Editorial: Film Cuts

If you tuned into ABC’s annual Academy Awards a few weeks ago on March 7, you may have noticed that four of the major nominated films have connections with Minnesota. It started with best picture nominated “A Serious Man” Which was filmed in state as well as was written and directed by famous St. Louis Park film making Brothers Joel and Ethan Coen. Then ended with the winner of best animated picture, as well as best picture nominee, “Up” which was written and directed by Bloomington native Pete Doctor. The recognition and tremendous respect given to many of Minnesota Native film makers and actors at the awards went to show the support base and hard work of films done outside of Hollywood, specifically in Minnesota and should’ve made the community proud. However, Minnesota’s head honcho, Governor Tim Pawlenty did not seem to have as much admiration for the collaborative work done by our states Film makers and gave congratulations in a form that probably was not expected by the Minnesota Film and TV board. He has set up a plan, to balance the budget, that will take effect immediately by ending all government funding given the to The Minnesota film commission.

From “Prairie Home Companion” to a seemingly never ending number of Coen brother films and many other film classics, our state has attracted film makers for years now and if the Film Commission is ended, we might not be seeing films showing off our state for a long time. While it may seem like not that big of deal, with people bringing up the argument that they can just make them in Hollywood and it’s a hassle or this doesn’t help the state at all so why should we be using tax money or government money to fund it? However that couldn’t be more incorrect, this is for the fact that when movies are filmed in Minnesota it creates jobs and attracts people to Minnesota and in return expands in-state spending and increases revenue for and in Minnesota.

As a matter of fact, the new film “The Convincer”, starring well known actors Greg Kinnear and Alan Arkin, that is being filmed in St. Paul and Bloomington has created 168 jobs for local Minnesota film makers alone. After that you add the number of people who come into Minnesota to work on it, the money they spend in state, the money paid to the state for filming permits and then once the film is released that family that saw it plans their next vacation to Minnesota.

However, the problem comes from the fact that if that Filmmaker or producer wants to shoot in the state and if the Film Commission is no longer running in Minnesota, the thought that will come to them is. No Film Commission – No Help – No Thanks and then they will head off to a different location that will soak in the benefits of free advertisement and job creation. So the answer is simple, the government funding for the Minnesota film and TV board must continue or the state of Minnesota will face big problems.