Eric Matheson of Cape Elizabeth, ME Without a significent effort on the part of the
Media & constant reminders to "our" legislators
& representitives we are going to once again pass over a golden opportunity for an infussion of capital into our economy from a vibrant,clean
& Profitable Business. What is needed here is a positive attitude & support not "Crisis Management" Remember this when you see another movie that could & should have been produced in Maine.Producers,Designers,&Filmmakers WANT to
work here.All we need is a sensible,competetive incentive program that CREATES jobs & a better
economy.

Eic Matheson
Mainemathe@msn.comreport abuse

No2Socialism of Gardiner, ME Don't take it personally, Ms. Jepson, as most of our local residents probably recognize how truly disconnected Mr. Offer is. The Film Office has done a great job over the years, but it's unfortunate more offices/departments within our state government aren't that productive or efficient.

If Mr. Offer wants to see some of our wasteful state employees, he should just spend a few days in the various state cafeterias and building entryways. He should see the massive waste that REALLY happens within the Baldacci administration.report abuse

Barney of Scarborough, ME Creating jobs and generating positive economic activity more important now then ever. What is the media industry? How does it work? Maine has not yet fully directed its full focus on truly giving this media industry it's just due.

In 2006, with Governor Baldacci's support, Maine finally "broke ground" on creating an incentive package to draw productions to the state - an incentive not competitive enough in comparison to other states.

In 2007, the legislature came close again by almost passing LD2319 - a bill that would have incentivized a small independent film, with its story located in Maine, and a direct spend into Franklin county of about $1.5m, but lost it at the last minute.

My direct sources into the spending power of Empire Falls into Maine's economy said this production spent no less then $10m when filming here for 3 months in 2003. Town Manager Patricia Dickey is quoted saying at the time "It's incredible what they've done and for the business they brought into Skowhegan". HBO converted Patrick's Pizza Joint in Skowhegan to "The Empire Grill" and left it at no cost to the owner - a restaurant where the new business owners in 2007 told me that 30% of their business came from those who saw it in the series after airing in 2005.

It's been 5 years since Empire Falls - the largest production ever brought to Maine - and nothing close has ever come since (and won’t). It created jobs and supplied a significant direct spend into the state. Wouldn't Maine benefit by more of this kind of economic activity?

Efforts continue in educating citizens to legislators to what value this industry has for Maine. This past Weds 12/10 at The Maple Room in Lewiston, a meeting was held with industry advocates for plans for 2009-10 to get Maine competitive in this industry. We welcome your questions - we invite you join our media advocacy campaign.

Find out more by going to "The Maine Film Blog" at http://www.mainefilm.blogspot.com/ .report abuse