It's been such a long time since Iowa actors and crew were employed by movie production companies. Some, including my dear friend Neil Wells, were forced to move out of Iowa for greener pastures. But now there truly is a brighter light shining on the path for the return of the Iowa Film Office.
Today I returned once more to the Iowa Capitol Building with fellow actor Jay Villwock. We arrived just after Governor Branstad had finished delivering his Condition of the State Address. Our good friend and supporter, Senator Bill Dotzler, was not on hand because of the passing of his father yesterday. But we did meet with a few Iowa senators, including Jack Hatch, who said he was for us and to call upon him anytime for his assistance. We spoke with Senator Joe Seng, too, who said he'd like to meet with us when there is a solid block of time for a conversation. He voiced his support for the Iowa film industry last year and the year before as well. Senator Black once again voiced his encouragement to us and even displayed a thumbs up to accent his sentiments.
As we were leaving we discovered that the governor's Fiscal Year 2013 Program and Budget Report included this: "Reinstate the Iowa Film Office. The Iowa Film Office, eliminated in 2010, had a solid reputation and a positive impact on film production in Iowa prior to the 2007 establishment of film tax credits and an expanded role for the Office. Over the years, the Film Office helped create jobs and revenue, showcasing Iowa to the world in productions such as Field of Dreams, The Bridge of Madison County, Twister, and many more. While suspension of the film tax credits should remain in place, Governor Branstad recommends reinstating the Iowa Film Office with the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs".
In this report, the governor recommends that the Iowa Film Office be allocated $400,000 from the state's general appropriations fund. This recommendation must now be approved by both the Iowa House and Senate, which means anyone who wants the Iowa Film Office to indeed come back should now contact all Iowa legislators.
To contact members of the Iowa House, go to: Iowa House
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/house.aspx
To contact members of the Iowa Senate, go to: Iowa Senate
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/senate.aspx
You really must contact every legislator and tell them that it is vitally important that they approve the governor's proposed funding of the Iowa Film Office - so, PLEASE do this now... do NOT procrastinate, pretty please with cream/soy milk and sugar on top!!!!
Gene L. Hamilton
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