Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Judy Chu and Rep. Doug Collins Convene Creatives and Leaders in the American Film & TV Industry to Discuss Bringing Stories from “Script to Screen”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, July 15, Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Judy Chu and Rep. Doug Collins held “Script to Screen,” a Capitol Hill event that showcased creatives and leaders in the American film and television industry whose vision, commitment and innovation are responsible for turning an idea into entertaining and acclaimed movies and TV shows enjoyed around the globe. Through two panel discussions, the conversation took a deep dive – from writing and production to marketing and distribution - into the challenging and eventful process of creating stories, celebrating the value of creativity and the importance of supporting America’s economically impactful motion picture and television industry.
Representative Doug Collins stated, “It’s been an honor to learn from the creators who are stimulating economic growth across the nation while pursuing their art. Protecting both the property rights and the livelihood of the hundreds of people who bring this art to life on screen is crucial to the film and television industry. Congress has the responsibility to create a copyright system that works for both creators and consumers alike. The ingenuity of creators is a driving force for job creation throughout the nation. I’m proud that my home state of Georgia ranks first for growth in the film industry and I look forward to continuing to promote policies that will allow this industry to grow and thrive.”
Representative Judy Chu said, “Today’s event is an important step in educating policymakers about the workers involved in bringing media from script to screen, and how we can support them. Our speakers highlighted the skills, talent, and hard work that is necessary to bring life to a television show or movie. Creative works are a significant driver of our economic growth and the source of thousands of American jobs. We must ensure that creators receive fair content protections and compensation so they can continue contributing to our culture and economy.”
“We appreciated the many legislative leaders who joined us to learn about the business. Movie-going is a vital part of our social fabric. From first dates to first jobs, movie theatres entertain and connect over 200 million Americans and employ 130,000 Americans every year,” said Elizabeth Frank, AMC Theatres Chief Content and Programming Officer. “Of equal importance is the role theatres play in the film industry, providing filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their creative work on the big screen and to begin to recoup the substantial investments they have made in film production and marketing”
Actor Jason George, SAG-AFTRA, said, "American films and television programs are enjoyed by billions of people around the world, and those creative works are the result of tens of thousands of hard working people. As one of those people, and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, I am honored to be here today to inform and educate our leaders about the innumerable cultural and economic benefits the film and television industries provide.”
Two-time Academy Award ®-nominated film producer and panelist Richard Gladstein said, "It's important for our industry to speak to our reps in Washington and ensure they are aware of the many ways we create and distribute film and television and how important it is to have our creations protected from unauthorized exhibition."
Screenwriter James V. Hart added, “I think it is important for our elected officials and the public to understand that we are not just ‘content providers,’ which is an overused phrase, but we are in fact ‘job creators.’”
“It was an honor to represent the motion picture marketing community and speak to the dedication and hard work each of them pursues daily to bring a variety of filmed entertainment to the attention of the American moviegoing public,” stated Bob Levin, President, Screen Engine/ASI.
The full list of speakers included:
· Elizabeth Frank, Executive Vice President and Chief Content & Programming Officer, AMC Theatres
· Jason George, Actor, SAG-AFTRA (Grey’s Anatomy and Mistresses)
· Richard N. Gladstein, President & Producer, FilmColony (The Hateful Eight and The Cider House Rules)
· James V. Hart, Screeenwriter (Hook and Contact)
· Chad Kali, Art Director, IATSE Local USA 829
· Bob Levin, President, Screen Engine/ASI
· Paul Redford, Writer/Producer (The West Wing and Madam Secretary)
· Vivian Tarn, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Investments & Banking, The Weinstein Company
The Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Judy Chu and Rep. Doug Collins participated, along with the speakers, in partnership with:
· CreativeFuture
· Directors Guild of America
· Independent Film & Television Alliance
· International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
· Motion Picture Association of America
· Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
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