The latest blow to the East Tennessee production community could have the longest repercussions. As production continues to fall off, we have now lost our local film and television commissioner, Michael Barnes. Barnes played a pivotal role in helping to secure the TN Film Incentives which are already being considered for the state chopping block.
I worked closely with Mike on various projects for most of the duration of his term as Commissioner and both myself and all of Knoxville Films will be very sad to see him leave. Without a full time commissioner, the East Tennessee production community will have no representation at the state capitol. This also leaves out of state productions no central office to help coordinate production with. If we lose ONE MOVIE as a result of this, many freelancers will lose significant money in what is already a down year.
Knoxville Films would like to wish Mike all the best in his future endeavours. He will be missed.
For the full story check out the Metro Pulse story by Mike Gibson.
I just read the Metro Pulse article. Delaney is an idiot. Losing the full time film commissioner will likely have a serious financial impact on Knoxville freelancers. Without the strike, we would already have been benefiting from the incentives. He missed the bigger picture, as always.
Posted by Anonymous | June 5, 2008, 2:21 pm