Five Ways to Help Fight
Governor Pawlenty's Proposed Elimination
of the Minnesota Film & TV Board
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Contact your legislators
Let your legislators know you value the production industry in Minnesota and believe our state needs to have film commission. Letters are the most effective form of communication with legislators, however, if you have limited time, e-mail works as well.
Representatives give priority to the needs of their own constituents, so please use the Who Represents Me? District Finder to identify your legislators. For tips on writing your letter, please read the "How do I let a Representative or Senator know how I feel about an issue?" section on the MN Legislative website.
We have put together a sample letter that you may use in its entirety or borrow sections from as desired. Personal stories are strongly encouraged!
[Date]
Dear Honorable [Title] [Full Name],
Please support our efforts to preserve funding for the Minnesota Film and Television Board. Funding of the Minnesota Film and Television Board is vital to the survival of the production industry in Minnesota, which employs 4,100 people and generates $225 million in economic activity each year.
The work of the Minnesota Film & TV Board is an important and successful jobs creation program that brings out-of-state production to Minnesota and also keeps Minnesota filmmakers working in their home state.
The Governor has proposed cutting all operations funding for the Film & TV Board in his supplemental budget proposal. If adopted, the proposal means the end of the Board and its work. The reduction in funding for the Snowbate film production jobs program to $525,000 from $1,225,000M in 2010 and elimination thereafter will deal a terrible blow to the film and television industry in our state, will cost our state good jobs, will diminish our economic vitality and will drive more of our young people to leave Minnesota in search of opportunity.
The Film & TV Board supports an industry that includes electricians, carpenters, animators, production designers, photographers, editors, actors, production assistants, caterers, engineers and directors. It is the first stop for a commercial production, TV series, feature film or documentary looking to do business in Minnesota but is also an important resource for Minnesota's own production industry. Companies such as Target, Best Buy, Toro, 3M and Marvin Windows do many millions of dollars of production work in-state because of the infrastructure and crew base that exists here. The Film & TV Board is the portal through which 335 Minnesota production service companies connect with their customers. Closing the Board shuts the door on those businesses and their employees.
As your constituent, I am aware that the state faces very difficult budget choices. Even so, I strongly believe this program represents a modest investment that delivers a tremendous return. I urge that you add your voice in support of this vital program.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Printed named]
[Address]
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Contact Key Committee Members
Governor Pawlenty's recommendations are currently being analyzed and debated by legislators who will craft their own budget bill, which will eventually reach the Governor's desk for approval. If you are a constituent of a member of either of the following committees, your letters and e-mails are all the more important at this particular stage. Please check the following committee member lists:
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Make a donation of $25 through our Website.
Your donation will help us cover the costs of postage, printing e-mail campaigns and other costs as we rally support among members of the industry and at the Legislature. Contribute now.
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Stay updated
Connect to MFTVB via Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates and "calls to action."
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Talk
Help spread the word by telling your friends, co-workers and other industry contacts about the Governor's proposal.
