SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 69

(By Senators Love and Rowe)


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study creating a Film Commission to expand the film industry in West Virginia.

Whereas, The film industry in the United States is a multibillion-dollar industry, with less than 20 percent of its productions filmed in locations generally associated with movie production, such as Hollywood, California. The remaining productions are filmed on locations throughout the United States and around the globe. States such as Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania bring in millions of dollars per year in revenue from film productions; and
Whereas, Creating a Film Commission to oversee and attract the film industry to West Virginia could have tremendous impact on the state in terms of economy, jobs, tourism and education; and
Whereas, Some states which have been successful in generating revenue from the film industry have film commissions to help maintain a competitive edge in recruiting film productions; and
Whereas, The creation of a Film Commission would assist the present West Virginia Film Office by providing direction in seeking and recruiting production companies to film in West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study creating a Film Commission to expand the film industry in West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2005, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.