IATSE Supports Independent Film & Television Act Of 2001 August 8, 2001

In a statement issued today, (August 2, 2001 ), International President Thomas C. Short spoke out in support of recently introduced legislation offering a wage-based tax credit allowing production companies to write off part of employee wages. “The United States Independent Film and Television Production Incentive Act of 2001” supports financial incentives designed to create an effective way for Hollywood to compete with cheaper foreign locales.

In a statement, Short asserted, “The IATSE understands that there may be creative reasons to film at locations outside the United States, this is part of the process of making movies. With this understanding, the IATSE, in concert with the other members of the ‘Alliance,’ supports the co-sponsors of the wage credit bill that will promote a level playing field.”

Short’s statement aligns the IATSE with the DGA, EIDC, and SAG in their support of the legislation introduced by Arkansas Democratic Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln. The bill is co- sponsored by bi-partisan Senators Breaux (D-LA), Landrieu (D-LA), Santorurn (R- PA), Snowe (R-ME), and Durbin (D-IL).