I, and my students, rarely get to work in our home state with the majority of jobs taking us to GA, SC, PA, and NC. In most cases, it no longer matters if a shooting location has mountains, beaches, or cityscapes because digital technology has advanced sufficiently to convincingly reproduce any of those environs electronically. The "geographic advantage" is no more. The one concrete determining factor that tips the scale in the direction of one production location over another is financial advantage. This is especially true for attracting a full season of television production which creates long term employment opportunities for crew and cast members. Look, you know the ROI on incentives, the revenue they can generate, the hotel days, etc.. We've been quoting those to you for a couple of decades (I know because I've done it). This all comes down to will and constituent sentiment. No longer can the production industry be referred to as "liberal Hollywood." The top five faith based films in 2023 earned $107.4M at the box office and conservative content is well represented with one film last year earning $248M. We could be a part of that. We could attract all kinds of content production to the Commonwealth and, as a result: allow films produced by VA based filmmakers to stay in VA because incentives make doing so economically advantageous, allow film and TV professionals that call VA home to remain here for work, we could bring revenue to hardware stores, restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses to let them thrive, and prove once again that we are pro-business and an attractive place to make film and TV sharing the wealth of the Commonwealth with the world. I ask you to support Delegate Herring's bill HB771 and bring production back to Virginia. Because I and my students are tired of giving our talent, training, and time to other states.

I am a film industry worker and I support this bill!

Support for HB 771. I live in Richmond and work in the industry and this would be a huge benefit.

I am a Virginia resident and I support this bill.

To : Honorable Members of the Assembly, I am a SAG eligible Virginia resident as of 2020 (from Massachusetts where the industry thrives) and have been surprised at the lack of film industry support here in my newly adopted state. The numbers available in budgets to support the industry are incredibly weak compared to the surrounding states. Work here is sporadic due to lack of support from the State. I strongly encourage you all to take a strong look at how more support for Virginia Film can benefit local businesses, workers, film families and gain general economic attention for the State.

I am a Chesterfield County resident that owns a video production company located in the City Of Richmond. I am writing in support of this bill, Virginia has a strong reputation for film & video production, creating jobs and crew that decide to live where the work is and pay taxes and otherwise contribute to our state. I hope to see this bill pass and strengthen our industry. Sincerely, Noah Pearcy President-Broadscope Media, Inc.

I am an actor living in Virginia and I support Bill HB 771.....patricia hawn

I am an actress residing in Henrico and I support this bill.

I’m Aaron Hoffman, working in the Film/TV/Theatre industry in VA and I support HB771!