Written by John W. Bosley, in collaboration with James R. Bosley.

Recently, Augusta lawmakers and many citizens of Maine have sought my thoughts on how to expand the film industry in Maine and how to attract more filmmakers/film companies to the state. In order to answer this, I must pose some questions of my own:

1. What does Texas, Pennsylvania and New Zealand have in common?

Each region has a filmmaker who lives and produces films in that specific area. Robert Rodriguez resides in Texas, M. Night Shyamalan lives in Philadelphia, and Peter Jackson’s main base is in New Zealand. -These filmmakers have roots in their regions and, in turn, have loyalty to them. The key to bringing the film industry into Maine is in finding filmmakers who are loyal to the state and to recognize, encourage and support these minorities.

Unfortunately, lawmakers, and citizens alike, fail to grasp that the big studios from Hollywood no longer produce films, but only act as "investment bankers" looking for filmmakers with marketable projects. Many states offer tax rebates to film productions that spend money within their state, however these tax rebates usually have sliding scales that cater to the rich or large industry film companies instead of benefiting the more independent film company. Rebates will not attract filmmakers to set-up permanent studios in Maine, which is what we need. Those who plant themselves in Maine will, in time, provide a more economically stable contribution to the region and showcase more of the positive attributes that Maine has to offer on a more regular basis then the large studios ever could. We need to have something that will attract established film companies and also keep aspiring filmmakers in the area. -Something that is unique.

2. What does a filmmaker need, and how does Maine provide for the need while still being frugal?

A. Grants for training filmmakers.

B. Grants for training crew members and/or compensation to trainers.

C. Available facilities and/or equipment.

D. Grants or non-interest loans to start small productions.

E. Tax rebates for promotion(s), leading to distribution.

A. For filmmakers who desire to expand their education beyond what can be learned "hands-on" from another Maine-based filmmaker. Maine could offer conditional grants based on prior work already achieved. Each filmmaker would be required to sign a contract stating that he/she would stay in the state for five years after the education was completed or the grant would be converted into a loan.

B. Filmmakers need to apprentice Maine inhabitants to learn the craft of film production while in process. The state could compensate the Maine-based film company up to 50% of the apprentice's wages for the first six months of work based upon evidence that they are indeed being well-trained.

C. Maine needs to make facilities and equipment available for filmmakers. Independent filmmakers need facilities in order to produce feature films. They do not need individual large studios, however a building built with filmmaking in mind can make various tasks more easily and efficiently completed. Filmmakers may give proposals, and after showing prior work (i.e. feature-film that shows ability to be frugal and professional) either be awarded conditional grants or non-interest loans to create these facilities and/or rent such as space.

Augusta could also use funding to create an non-profit organization that would help Maine-based independent filmmakers “rent” needed film equipment. This equipment “rental” would be for short durations, such as a month/two months, and in exchange for the equipment use each filmmaker would volunteer his/her time by teaching others. (Holding workshops at colleges and universities or teaching skills such as screenwriting, editing, compositing, sound design, etc.) Each “student” would fill out a form specifying the time spent and what was taught by the filmmaker. These papers would then be given to the non-profit organization. This barter system is not that unusual, but similar to what is expected out of Head Start parents of preschoolers.

D. Maine-based film companies need help starting a production. Many great filmmakers began with humble beginnings, like Robert Rodriguez, who made his first film for approximately $7000. We need to support our own filmmakers when they are starting out and before they are connected to Hollywood. -This would establish a relationship of trust and loyalty. If Augusta gave conditional grants to filmmakers (either Maine natives or long-time residents of Maine) to help kick start a project within Maine, then film production could start immediately and would encourage these individuals to continue their craft in the state.

E. Promotions and distribution. We need to create a way for Maine-based independent filmmakers to showcase their work, apart from the film festivals. Why not hire a part-time staff member to be added to the Maine Film Office with the title: Independent Film Representative. This person could attend all the film festivals and promote filmmaking in Maine. He/she would also act as an agent for all of the filmmakers in Maine. This person would set-up/maintain a website showcasing the Maine-grown films, filmmakers, crew, etc. The independent theatres throughout Maine also need to be involved. When a theatre in Maine shows a Maine Independent Film that theatre takes the risk of having only a certain amount of seats filled. For the seats that are not filled, the theatres could fill out a form and have 25% of the ticket cost for the empty seats rebated quarterly. Also, if a theatre spent advertising money, separately, on promoting a Maine Independent Film, it would be able to rebate 50% of the advertising cost. This would inspire the theatres in Maine to promote the Maine-Based Independent Films more often, which would also help promote filmmaking in Maine.

My last and final comment is for the future. Maine needs to seek out newly forming distribution companies to re-locate their headquarters and production facilities to Maine. The point of film incentives should not be a "quick-fix," but something that creates a domino-effect. We want continued growth while keeping Maine still "small-town." Just like FDR's "new deal" and the original colonists of New England had, we need to have a small-business approach to filmmaking and its incentives.