Not all filmmakers support corporate welfare
DURHAM (Sept. 20) -- Rusty Sheridan works in North Carolina's film and
video industry. He's worked on everything from feature films to wedding
videos. In 2001 Sheridan worked on the crew and also acted in the Farrelly
Brothers comedy "Shallow Hal" filmed in Charlotte.
An educator in addition to filmmaker and politician, Sheridan teaches
courses on film production for Duke University's Talent ID Program during
the summer. He also teaches undergraduate film history and criticism
courses at UNC Greensboro, where he's completing his graduate studies in
film.
So you could say Sheridan, the Libertarian candidate for state Senate
in district 27, is interested in the state of the film industry in our
state. "North Carolina is the third largest film production state in the
U.S.," he said. "But the number of productions has tapered off recently,
thanks in no small part to the fact we're the most heavily taxed state in
the south."
The slowing of film production has prompted many professionals in the
industry to call on the government for help. The NC Production Alliance is
lobbying the legislature and Gov. Mike Easley for millions of dollars in
"incentives" for the filmmaking industry. These incentives include cash
breaks and the use of state owned equipment for scouting filming
locations.
The alliance is asking government for help, but Sheridan claims
government is the problem.
"If only Raleigh would get out of the way of business - reduce taxes,
reduce restrictions - then more business would come to our state," he
said. This includes film production.
"North Carolina is a beautiful state with a wealth of locations;
mountains in the west, beaches to the east, farmland and big cities in
between. You can find just about anything in North Carolina and that's why
there were so many productions filmed here."
"But as usual, bureaucracy and government restrictions have gotten the
best of a good situation."
The production alliance thinks "targeted incentives" are the answer to
wooing Hollywood back, said Sheridan. "Let's call that what it is -
corporate welfare. Does Hollywood really need taxpayer money to help fund
their movies?"
In addition to the being wrong headed, Sheridan thinks incentives would
likely be inappropriately and unequally distributed.
"I sincerely doubt Mike Easley would allow me to use a state-owned
plane to scout locations for my thesis film. Why should he allow some
Hollywood big wig?"
Sheridan feels the free-market can solve the problem just fine.
"The diverse locations, the large crew-base, and good old fashioned
southern hospitality are enough incentives to lure Hollywood back," said
Sheridan. "But if they don't come back-well then, it would suit my
interests and the interests of my fellow film professionals to go where
the work is."
"If I have to move to LA to stay in business, I will. But I sure won't
put a gun to my fellow North Carolinians' heads and force them to bribe
Hollywood to come back."
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