Local Filmmaker Grants Bill SB1304 Deferred

SB1304, SD2, the bill that would fund grants and loans to Hawaii filmmakers, was deferred by the House TAC and EDB committees this morning. For this bill to survive, it is important that local independent filmmakers and others who would benefit from a thriving local film industry that doesn't solely depend on visiting productions, email the TAC and EDB committee chairs, Jerry Chang (repchang@Capitol.hawaii.gov) and Robert Herkes (repherkes@Capitol.hawaii.gov) by the end of this week, to let them know this bill is important.

To remind you how important and impactful it is to support homegrown filmmakers, please take a look at the government film financing programs in Australia, New Zealand, and New Mexico, which spawned successful filmmakers such as Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge!), Peter Jackson (Bad Taste, Heavenly Creatures, Lord of the Rings), Lee Tamahori (Once Were Warriors, Die Another Day), and Niki Caro (Whale Rider).

Government support of local film and television projects is important for building a sustainable, self-sufficient local film industry. This support would nurture a local base of artists and skilled laborers who have a natural connection to and affinity for Hawaii, and help realize the potential of Hawaii's artists to create works that promote cultural expression, education, and understanding.