thankful tuesdays: film forging ahead

Awhile back I posted my frustration with Wisconsin film incentives being cut from the proposed budget. I'm happy to report that the movement is forging ahead to reinstate them, but your voice still needs to be heard.

In addition to joining the Facebook cause, writing your politicians, and signing an online petition, if you have time during the day (nothing frustrates me more than "public" meetings during business hours!!!) you can attend an info session Wednesday, March 25 to give your input.

Today the Milwaukee Business Journal reports that "The co-chair of the Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Finance Committee has told WisPolitics.com that there is enough support among committee members to keep tax credit incentives for the film industry in the state budget." Thank you State Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) for the hope!


And yesterday JSOnline mentioned Wisconsin actors are stepping up to the plate on the incentive. Thank you Jane Kaczmarek, Bradley Whitford and Tony Shaloub!

More good news in the Wisconsin Film world is that Milwaukee Film has finally set dates for when it is bringing film festival back to Milwaukee. Mark your calendars for September 24-October 4, 2009.

Even cooler, you can become a member of the Founder's Club by donating a measly $100. In the words of Milwaukee Film:

Since our first event last October, we’ve been hearing how excited everyone is to see the return of a major international film festival to Milwaukee. People have told us how much this event means to them, and often asked, “How can I help?” The Milwaukee Film Founders’ Club is here for just that. By donating, you are doing your part to ensure that the festival you love thrives.


Please consider becoming part of the Milwaukee Film Founders' Club by donating $100 to support us at this important start-up time. Your Founders' Club membership will bring you …

• A cool, limited-edition, eco-friendly Milwaukee Film T-shirt. Our designs are by artists who are known nationally but work locally.
• Drawings exclusive to Founders’ Club members -- including festival tickets and fun items from our partners -- throughout our founding year.
• Special recognition in the film festival program book, including your name on our Founders’ Club “Wall of Fame.”
• In addition, the first five people to make cash donations will each receive a pair of tickets to the “Monday Night at the Movies” film of their choice, so act now!

This is a critical phase for our organization. As a start-up during a tough economic climate for everyone, fund-raising beyond corporate and foundation support is a pressing necessity, especially since ticket sales don’t cover all of our costs. In fact, if we only relied on ticket sales, each seat at the festival would cost upwards of $25.


To support the inaugural Milwaukee Film Festival, please click here. The form you find will also give you the opportunity to volunteer, share your thoughts about our organization, or participate in other ways.

I was lucky enough to jump on the offer and will be attending an upcoming Monday Night at the Movies. It took about two seconds to "found," so get clicking!