The effort is the subject of this week's cover story, "The Reel West." Developed by the new director of the state Office of Film, Television and Media, producer Donald Zuckerman, it calls for doubling Colorado's 10 percent cash rebate on money spent making movies, TV shows and commercials here, and includes a guarantee that the state will back up to 20 percent of a producer's bank loan -- for a fee.
Zuckerman's plan has been turned into a bill, House Bill 12-1286, introduced yesterday by Representative Tom Massey, a Poncha Springs Republican who has sponsored similar bills in the past to no avail. At this morning's rally, the first words out of Massey's mouth were, "Eighth time's a charm!" He continued, "We're going to get this passed this year!"
Senator Linda Newell, who will sponsor the bill in the Senate, told the crowd it would be up to them to lobby lawmakers and ask their own senators and representatives to support the measure. "In the words of the famous Jerry Maguire, 'Help us help you!"" she said.Representative Nancy Todd, another supporter of the bill, spoke to the fact that Colorado film students often have a tough time finding work here once they graduate -- something the bill seeks to change. "We're giving all of our good workforce away," she said, calling the creative industries "one of the greatest and most fun economic drivers for our state."
"Let's get the cameras rolling and let's get the economy picked back up!" Todd proclaimed.
Pam Grier, East High School grad and ass-kicker extraordinaire (see: Foxy Brown, Jackie Brown and The L Word), did not show up to the rally, despite being on the program. Zuckerman says Grier called last night to say she couldn't make it.
Page down to see more photos from the rally.More from our Television & Film archive: "The Invisible War: Amy Herdy on Sundance bow of film about sex assaults in military."
