1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am a member of the 19,500 strong Directors Guild of America and one of the hundreds of thousands of people in this country who make their living in America’s film and television industry. I am writing to ask for your support for the recently introduced Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. For years, those of us who work in this industry have faced increasingly difficult challenges. Jobs have become harder to find, opportunities have declined for both experienced workers and those trying to build careers, and businesses across the country that depend on production are struggling. At the same time, movies and television shows created primarily for American audiences are increasingly being produced overseas. The U.S. share of global production has fallen dramatically over the past two decades – from 74% to 42% for feature films, and 94% to 64% for television. Behind those numbers are thousands of American workers and their families, as well as small businesses and communities across the country that feel the impact every time a production moves overseas. This bill would help level the playing field by making the United States a globally competitive production marketplace once again. The legislation is supported by a broad coalition that includes the Directors Guild of America, IATSE, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America, and Laborers International Union, American Federation of Musicians, along with studios, producers, film commissioners, and other industry partners. As a DGA member, I want the opportunity to continue building my career here and to ensure that the next generation of Directors and members of their teams have that same opportunity. I respectfully urge you to support this bill. Thank you for your consideration and your support for American workers.