INSIDE THE AZ LEGISLATURE
Arizona Election Update
As of November 13th, 3,327,239 ballots have been tabulated with 125,697 remaining. Notwithstanding a few possible minor changes as final votes are tallied, Republicans have definitively retained and expanded their majority.
Legislative Update
While there are a number of lawmakers friendly to the industry and the Production Incentive in leadership roles, there are also a number of newly elected members who are not supportive of tax incentives in general. As a Film Coalition, we suggest continuing to develop and curate relationships with your local representatives and provide industry knowledge and expertise so if the question of policy changes arise, we have the opportunity to make a case for the importance of Arizona’s Film Production Program and the bright future of Arizona Productions.
In the State Senate, the Republicans expanded their majority 17-13.
Former-Senator Vince Leach (R-LD17) narrowly won his race against newcomer John McClean (D) and Republican challenger Carine Werner (R-LD4) defeated incumbent Christine Marsh (D) gaining a seat for the Republicans. The hotly contested race between Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-LD2) and Rep. Judy Schwiebert resulted in Senator Bolick maintaining her seat and fending off the Democrat lawmaker’s challenge.
Over in the House, the Republicans expanded their Majority 33-27.
Republicans gained a seat in LD 4 with Rep. Matt Gress (R) retaining his seat and newcomer Pamela Carter (R) defeating former lawmaker Kelli Butler (D), adding a seat for the Republicans. In LD 13, former lawmaker Jeff Weninger and incumbent Julie Willoughby defeated Democrat Brandy Reese, gaining a seat for the Republican caucus. In LD16, Majority Whip Teresa Martinez (R) and newcomer Chris Lopez (R) defeated incumbent Keith Seaman (D), securing an additional seat. The Republicans lost a seat in LD 17 with newcomer Kevin Volk (D) defeating incumbent Rep. McGarr (R), but ultimately Republicans netted two additional seats bringing their majority to 33-27.
Inside Info: Leadership Update
Following private organizational caucus meetings, here are the leadership teams in both the House and Senate:
House:
Speaker: Steve Montenegro, LD29
Majority Leader: Michael Carbone, LD25
Majority Whip: Julie Willoughby, LD13
Minority Leader: Oscar DeLos Santos, LD11
Assistant Dem Leader: Nancy Gutierriez, LD18
Minority Co-Whip: Quanta Crews, LD26
Minority Co-Whip: Stacey Travers, LD12
Senate:
President: Warren Petersen, LD14
Majority Leader: Janae Shamp, LD29
Majority Whip: Frank Carroll, LD28
President Pro Tempore: TJ Shope, LD16
Minority Leader: Priya Sundareshan, LD18
Assistant Minority Leader: Flavio Bravo, LD26
Minority Whip: Rosanna Gaboldon, LD21
Caucus Chair: Lela Alston, LD5
INSIDE FILM TUCSON
La Corriente del Golfo, the Mexico City-based production company founded by Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal, produced a documentary in our region titled The Thin Green Line. Locations included the historic Pima County Courthouse and the US/Mexico border.
A project by Black Entertainment Television (BET) shot a sci-fi / thriller feature film titled Onyx at Tanque Verde Ranch and the downtown headquarters of the Tucson Fire Department.
University of Texas graduate Oscar Labovich filmed his debut feature film titled Barbara is Missing at the beautiful Crown C Ranch in Sonoita, AZ.
Film Fest Tucson (in conjunction with Film Tucson) is hosting a workshop titled Legal Basics for Filmmakers, given by Max Hass of Holon Law Partners LLP. This free event will take place on Friday, November 22nd from 6-7pm in the Marbella Room at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown (151 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85701)
INSIDE PHOENIX FILM OFFICE
Now that the heat has departed for 2024, the Phoenix Film Office has seen an immediate increase in filming requests. During the month of October, we received 29 unique applications mostly focused on commercials and still photography projects. By comparison, in 2023, we received 21 unique applications.
Of the applications, 15 turned into Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permits (FDMP) issued in October while the balance is still in the pipeline or shooting in November and have not finalized their plans. While we always welcome out-of-state production companies, it was great to see the following local production companies based in Greater Phoenix pulling FDMPs for their projects: Point in Time Productions, Randy Murray Productions, Beautiful Dark Films, A Happy Project, AE Media, SRP, Grand Canyon Education, and Outfar.
INSIDE INDUSTRY TIDBITS
A U.S. Federal Film Incentive could be in the works…
Brush up on Film Economics 101.
ARIZONA PRODUCTION UPDATE
As reported last month, at least two independent films are now in the final phases of the incentive process. We will let you know when a final approval has been awarded.
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