From the Director:

by Vince Porter, Executive Director Oregon Governor's Office of Film & Television

All I really want to say is a simple and heartfelt thank you to all of you.  Industry Day was a huge success and everybody who made the effort to participate deserves the credit.  I was told by several people that our display on the 17th was the best display so far this year.  Of course if we all don’t know how to put on a good show, then we probably shouldn’t be in this business.  Most importantly, I thought the day allowed everyone to feel the energy within the film and TV industry which is building throughout the state.  I was particularly impressed that the turnout was indeed a state wide effort.  I know our friends in Bend were unable to attend due to the weather conditions but their presence was felt.  I just hope we all continue this energy so it not only translates into good legislation for the industry, but to professional success in the coming months. 

All of you who attended industry day did a great job reaching out to both the Senate and the House.  In the Senate, 29 of the 30 Senators had visitors touting the benefits of the film and television industry.  The only Senator who didn’t receive a visitor was not at the Capitol on that day.  On the House, our records showed we had 36 out of 60 Representatives visited.  Obviously, it would be great for more visits on the House side but this was still a very good number. 

A special thank you must go out to David Cress, Gary Kout, and Lana Veenker who made a second trip to Salem on Thursday to testify in support of Senate Bill 621.  I also would like to thank the crew members we video taped on the 13th to tout the benefits of OPIF.  The in-person testimony combined with the video testimony made a great impression, and I’m hopeful the bill will move out of the committee and onto the floor of the Senate. 

In the coming weeks, we plan to send out email updates to you about the status of the bill and the status of our office funding.  I will be testifying in front of the Ways and Means committee on April 1 to explain why continued funding of this office will result in positive economic activity in Oregon. If anyone is interested in more information on this hearing, please let me know.  We are far from being "out of the woods," and our efforts must not stop now that industry day is over.  I encourage all of you to stay in touch with your legislators and make sure they know your concerns during these difficult times.  Thanks again, and we’ll keep you informed in the coming weeks.