A resolution requesting the Governor to propose and the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to make Tennessee more competitive in the attraction and nurturing of the film and video industries.

WHEREAS, over the past two decades, over 200 film and television projects have been shot in Tennessee, including the Nashville area; and

WHEREAS, some of the more notable major production movies filmed in Tennessee include THE FIRM, THE GREEN MILE, and THE CLIENT; and

WHEREAS, state law provides various incentives to filmmakers to come to Tennessee, such as a refund of sales and use tax to a filmmaker that has paid over $500,000 for goods and services in Tennessee, a refund of hotel/motel occupancy tax after a room has been occupied for more than thirty days, and the availability of various free filming locations such as the former state penitentiary in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, although Tennessee does provide various incentives to filmmakers, other states such as Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi, have passed legislation offering substantially stronger incentives to filmmakers, which has had a negative impact on the filmmaking industry in Nashville and the entire state of Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the State of Tennessee offer increased incentives to filmmakers to prevent the further loss of jobs and economic impact in Tennessee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Governor to propose and the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to make Tennessee more competitive in the attraction and nurturing of the film and video industries.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Governor Phil Bredesen and to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Adam Dread