A group called Michigan Film First, which was formed in November to preserve the state’s film tax incentives, has let it be known that they’re determined to produce a little drama in this political fight.
In an e-mail to supporters, the group’s spokesman, Billy Whitehouse, lays out the battle plan to defeat Gov. Snyder’s plan to eliminate the film credits:
“In anticipation of challenges to the film production incentive, we hired lobbyists and a leading PR firm with close ties to the Snyder administration. We have been working diligently since that time to prepare what we hoped would never happen — the proposed elimination of the film industry as we know it in Michigan. Unfortunately, the governor’s proposed budget, if adopted, would threaten the industry’s very existence in our state, result in the unemployment of thousands of Michigan residents, and cease the momentum that we have all worked so hard to build.”
Whitehouse goes on to explain their strategy and tactics:
“Our team of experts in Lansing has been working 24/7 since the budget was released last week to formulate a plan of action. Most importantly, it has been made very clear that we have one shot to save Michigan’s film industry. We need to be methodical and not panic. Missteps could be devastating. This is the time to build consensus. This is not the time to engage in knee-jerk reactions. This will undermine the ability to make the changes necessary to accomplish our mission of preserving Michigan’s film industry.”
