Filmmakers cause a scene at the Capitol

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Film lobbyists certainly caused a scene on the State Capitol lawn. RVs, tents, cameras and lights set the stage for a fight for film incentives.

"We're all here right now because there's no real work," said Austin-based director Phil Hardage. "We're just volunteering our efforts because everybody, literally everybody, is sitting around unemployed."

The filmmakers shot a "commercial" for lawmakers and showed it on several big screens. Their skit demonstrated how many film productions have gone to other states because of their competitive tax rebates. Texas offers a 5 percent tax rebate for movie film productions while the national average is 25 percent.

"There are movies being made, even in this economy," said Carol Pirie with the Texas Film Commission. "But, they're not being made in Texas."

The Texas Film Commission is also asking for the Legislature to appropriate $60 million to fund the rebates. They argue that money will come back to Texas tenfold as more producers start bringing their films back to the Lone Star State. It is an argument that some said is more flashy than substantive.

"It's a race to the bottom and we don't think Texas should be part of that race," said Lauren Reinlie with Texans for Public Justice. "States that offered those incentives are looking back, thinking 'Whoa! What did we do?'"

The group is arguing that Texas should spend the money on creating more permanent jobs.

"These films only provide temporary and mobile jobs," said Reinlie. "We should be concentrating on creating jobs for doctors and teachers, permanent jobs that will stay in Texas."

Hardage disagrees. He said back in 2004, there was enough work to keep him and many crews in Texas permanently. He said he has spent the last four years in other states and countries.

"I'm a sixth generation Texan," he said. "I want to be in Texas, certainly not in places like New Mexico."

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