Spacek lobbies Richmond
by Lisa Provence
published 4:12pm Tuesday Feb 16, 2010
published 4:12pm Tuesday Feb 16, 2010
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Albemarlean Sissy Spacek was at the General Assembly Tuesday, February 16 with Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling (and with her husband Jack Fisk) to beseech lawmakers to pass incentives to attract filmmakers to Virginia. According to the Washington Post, the Academy Award-winner was attired like a horsewoman and tired of leaving the state to work. “I just think it’s time for Virginia to get a piece of the pie,” said Spacek. After the press conference, state Senator Creigh Deeds escorted her to the Senate dais. His rival for the governorship, Bob McDonnell, is pushing movie-making in the state to create jobs. Two bills going through the General Assembly offer income tax credits to productions spending at least $250K in Virginia.
Ms Spacek has attempted to keep a low profile in our town, at the same time, stepping forward to support numerous local charity causes. I admire her willingness to support this state wide effort, at a time, when the economy could certainly use a boost, and movies are still moneymakers.
Love her in the HBO show “Big Love”.
She plays a very powerful Washington D.C. lobbyist.
Maybe she can get some episodes of Big Love filmed here locally. I would love to meet Chole Sevigny! I have been a big fan of hers since her movie “Last Days of Disco”
I have met her on a few occasions and she is a delightful person and her children are just as she is..(when they were younger)
A beautiful soul. I hope she is successful!!!
‘”I would love to meet Chole Sevigny! I have been a big fan of hers since her movie “Last Days of Disco”’
Hey Gasbag,
Did you happen to catch her in “Brown Bunny”? She certainly did quite a good “job” there.
Never saw Brown Bunny. Will have to watch it later tonight online. Thanks!
Way to go Sissy and Jack……jon eddowes
Fortunately for Ms. Spacek, she lives in the County or she would be shoveling her walkway……..
Now, not sure why movie makers should get a tax break for filming here- there are certainly other benefits for them to do so- when they get a tax “break”, we, as taxpayers to the State, must pick up the shortfall.
What she should do is lobby her friends in the moviemaking industry to come here and make their movies and spend their money- stressing the benefits of doing so, without a tax break.
“Never saw Brown Bunny. Will have to watch it later tonight online. Thanks!”
Warning. The “job” to which I refer is not her acting.
Yes, but even with a tax “break,” isn’t more revenue generated for the state through the economic activity and resultant taxes that film production brings?
“Warning. The “job” to which I refer is not her acting.”
That was like telling the kids there is no Santa. He is scarred for life now.
OK, so here’s the summary of the bill:
Summary as introduced:
Motion picture film production tax credits. Provides income tax credits to any motion picture production company with qualifying expenses of at least $250,000 with respect to a film production in the Commonwealth, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010. Total credits allowed for any biennium cannot exceed $10 million.
So basically, film production companies get a break on their Virginia income tax if they film in Virginia. I’m assuming that many of these companies and the film production probably wouldn’t be located in Virginia without this enticement.
The bill appears to have passed the State Senate by a vote of 40-0.
quote: “Warning. The “job” to which I refer is not her acting.”
Some would say that makes her even more attractive! :)
I refuse comment. :)
Didn’t have time to watch it last night.
The faux friendly Republican governor has proposed cutting social services and schools, to the bone this time, all the while increasing business incentives such as this one for filmmakers. The cuts include school lunches and health care for children. We will reap the results in about 15 years, if his plan is accepted. You can be sure Rob Bell is on his side.
Wonder if we can find a celeb to lobby for state parks –Kaine buys one, and McDonnell plans to close 4.
False Cape State Park near Virginia Beach
Caledon Natural Area near Fredericksburg, which is a favorite for eagle lovers
Mason Neck State Park in Fairfax County,
Twin Lakes State Park in Prince Edward County
Celeb Wanted ! correction make that 5 state parks slated to close
add to list above:
Staunton River Battlefield Park in Halifax and Charlotte counties.
But Nancy, haven’t you seen the commercials? Bob McDonnell LOVES Virginia’s State Parks…
McDonnell’s ideas are eerily reminiscent of Gilmore’s no more car tax, and look where that got us .
That is indeed bad news about McDonnell closing state parks. Some years ago I visited Mason Neck and it is a great place for eagles.
The state’s finances have been screwed up ever since Gilmore and his “no car tax” program.
If it’s state parks or more schools, than I prefer the parks be closed. We still have plenty, and it’s not like they’re being sold… just closed.
If closing a few state parks for a while helps us out of our mess, than I’m all for it. Better parks be closed than lots of other things.
What the hell do any of the last comments have to do with Ms. Spacek lobbying for tax credits for the movie making industry???
Hoping Ms. Spacek will decide to make movies in state parks, especially those slated to be closed. I can picture it now- remember Susan Orlean’s book ” The Orchid Thief,” turned into the movie “Adaptation”, well, how about a movie –The Eagle Thief, filmed at Mason’s Neck or Caledon Natural Area starring Ms Spacek; proceeds to benefit Virginia State Parks. Sounds like a plan