On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, the Northwest Alabama Film Commission in association with the University of North Alabama sponsored a social networking meeting with film industry professionals. There were more than 125 professionals and film students in attendence.
Senator Bobby Denton, Rep. Mike Curtis and Rep. Tammy Irons were there to discuss the upcoming proposed film incentive legislation. All legislatures were very positive about the future of the proposed bills. The film incentive bill is currently in committee as Alabama HB65. One key item to be notated about this current legislation is that it has 55 co-sponsors which virtually unheard of in such a bill. There has never been a time in previous Alabama film legislation that it received so many co-sponsors.
Tommy Fell from the Alabama Film Office was in attendance and discussed the vast resources that are available in Alabama for the film industry. During a private conversation with Mr. Fell, he stated that what the film office needed was more contacts in the north Alabama area. Fell gave high praise to the number of people in attendence and was really impressed that there were so many talented film people in this region of the state.
The University of North Alabama Communications department was well represented with the attendance of Dean Vagn Hansen, Dr. McMullen, Dr. Sanders and the new film instructor, Jason Flynn. Dean Hansen and Professor Flynn discussed the future of the film major at the university. UNA is hoping to make Film and New Media Arts a major within itself dividing it from the Communications Department. Flynn's knowledge and experience in the film industry is a outstanding addition to the program.
Joann Maxwell, the director of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and director of the Northwest Alabama Film Commission, hosted an outstanding event. She expressed the wishes for similar networking meetings to be planned two or three times a year in the Shoals.
The Alabama Film Development Project was well represented at the meeting with the attendence of Director Thomas Beane, Media Relations Director Nathan Strickland, Technical Director Chuck Terry and Operations Coordinator Amber Privett.
Other notables in attendence at the event was Steve Richerson of Concrete Productions; Steve and Sherri Wiggins of Whippoorwill Productions; Jim Torres, director of "Like Rats, Like Moles"; and Tonya Holly and Tom Rogers of Cypress Moon Productions. There were several UNA students who establish the base for the future of the film industry in our state.
A big thanks is extended to the Northwest Alabama Film Commission member. Several of them including myself have been mentioned already. Other commission members attending the meeting were Bill Mathews, David Anderson and Giles McDaniel - Ex. Dir. of the Shoals Entreprenuerial Center.The meeting was a great social event and an excellent opportunity to network with those who love the film industry. We can all look forward to future meetings like this one to keep us connected with each other.
No comments:
Post a Comment