| Press Release |
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| December 8, 2005 |
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Governor Announces the 2005 Film Advocate Awards
(Portland, OR) – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski presented the 2005 Film Advocate Awards to Portland Attorney Stephen Janik and to the Oregon Department of Transportation. This annual award is presented to individuals or organizations in both the private and public sectors that have made exceptional contributions to the Oregon Film Office and in supporting the film and television industry in Oregon.
“Expanding film, television and commercial production in Oregon is critical to our economy. This industry pays family wages, generates additional economic activity from the sale of goods and services, is non-polluting, and helps market Oregon as a beautiful play to live, work and visit,” Governor Kulongoski said.
In 2003 the Governor created the Oregon Production Investment Fund, which is a $1 million incentive program to recruit film productions to Oregon. Since OPIF was funded in January of this year, four film productions selected Oregon as a direct result of the program, delivering a $12 million return to Oregon's economy. As part of the Governor’s effort to restore Oregon’s competitive edge in attracting major film productions, Governor Kulongoski created Greenlight Oregon – an incentive program consisting of a 6.2% rebate on a filmmakers labor costs, and a 10% rebate on the cost of goods and services purchased from participating vendors.
Stephen Janik, of Ball Janik LLP, was honored for his legal assistance in the development of the vendor rebate. As a pro bono service to the state, Janik drafted the standard contract between all participating vendors and the Oregon Film & Video Office. “Steve Janik is an Oregonian who has served on numerous task forces and civic boards, including major art institutions, and now we can add Greenlight Oregon to his many contributions to the state,” said Governor Kulongoski.
The Oregon Department of Transportation was honored for its long-standing support to the film and video industry, including providing permits, traffic control, and a single point of contact for troubleshooting problems. “Film executives tell me that quality state services can be as important as financial incentives,” the Governor said. “I congratulate the Oregon Department of Transportation for consistently getting the job done for producers and directors – and for enhancing Oregon’s reputation as a great place to make films and commercials.”
Four employees from ODOT were also recognized as “Industry Leaders” and were selected based on the testimonials of location managers and other production staff who worked with them while in Oregon. The recipients of this year’s certificates were: Lili Gordon, Darin Weaver, Craig Dean and Patrick Smith.
“Lili, Darin, Craig and Patrick are all outstanding public servants who perform their ODOT responsibilities with the highest professionalism and also understand the importance of the film industry to Oregon’s economy.” Governor Kulongoski said.
The Oregon Film Office has presented the Film Advocate Awards for 8 years. Recipients have included: Film Producer Gideon Amir, Director William Friedkin, and Line Producer Valley Reseigne. Public agency awardees have included: The Oregon State Penitentiary, Oregon State Parks, The US Forest Service and individuals involved in local and regional governments.
For more information about Greenlight Oregon, go to: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/p2005/press_082205.shtml
For more information about the Oregon Film Office, go to: www.oregonfilm.org
Media Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, (503) 378-6496
Mary Ellen Glynn, (503) 378-4656
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