Expert Bios and Interview Questions

Shaun O’ Rourke

Shaun is a New Jersey native that has been living and working in the NC area for some time now. Shaun is active in many aspects of the NC film industry, filling in whatever crew position may need his skills while he’s not acting in front of the camera. Shaun is also a huge proponent of the NC Tax Incentives for film. He contributes to advocacy pages and blogs with commentary on the recent happenings of the industry as well as photos from being on set. Shaun has a bright and enthusiastic personality that would be a great asset to the documentary.

1.     Shaun, could you introduce yourself to the audience. Speak a bit about your career in film so far. Has it been concentrated locally or nationally?

2.     What has been your favorite role/crew position so far?

3.     What is your favorite part about working in the film industry, either locally or nationally?

4.     In regards to your work and passion and that of others in the state, how significantly does the NC film industry impact your life? Could you speak a bit about why you work in the film industry? What drives you?

5.     Can you think of a time when you really felt your passion for film come to life? Any special moments on set?

6.     What do you know about the NC Tax Incentives for film? Can you educate us about what’s going on?

7.     How important do you think the NC Tax Incentives for film are, not only for this industry, but the economy and wellbeing of North Carolina?

8.     What do you foresee if the Tax Incentives are not renewed in 2015?

9.     How important is this Incentive for the future of North Carolina and the USA?

10. Can you close by summarizing your experience with the film making process? What keeps you coming back to this industry?

11. Any closing remarks or any summarizing statements you'd like to close with? 

Simon-Screen Gems L&G

A native of the United Kingdom, Simon’s skills and expertise have brought him to the US and positioned him as a full time employee at EUE/Screen Gems Studios Lighting & Grip Department here in town. Simon oversees much of the day to day logistical happenings of the department and is a tech-saavy handyman when it comes to lighting. Occasionally working on set, Simon’s knowledge and experience working in the film industry is unparalleled. Simon’s sense of humor is undoubtedly British, and it will be interesting seeing how he opens up about the industry and how important these tax incentives are for NC on camera.

1.     Simon, could you introduce yourself to the audience? How did you get into working in the film industry? Can you speak a bit about your career in film so far?

2.     You have plenty of experience working in this industry. Can you speak about some of the changes/innovations you’ve seen over the years?

3.     Have there been any constant factors that have remained the same?

4.     What has been your favorite part about working in the film industry, specifically here in NC?

5.     What information can you provide from an industry workers’ standpoint about the Tax Incentives for the NC Film Industry?

6.     Why are these tax incentives important for North Carolina’s economy?

7.     If you could paint a portrait of the NC Film industry right now, what does it look like?

8.     What would your ideal portrait look like?

9.     If the Tax Incentives are not renewed in 2015, what consequences do you foresee?

10. Why do you continue to work in this industry? What brings you back?

11. Any closing remarks or any summarizing statements you'd like to close with?

Some Preliminary Research on NC Tax Incentives for the film industry

1. According to NCfilm.com's website, "In 2010, Governor Bev Perdue signed into law House Bill 1973 and House Bill 713 that creates the following changes to the North Carolina Film Refundable Tax Credit:
HB 1973:

• Creates a single, easy to use 25% film refundable tax credit.
• Eliminates the 15% and Alternative Film credit.
• Increases per project cap to $20 million (was $7.5 million)
• Defines, employee fringe contributions, including health, pension and welfare contributions as qualifying expenses.
• Defines per diems, stipends, and living expenses as qualifying expenses.

HB 713:

• Eliminates the 6.9% corporate income tax on the tax credit taken by a production company. This allows the production company to realize a full 25% of qualifying expenses.

In 2012, Governor Bev Perdue signed into law Senate Bill 847 that changed the following to the North Carolina Film Refundable Tax Credit:
SB 847:

• Extends the sunset date to January 1, 2015"

2. According to Variety.com, "North Carolina’s 25% production tax incentive is due to expire on Jan. 1, 2015, but a news release from the state’s Republican governor, Pat McCrory, has revived hopes among advocates of the credits that the program will be renewed in the coming year.
With more than 60 productions registered by the North Carolina Film Office in 2013, and a record high of 5,700 production days, McCrory’s office said that the activity generated $254 million in spending and created more than 4,000 jobs for crew members.
“In addition to our state’s beauty, we’ve developed the workforce and artists that make North Carolina an ideal place to produce quality projects efficiently,” McCrory said.
North Carolina Film Office director Aaron Syrett said that the past three years “have produced unheralded numbers in direct in-state spending and job opportunities.” McCrory is in staunch support of the film industry in NC and will hopefully advocate for the continuation of NC film tax incentives.

3. According to WWAY TV 3, New Hanover County could see an estimated loss of more than $10 million in tax revenue if the state's film incentive expires at the end of 2014, according to initial findings of a study released Monday. The study, commissioned in September by the Wilmington Regional Film Commission with the assistance of other state entities, is being conducted by researchers at N.C. State University and looks at the financial impact of the film industry in the state. The current film incentive, which has a "sunset" expiration date at the end of 2014, gives qualifying productions a 25 percent refundable tax credit on money spent on certain services in the state."

That's a lot to take in, but it shows that this is an issue that is being taken into serious consideration by local and state government. We're off to a great start here, and I'm eager to discover more about how legislation and business plays a role in the NC film industry.

First Post Ma!!!

Prepare yourselves now, for unto this day, I, Connor Buss, bring you the thoughts and ideas of one man with a dream...and a camera. For I, Connor Buss, will be the director of photography for Robert Conley's film about Tax Incentives for the NC Film Industry! Interviews will be conducted, b-roll will be shot, and if I'm not mistaken, a timeless piece of cinematic history will be created!!!

Best of luck to all projects this semester, but I have a good feeling about this one!