Scalise a Panelist at Motion Picture Industry Symposium

Author of Louisiana’s “Motion Picture Incentive Act” Touts Economic Impact

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise today was a panelist for the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) Symposium, “The Business of Show Business – American Creativity at Work.”

“The film industry continues to grow and provide thousands of high-paying jobs for people throughout Louisiana,” Scalise said. “Even during tough economic times in our country, this is an industry that is growing, and created 6,000 jobs in Louisiana in 2007 while bringing in $763 million in economic activity. The Louisiana film incentives are strong proof that smart tax policies can create economic activity and the good jobs that go along with it.”

Congressman Scalise was on a panel moderated by Nick Clooney, a professor at American University and the father of George Clooney. Other panelists included: Georgette Blau, CEO, On Location Tours, Richard Moskal, Director, Chicago Film Office, Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office and Bill Thompson, Deputy Commissioner, Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment.

In addition to being a panelist, Congressman Scalise also met privately with the Chief Executive Officers of Paramount Pictures Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Fox Filmed Entertainment, Universal, Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. Entertainment. Scalise discussed Louisiana’s role in the film industry, and federal issues that affect the industry.

Dan Glickman, President of the MPAA said, “Scalise is becoming a champion of the industry.”

Details of the Symposium are listed below.

THE BUSINESS OF SHOW BUSINESS 2: AMERICAN CREATIVITY AT WORK

Segment 1, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Show Business: At Work Across America
SYNOPSIS: Discussion about the economic impact of on-location filming and potential for ongoing benefits after the stars leave.
INTRODUCE PANEL: The Hon. John Conyers, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representatives
MODERATOR: Nick Clooney, Distinguished Journalist in Residence, American University’s School of Communication & the Newseum
PANELISTS:
Georgette Blau, CEO, On Location Tours
Richard Moskal, Director, Chicago Film Office
Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia Film Office
The Hon. Steve Scalise, U.S. House of Representatives
Bill Thompson, Deputy Commissioner, Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment
MESSAGE GOAL: Movies are an American-made product and are good for the economy in all 50 states.

Segment 2, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Show Business: At Work Behind the Scenes
SYNOPSIS: Taking a movie from concept to big screen requires skill and labor from a range of professionals that may surprise you. From accountants to steel workers, meet some of the people who make movies happen.
INTRODUCE PANEL: The Hon. Henry Waxman, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, U.S. House of Representatives
MODERATOR: Georg Szalai, New York Bureau Chief, The Hollywood Reporter
PANELISTS:
Todd Hallowell, Executive Producer & Second-Unit Director, Angels and Demons
Scott Harbinson, International Representative, IATSE
Deborah Nadoolman Landis, Costume Designer
Carl Ludwig, Chief Technology Office/VP, Blue Sky Studios
MESSAGE GOAL: The movie industry employs American workers from a multitude of professions.

Luncheon, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Emcee: Dan Glickman
Remarks: The Hon. Orrin Hatch, U.S. Senate
Keynote: Dwayne Johnson (“The Rock”), Actor

Panel 3, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Show Business: Hi Tech at Work on the Big Screen
SYNOPSIS: The industry’s best and brightest show off technology developed and patented by studios and technology companies that make movies come to life.
NOTE: Opening video from Sony about evolution of movies
MODERATOR: Patrick Ross, Executive Director, The Copyright Alliance
PANELISTS:
Rob Bredow, Creative Technology Supervisor, Imageworks
Chris Carey, EVP for Worldwide Technical Operations, Paramount
Rob Cook, VP, Software Engineering, Pixar
Michael Lewis, CEO, RealD, Worldwide Cinema
MESSAGE GOAL: Studios are pioneers in scientific and artistic advancement.
REELS/VISUALS: All will have visual presentations

Chairman’s Dinner, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Master of Ceremonies: Dan Glickman
Remarks: Vice President Biden
Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award Presentation
REMARKS: Mrs. Mary Margaret Valenti
REMARKS AND PRESENTATION: Mr. Brad Grey
RECIPIENT: Mr. Martin Scorsese

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