MPC Updates & Annual Review
The past year was a remarkable one for our industry, and with a new year brings new opportunities to grow. We want to take a moment to share some important updates, and reflect on a few highlights from the past year that you made possible.
As a global industry - the demand for content in films, episodic series, and short form media has never been greater and continues to grow in exciting directions, encouraging diverse productions of all shapes and sizes. Together, through advocacy, professional development, and thought leadership - we are committed to building an economy and culture where Massachusetts has the opportunity to grow as a destination for the creation and production of film and media of all kinds.
If you haven't already, we hope you will join us as an Annual MPC Member to be part of an exciting year!
Save the date: Our Winter MPC Meeting will be held on February 25th at WGBH Boston. Registration is open!
We are planning numerous seminar nights, workshops, and special events for 2019 and seek to grow our programs in exciting ways. But we need your feedback! Please take a moment to complete our annual survey if you haven't already.
Advocacy Updates
MA Film & Television Tax Incentive
MPC along with fellow industry stakeholders will be supporting a House Bill and companion Senate Bill to eliminate the sunset date of the state's Film & Television Tax Incentive, which is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2022. As we enter a new two-year legislative session, the time is now to pursue this initiative.
This will be a major policy effort and will require significant support from all sectors of the industry. Watch for dedicated communications on the process and actions that all industry members can take to participate to help secure co-sponsors in the legislature for these bills, and upcoming initiatives to drive support for this critical policy agenda.
2018 Annual Highlights
MPC Programs & Community
MPC's programs are growing! We're especially proud of the impact and opportunities these create. Together we are shaping a new era that makes Massachusetts unique.
As you may recall, faced with a significant loss of funding in 2018 from the close of Mass Cultural Council's Adams Arts program, we are pleased to share that we were able to fill that funding gap through the generous support of our Annual Sponsors, board of directors, and annual members - without whom, this work would not be possible. We are also grateful for significant support from our event partners WGBH, District Hall, and Cambridge Innovation Center.
A few highlights worth reflecting on..
In the past year local film and series production continued to grow. In major productions alone over 31 films and series were filmed with an upward trend in landing valued episodic series projects. In 2018, we saw two more series shoot in MA: Showtime's "SMILF" (season 2), and Netflix's "The Society." We're optimistic this trend will continue in 2019 with the potential for more series to be produced in MA, including the return of "Castle Rock" and "The Society."
In 2018 we reached over 1,500 combined attendees across our programs and events including: Member Meetings, Workshops, a special new "Women Connect" event, and a wildly successful 6th annual Mass Media Expo. ?
Throughout 2018 in advocacy and policy initiatives, we organized a significant number of in-district meetings and set visits with key legislators to build support for our industry by introducing them to the workers, vendors, and organizations in their districts. As well as producing an important briefing at the State House for legislators, in addition to numerous info campaigns in digital and print communications about the industry's economic impact.
We welcomed and on-boarded five new members to MPC's board of directors growing the depth of MPC's leadership and preparing new stewards of the organization's mission.
We added a new staff position in our project manager and Mass Media Expo producer, Ashley Haskell. Making the growth in our operations and program agenda possible.
MPC welcomed over 25 new company members to our dynamic and growing community - ranging from large media groups, to local industry vendors, and startup production teams. Get to know them in our Member Directory!
We produced our 3rd annual PA Workshop, attended by 80 remarkable young people from diverse backgrounds to train for on-set work. And co-presented our 2nd Student Film Showcase with IFFBOSTON to support our future filmmakers.
We formalized and grew our work in MPC's Higher Education Consortium with leaders from over 20 universities and colleges with degree film and media programs across Massachusetts. We're excited to expand our effort with these inspiring leaders to foster a new era of collaboration between higher education institutions and the industry.
Moving forward in 2019 your support is crucial.
Our rapidly growing industry will rely on your commitment through membership and the financial support of Annual Sponsors to continue this vision and increase the our industry's potential.
The stewardship of this work belongs to engaged members and stakeholders like you who share a vision that working together makes the difference, advances opportunities for members across the industry, and has the ability to shape the future. Your inspired effort to support makes this possible. We can't wait to experience all that 2019 brings with you!
